The natural world is our home, and we like to bring a little bit of it into the house, writes Laura Donnelly Bethmann in the preface to this unique home decorating guide. She and co-author Ann Ramp Fox practice twigology, which they define as "the art of forming whimsical, practical, naturally pleasing twig things while enhancing one's knowledge of the unique characteristics and beneficial qualities of trees." Now they share their art in this colorful handbook filled with easy-to-make, attractive, and inexpensive features and accents for every room using vines twigs, and branches. One look and you'll yearn to be a twigologist, too. Getting started is easy with the authors' clear, straightforward instructions, a few simple tools, and some free of inexpensive materials. In no time at all you'll be creating your own natural-feeling home environment, accented with the whimsical projects you've made with your own hands.
Laura Donnelly Bethmann is an accomplished nature artist and teacher working primarily in watercolors, nature prints, drawing, and calligraphy. The author of Nature Printing with Herbs, Fruits & Flowers from Storey Books, she has been a self-employed artist for nearly 20 years, producing commissioned work through interior designers and pieces for art shows and galleries.
Ann Ramp Fox is a self-taught naturalist, artist, and photographer. She and her husband, Bill, live on a 130-acre cranberry bog.
Laura Donnelly Bethmann and Ann Ramp Fox live in the Pine Barrens along the New Jersey Coast.