On my online workbook this week: From here in out

Dear

This week's inspiration is a break.

My tip for you this week is… unlike your food you must definitely play with your flowers. Bend stems and break stems to learn how to create controlled breaks or bends to reset your plant material. Know the limits and strengths of your plant material.

For a controlled break it is always best to give the stem a soft support at the back to push against so that it does not simply snap. I find the pad of my finger to be the most convenient because it helps me feel the stem as I break it. Aim to break about 70% of the stem so that you create a severe bend without breaking the stem in two.

A stem will break without snapping in two when it is just about dry. Check the stem by bending it. If sap runs from the stem it is too fresh. Set it aside to dehydrate for a bit longer. If the stem is too brittle and snaps it is best to soak it in warm water to rehydrate before bending it into a controlled break.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any tips or questions.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

Ps: What makes the reed ideal to break in a controlled way also makes it harder to use to thread the grass. A work around is to cut a much longer reed than you think you need. As you thread the grass the sharp end sometimes bends or curls making it harder to thread the grass without it getting damaged. If you have a generous reed allowance you can simply snip the blunt end to create a fresh spear to continue to thread the grass.