On my online workbook this week: Criss-crossed

Dear

This week's inspiration is to pass back and forth through or over...

In my book I told you that I love rules. It makes things easier. But I also tell you how to test those rules. One way is also my tip for you this week: consider the “why” behind the things we learned when we were trained to design to test whether they still apply to your work.

Our design style has changed quite radically over the last few years… but often the narrative of our training has not. We get so used to learning (and teaching) in broad sweeping strokes. We were taught to give our flower stems a fresh cut, at an angle, before adding them into the design. But why? Why do we give the stem a fresh cut? There's a long answer to this and I go into this in great detail in my book because I consider it a clue to find out the creative potential of each kind of plant material we use. But today I want to ask the “why?” behind that angle cut.

We cut the stem at an angle because we want to increase the surface exposure of the stem to the water to keep the stem hydrated. But then, in a design like mine this week when we use a shallow display container to hydrate the stem it makes more sense to cut the stem flat so that we expose as much of the cut surface to the available water and let it stand flat foot in the shallow puddle.

We are so used to the basic rules to designing, give it a fresh cut, cut the stem at an angle, remove the foliage below the water line, do not place the flowers next to a source of heat… and absolutely some of the rules will stand the test of time. But some not. Ask why?

Ps: if you are interested in learning more about my approach to testing design rules for original and innovative work turn to page 267 of my book The Effortless Floral Craftsman “testing the rules”

Enjoy!

Have a fun and flower filled Easter

Every good wish,

Christine