On my online workbook this week: everywhere IS nature

Dear

This week's inspiration is when the perfect stem is the one that is able to reach the water… with some stem left to spare. If you have been following along for a while you know as the temperature rises, the water level in my designs rises as well. Water filled vases are so ideal for summer designing!

My tip is about keeping the foxtail in place. The easiest way to curve the foxtail fern is to place the stem end deep into the water (see the picture above) before starting to curve the fern. The idea is that the stem end kicks against the glass keeping the rest of the fern in place. Then weave it over in a tight wreath. Be patient, it takes a bit of practice to get it just right. The wreath should fit into the glass container to remain in place. Fluff the fern to hang neatly over the edge of the container so that it looks like it is sitting neatly without being forced into position.

Then cut as much stem as possible when harvesting the violas and float them in a bucket of water to remove any bugs and fully hydrate. When you are ready to design, place all the violas according to stem allowance on your work surface on a damp towel. The longest stems can easily reach through the foxtail (see the second picture above) into the water. Use the shorter stems or around the inside and the outside edge.

Tap them gently with your ring finger once in place (your ring finger is the least strongest finger) to ensure that the flower sits snugly without damaging it. Top up the water level so that the violas and foxtail stem is in water but the foxtail is just above.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

ps: and before I forget... there's a bonus Tutorial for you this week. You can find the picture and link in the snippets below.