While Mitsumata is not as strong as that popular standby for hanging anything - Manzanita - it still is a fantastic choice for hanging votives and other relatively heavy objects. In addition to its unique form, the white branches really light up in the dim candlelight, producing a luminous and dramatic display. Adding to its appeal is the fact that at 3-4 feet it can still be shipped via UPS, allowing you to create centerpieces as impressive as those made with Manzanita of a similar size, at a much lower cost (once Manzanita hits 3 feet it has to be shipped via basic freight, which starts at $150 or so).
The centerpiece above was created with two bundles (6 branches) of 3-4' Mitsumata that had been soaked and shaped, and a bunch of hanging votive holders we made ourselves. Adding everything up, the total cost probably comes out a bit under $50.
Here's how to do it:
1. Buy or make your hanging votive holders. While you'll save yourself some time buying them, they are very easy and quick to make yourself if you use the tricks described in our previous post on the topic.
2. Soak the Mitsumata for a couple of hours. While the branches are quite thick, they suck up water like a sponge and become very pliable.
3. Pull the branches open, arrange them in your vase, then fill the vase with river stones or another heavy material - the votives will add quite a bit of weight and you don't want to have your pleasantly illuminated centerpiece to tip over and turn into a bonfire. Your event is bound to be exciting enough as it is.
4. Figure out where you'd like to hang the votives, and stick pins or thin nails through the branches from the top through the bottom (we actually used pieces of paperclips, but that was just because we didn't want to walk a few blocks to the hardware store). A pair of needle-nosed pliers is handy for this. Mitsumata isn't anywhere near as branchy as Manzanita, and so you'll need to do this to keep the hanging votive holders from sliding down the branches. This should done while the branches are still moist to keep them from splitting. We did this in more places than necessary for more options when we did our final arranging.
5. Start hanging your votives. This will pull the branches outward and downward a bit. If you'd like to increase the bend, start filling the holders with river stones. However, while most of the bending will be done as soon as you hang the votive holders, the branches will continue to bend a tiny bit until they are dry, so take this into account.
6. In about 12 hours or so, the branches will be thoroughly dry. Do your final arranging, light the candles and admire your work!
15 comments:
Do you know how many brides are dying for centerpieces like this one right now! TONS :) Thanks for the post!!
You're welcome! While Manzanita is the default for branch and votive centerpieces, we hope we've shown that Mitsumata is a great alternative for those who want something a bit different and/or are watching their budgets!
I am looking to do this for my centerpieces at my upcoming wedding and was wondering what type and size vase you would recommend? How tall should it be and how big should the opening of the vase be? Thanks!
Congratulations on the wedding! We used a 14 inch tall vase with a 3 inch diameter opening to display these 6 branches. We probably should have used something a bit wider (around 4 inches) as it was a pretty tight fit. As for the height, you'll probably want something at least 12 inches tall so that a good portion of the branch is anchored in the vase. You can use any type of vase (we used a mango wood one), although glass, ceramic or another heavy material may allow you to use less stones to weigh the centerpiece down. Let us know if you have any more questions!
This is EXACTLY what I was looking at doing for my wedding, but instead of votives, I was going to use crystals but I like the candles too. But if I use a 20" glass vase do you think I need to add the river rocks as well? How long before hand should I make the centerpeices to make sure the branches won't bend anymore or easily break off when I'm trying to get them to the reception hall?
I tried this and it worked great except the branches got mildewy and moldy since they were wet when I shaped them. I had to pull the centerpiece apart and allow them to dry. I guess I'll have to cut the moldy ends off and put the arrangement back together when it's fully dry.
Hello Future Mrs Barrett - For a 20" vase, you'll want to fill the bottom 6 inches or so, put the branches in, and then fill the rest of the vase with the rocks - otherwise the vase would swallow up about half the length of the branches. The rocks will also provide the weight you'll need to keep the vase stable. As for using crystals, you'll be able to put a fair number on the branches, but you won't be able to load the branches up like you would with Manzanita as the branches aren't anywhere near as strong. You can compensate for this though by using the lighter (and less expensive) acrylic version, rather than real lead crystal. Regarding when you should make them, you should do so at least a few days in advance. When we created ours, it was completely dry after being left overnight, and the branches were no longer pliable. The big issue is the volume though - it is like the difference between a closed and open umbrella - once opened they will be quite a bit more awkward to move around. Let us know if you have any more questions! - Justin
Hi trace228 - Yikes, we're very sorry to hear about the mold, and thanks for letting us know. As mentioned in the post, we soaked the branches for a few hours, shaped them, and they were completely dry the next day. While where we made the display had relatively dry air and decent circulation, we didn't have a fan blowing on them or anything. We've never had any problems with mold ourselves, and haven't heard of any problems until now. If you could send me an email at jbpotter@nettletonhollow.com detailing some more of the specifics, such as on what part of the branches the mold appeared, how long you soaked them, etc., that would be very helpful! The one thing that comes to mind is that maybe some standing water collected at the bottom of the vase, and you got some mold on the base of the branches. I look forward to hearing from you and figuring this out! - Justin
hi,
I once saw branches with hanging votives that you had to screw or drill on? do you recall which one I am thinking of??
do you happen to still have the picture of that, or what branches you used.
also, any other pictures of branches and votives would be great!
I am with the rest of the brides here...I have been SEARCHING for something just like this for our wedding centerpieces and NOTHING else was quite what I had imagined.
I was so relieved to find the photo AND instructions--THANK YOU!!!!!
Hi Tina - The only display that involved votives and drilling was the Grapewood Candelabra: http://nettletonhollow.blogspot.com/2008/04/grapewood-candelabra.html . Here are the rest of the votive-related posts:
http://nettletonhollow.blogspot.com/2008/02/red-manzanita-and-votives.html
http://nettletonhollow.blogspot.com/2008/01/natural-manzanita-branches-hanging.html
http://nettletonhollow.blogspot.com/2008/02/diy-hanging-votive-holders.html
Enjoy! I am going to TRY to avoid doing votive-related projects for a little while, but there undoubtedly will be more posts involving them soon. - Justin
Hi September Bride - You're welcome! I'm glad you found the post useful, and thanks for letting us know! Keep checking back as we're always coming up with new projects! - Justin
I am planning on making the same centerpeice for the head table of my wedding but I don't need it until march of 2009. Can I order the branches now and put them in storage or should I wait until Feb. to order them. I just don't want to wait to long then find out that you sold out or something! They seem to be getting pretty popular pretty fast!
Hi Anonymous - Mitsumata Branches will last indefinitely - just keep them in a dry place and you'll be all set. If you want to be on the VERY safe side and are sure this is what you want, you certainly can order them now. We run out of Mitsumata a few times a year, and unfortunately its very tough to predict when that will happen. - Justin
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