Carved cottonwood vase with a bouquet of wood tulips.

In a world where flowers wither and fade, this bouquet stands as a tribute to everlasting beauty—a testament to craftsmanship, patience, and nature itself.

Hand-carved from wood, each tulip was shaped with care, its petals carefully painted to capture the delicate hues of spring. Soft reds, warm oranges, golden yellows—every color tells a story, just like the real blooms that inspired them. But these flowers do not bend with the seasons or lose their vibrance with time. They are forever in bloom, a symbol of enduring artistry and appreciation for nature’s simple elegance, which was a genuis idea from Dale Guilford.

Holding this masterpiece together is a rescued cottonwood species made into a vase, carved not just to contain, but to enhance. Its organic, textured surface, filled with naturally formed holes, mirrors the raw beauty of the earth—a reminder that even in imperfection, there is grace. The cottonwood, once standing tall, now cradles a new form of life within it.

This is more than just a wooden bouquet—it’s a celebration of creation, a bridge between human hands and the spirit of nature. A piece that will never wilt, never fade—only inspire. (AMERICANA 2025 CONTEST)