On my online workbook this week: First we learn HOW to design… and then we learn how only WE design.

Dear

This week's inspiration is dried flowers from the design pantry.

My tip for you this week is about designing with dried floral material. Gone are the days when dried flowers looked… well… kinda… you know… sad. Our challenge as contemporary designers when designing with dried material is found in what is also its benefit: the more long lasting something is, the more lifeless it appears. It is up to us to add life.

Of course the way I add the bow adds to the dynamic of the design… and yes the wildness in the handcrafted oval wreath helps but we can do so much more.

My tip is firstly to dry the material in a few ways so that you can combine them. I dry my flower batches- flat (pressed) naturally (upside down) in the microwave and in silica gel. There is a Tutorial for this below this week's post to get you started and for Book readers, I have an entire section on preserving flowers and foliage starting on page 110. Each technique gives a slightly different result and when combined it adds definition to the design.

Next is the way we add the flowers to add rhythm and movement to give the design life. If at all possible cut the flowers so that you have a tiny stem end to design with so that it sits away from the surface you glue it to (for a tip on how to add a “stem” that you can bend turn to page 117 of my book) and then add the flowers at an angle. Tilt it slightly up, slightly down or this way or that instead of perfectly straight.

Adding the slightest imperfections wakes up the entire look of the design.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

Ps: the same rings true for artificial flowers. When bending the stems add imperfections, naturally. It is because it is so perfect that you immediately pick up that it is lifeless.