On my online workbook this week: A tendril Valentine connection

Dear

This week's inspiration is Valentine's Day, of course!

My tip for you this week is about building up a free standing twig armature. Step one is to inspect the container you plan to build the armature in to make sure the twigs will be easy to remove. If it is tapered or the twigs too tightly fitted into the container it might be stuck there, or you break it trying to get it out or it falls apart and you waste all that time!

Then as you build up the shape keep asking yourself can this be lifted up and out? Everything you add must be secured at, at least 3 places for it to be really sound. I know this feels tedious to do but it absolutely works. When you place a twig into the container, glue it at three places to other twigs immediately. Don’t just glue at one place and think you will get back to it. It gets lost so quickly in the tangle! This creates the strongest possible armature.

Next, plan for lifting the armature out and standing the design up. I use the same three twigs or groups of twigs (see the picture above) for this. Plan how to place the sturdiest three sticks that you have like a tripod to securely balance the design once dry. Let these twigs rest against the side (that becomes the bottom once you lift it like it will be displayed) of the container so that you know they are the same length. I then design everything around these three sturdy twigs so that they are really well connected… and later when everything is dry I can also use these twigs to lift the design out of the container.

And lastly when you lift the armature out do so by reaching in, grip firmly and lifting the sturdy tripod sticks to lift out the entire armature like a popsicle. I find the best way is to place the container on the floor and lift straight up and out. It might come as a surprise just how light the entire armature is so be gentle.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine