On my online workbook this week: Go on Autumn… glow!

Dear

This week's inspiration is … the more permanent your design elements the more lifeless they tend to appear. Just look at the (too short!) glow of autumn.

My tip for you this week is to make two plans if you are using both dried and fresh plant material in one design. The exact life giving water that hydrates your fresh material spoils the dried ones. The air that preserves the dried material wilts the fresh material.

Always create a barrier between the two. You can dip the dried stems in candle wax to give it a protective layer or place it in a sealed drinking straw (let me know if you want a link to a Tutorial for this) or place it in a plastic bag before inserting it into the design. Or make sure the dried material is well away from the water and have a plan on how you can top up the water to keep the fresh plant material hydrated without splashing water on the dried elements.

Nothing makes your design water murky and moldy quicker than a dried something that fell in there. Remember to fish out any debris as part of your design maintenance to keep your design looking as lovely as possible for as long as possible. Keep a paintbrush to scoop (works so well... try it!), or long tweezers to pinch, in your design bag.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

ps: If you are curious about the glow light... at night see the Snippet image below