On my online workbook this week: In All Ways

Dear

This week's inspiration is space for … new growth.

My tip for you this week is about using birch bark for creative designs.

Birch bark is a great staple in our design pantry. It easy to source, keeps forever, and it is easy to craft with. And it is also incredibly versatile. Even the look of the bark, the front and the back, gives you two completely different styling options… one side is a smooth bark and the other the distinctive layered paper bark.

Which side to use depends on the personality of your design. The smooth bark is edgier and less forgiving and the softer side more romantic and so much more forgiving because you can mix and match patches when you want to add to the design later.

I also use the softer side when I want to hide my mechanics or anchor my floral details in place in an invisible way as I did in this week’s design.

If you just want to conceal water tubes, use a pencil or knife to wiggle open and separate the layers to create a little envelope or pocket to slip your water tubes directly into the basket or structure.

If you want to also anchor your plant material in place (especially helpful if the basket is going to be carried around) you can also peel off the layers of the bark (see picture above) into long strips and glue them over the water tubes to conceal them. Extend the strips slightly to catch on or wrap over the floral material to anchor the flowers and vines exactly where you want them in the design.

When using the bark to conceal something, peel the bark rather than cut it. The rugged edges completely disappear once in place.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine