On my online workbook this week: An open and shut cone

Dear

This week’s inspiration is the treasures you find while decluttering your design space. Finally using those little bits of plant material that I have been squireling away… just in case… I want to design with it … someday.

My design note for you is a tiny bit of support. Rather choose a cone that is slightly too small than too big. A too big cone might crack the delicate glass or get stuck and scratch your container.

If your cone is slightly too small to fit into the glass it will slip into the water and not support the flower stems in the position you want them. Cut a bamboo skewer (I found mine disappeared from view but if it looks too obvious in your design, a sturdy clematis twig to match the other twigs) and open up a scale and slip the skewer through the cone to rest on the glass on both sides. This lifts the pinecone (see the pictures above) out of the water so that you can enjoy the design as the cone dries out and opens up again without it getting soaked and spoiling in the water below.

Depending on your design you might want to add the support, design and then remove it once the cone is wedged firmly in place or cut the support skewer short so that you can let the pinecone rest on it to make sure it is elevated above the water line.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine