When people come to Mother Mountain to make wreaths, I hope they learn a craft—but also something deeper. My current curiosity is how humans stay well through ritual, culture, and connection to the natural world. Wreath making is a perfect place to explore this intersection: where physiology meets psychology, where spiritual practice meets daily habit, where ancient traditions meet modern science.

Long, long ago, when winter nights were truly cold and always dark, people said a mysterious woman walked through the snowy forests. She came out in the deep winter and they called her Yule Mother. 

Brewing a broth from bones and food scrapes is a wellness practice as old as time. Ancient cultures, across the world, have their vernacular version of broth and the benefits and remedies it bestows. Traditionally, the Chinese make broth to support digestive health, as a blood builder, and to strengthen the kidneys. In Egypt, the time tested chicken soup was used as a medicinal remedy for colds and asthma. There is an endless variety of broths but all draw out the deep rich marrow, fats, collagen and proteins from the bones that otherwise wouldn’t be utilized. Start saving your bones, carrot tops, onion skins and other kitchen scrapes. Once you start brewing broth, you will be reaping the all health benefits humans have been enjoying for centuries.

Simple and soothing family crafts and rituals. We decorate our home and hearth year round with handmade garlands. Personally, I like to make intricate and elaborate seasonal paper garlands. But, as a mother, I also love a garland project that can truly include my young children, without leaving us all feeling frustrated because it is over their skill level. The following garland ideas I share with you are simple, beautiful, family friendly garlands to make WITH your children.