Part of my catching up over the last few days has been preparation for a children's workshop tomorrow. We are making old-fashioned tussie mussie bouquets at the Historical Society. Andy is the new president there and when he started asking about who might help him with a children's workshop, I thought I'd better volunteer. That's my committee at the garden club so it's two classes in one day for both organizations and a nice partnership. History+ flowers + children + crafts + community.

Mr. President takes his job seriously and he quizzed me about the historical significance of my proposed project. Well, sir, people used to make and wear these so that when they encountered an unbearable odor, they could bury their nose into the little fragrant bouquet and thus be spared the unpleasantries of the street. Okay then. Approved. But wait, there's more! We are taking it further into the historical realm of sweetness and love in honor of Valentine's Day, making Victorian cones with doilies, adding in herbs for the language of flowers.

Just made this practice model and although it's probably too small, it is darling, don't you think? Rosemary (remembrance) and sage (esteem) stems were available at the grocery along with carnations and sweetheart roses. Baby's breath too. A little "nosegay" (get the meaning of that now) bundle of these wrapped with a green chenille stem slips right into the cone. That is easily made from a 6 inch round doily cut into quarters. Glue one quarter of the cut doily into the corner of a cardstock sheet. Cut that out, leaving a little cardstock showing across the top and trim that with pinkers. Roll it into the cone shape and glue shut with tacky glue. Punch 2 holes toward the back and use a gold sparkle stem to make a hanger. Add a ribbon bow and a hang tag for a valentine message. Ta-da.

Hope they have fun with this. Well, probably for about 15 minutes anyway.

So, what's for dinner, Mr. President?

Did I mention he cooks?