On my online workbook this week: A Very Merry… all elf pass into Santa’s workshop!

Dear

This week's inspiration is the lightest... just a dusting of, really... Christmas motivation.

My tip for you this week is about those lemon cypress sprigs added in between the flowers. The best way to cut the sprigs is to groom the branches in a way that makes it easier to spear it into position between the delicate flowers.

Cut the cypress stems into smaller pieces by snipping the first order branch into sections. This main stem is woody (or woodier) and the stem is less floppy so that it is easier to use it to guide and position the evergreen right where you want it. When you cut it carefully the mature and immature branchlets looks like mini trees around this woody stem. Cut each branch just above the highest branchlet you want to add in your design with no blunt cuts showings so that the cut is almost invisible. Here is a Tutorial that will show you how to cut spikes shorter. Cutting the cypress stems is similar to this.

Once cut, turn the stem so that the branchlets point into your hand. Add floral glue to the tip of the branch with the branchlets tucked back in your grasp. Spear the branch into the flowers to position it exactly where you want it. Release the branchlets from between your fingers and fluff them into position. See the pictures above.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine