Quick, ideas needed for funeral design

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vikki

vikki

Active Member
Jun 20, 2007
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Herington
State / Prov
Kansas
I just had the mother come in of a 20 year old killed in a car accident this weekend. So sad, she wasn't able to really talk to me. She said that a friend would be dropping off turkey feathers, she doesn't want a casket spray, wants a large arrangment set by the casket, (going to put his wresting clothes and shoes on top of casket)

He loved to hunt. She wants to be able to keep it. Really doesn't want any silk flowers persay in it. I have dried grasses, willow, monkey pods, etc. I also have a beautiful large urn shaped brown leather vase that would be stunning.

Can you guys give me any more suggestions of something really unique to add to it, I have 3 days, and I do have a wholesaler coming tomorrow.

I would like this to be really special, she was my kids teacher, and I do consider her a friend. She was in here 3 min., leaving it all up to me, it really does add pressure without knowing what she likes, dislikes.
 
assorted foliages, twigs, berries. did he deer hunt? could you find any deer antlers?
 
How about a "deconstructed" wreath ? Loosen up a grapevine wreath, use pieces of it, standing in the cool vase, loosely, with lots of open space in the center; cluster your turkey feathers, pods etc etc ..... Use fresh euc, that can dry, draping dried or dryable greenery ... woodsy.

Good luck - it's always an honor to make these special pieces, though hard when the connection is so personal.

tracy
 
Tracypieface said:
How about a "deconstructed" wreath ? Loosen up a grapevine wreath, use pieces of it, standing in the cool vase, loosely, with lots of open space in the center; cluster your turkey feathers, pods etc etc ..... Use fresh euc, that can dry, draping dried or dryable greenery ... woodsy.

Good luck - it's always an honor to make these special pieces, though hard when the connection is so personal.

tracy
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Neat idea, sounds like it would be very stricking.
 
Sort of like this idea .... but with the wreath resting atop the vase. No flowers - make those feathers stand out.

tracy
 

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Knowing what he hunted would help you. Perhaps his friend (with the feathers) has a piece that he shot and stuffed. It would be great if you could use something like that. Don't know what the native 'wood' is in Kansas, can you create an arrangement in wood, using your natural grasses etc. that you have, incorporating the turkey feathers that way.
 
Did he shotgun or bowhunt turkey?

If bow, get a couple arrows and the bow (if possible)

Shotgun, maybe you could find someone with some used shotgun shells,

Also, check out the local taxidermists in your area. They maybe able to help with some other Turkey related items... such as the beard, the feet/spurs, etc.

Also you could use a Turkey call in the arrangement. There are several type which include a mouth piece, slate, or boxes.

Tracey's idea is good. Another alternative would be to use Barbed wire.

There isn't much else you could use in hunting supplies. Generally a turkey hunter has his gun, call, backpack, and seat.

Hth

joe
 
Joe Mioux said:
Another alternative would be to use Barbed wire.
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Ooooh, that's a good one. I think there may be a pic in the gallery, from TheBloomCloset/Jean .....
 
http://www.flowerchat.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/847/cat/500/ppuser/972from The Bloom Closet

attachment.php
from Michelle McMichael.

Elements of both could be used for your young man.

tracy
 
Lots of great ideas. I think I will look for a piece of wood. Have already used shotgun shells in another arrangment, hate to duplicate, but the turkey call is good, if I can find one. Also love the wreath above, not sure I can find barbed wire, maybe my nephew, he lives on a farm. I can get the new shiney stuff, but think rusted would look better.

Anymore ideas? You have already helped alot. Almost every order is being customized to a hunting, or a wrestling theme. I will try to post some pictures when I get done.
 
Boy, lots of great ideas so far!

It sure would be easier in the fall, when all those natural dry-able textures are around. Here, I would use all sorts of native natural branches, like juniper, sagebrush and that sort of thing. We don't have much pine or other evergreens around, but if they are native for you I'd try to find a dead tree that has lichen or moss growing on it, something that is already dry.

We do use lots of curly willow and pinecones, permanent cattails and such even though they're not "native". Sometimes safari sunset will dry nicely, and has a rustic feel even though it's exotic. We've also used rocks (our area has lots), "pretty weeds" and tall natural grasses. Anything that has a great texture!

Love the idea of the deconstructed wreath. Honeysuckle vine garland is another one with a great dried vine feel, too.
 
vikki said:
not sure I can find barbed wire, maybe my nephew, he lives on a farm. I can get the new shiney stuff, but think rusted would look better.
Click to expand...

Also, speaking from experience, wear heavy gloves and long sleeves when you handle rusty barbed wire. You don't want to have to get a tetanus shot! (Yes, I've had to!)

Protective eyewear would be a good idea too...
 
Tracypieface said:
Ooooh, that's a good one. I think there may be a pic in the gallery, from TheBloomCloset/Jean .....
Click to expand...

I like the barbed wire but it doesn't really fit turkey hunting other than if you are crossing over a fence row on a cloudy cold Fall afternoon, trip and fall with your loaded shotgun, scratch some really nice checkering on the forend of your Beretta 12ga, unbind yourself from the barbed wire and continue on to your hunting spot, does it fit into the Turkey Hunting scenario. ;)

DAMHIKT, (albeit a different type of bird hunt)

joe
 
Joe Mioux said:
I like the barbed wire but it doesn't really fit turkey hunting other than if you are crossing over a fence row on a cloudy cold Fall afternoon, trip and fall with your loaded shotgun, scratch some really nice checkering on the forend of your Beretta 12ga, unbind yourself from the barbed wire and continue on to your hunting spot, does it fit into the Turkey Hunting scenario. ;)

DAMHIKT, (albeit a different type of bird hunt)

joe
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Sounds like you are speaking from experience!!!! Tell the rest of the story, did you get a turkey??????
 
No I don't turkey hunt, I could but I just don't really have the time, especially the Spring turkey season. A lot of my friends do though and I have played around with the slate turkey calls. That is pretty fun.

The story I was relaying was one of a Quail hunt and I was trying to get to the other side of the fence row to take a shooting position prior to the bird dogs flushing the covey. I love walking fence rows with bird dogs.

I also used to deer hunt, both shotgun and bow, however, poinsettia season messes that up for me.

Now I hang out in my garage building things. My current project is an better looking flower stand easel. I made one out of Walnut last Sunday.

Joe
 
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