On my online workbook this week: Knot rushing this design moment

Dear

This week’s inspiration is mindfully practicing when to add a bit of hold and when to add a bit of letting go so that your design moments are enough… just as they are.

My design note for you is about... museum gum. Oh, you need a blob of this putty in your tool bag!

"Museum gum" is used as a specialized, reusable, non-toxic, and residue-free adhesive putty or gel to temporarily mount or fix artwork, collectibles, posters, and 3D objects securely to surfaces like glass, wood, metal, and painted drywall without causing damage.

What makes them great for floral design is that they keep plant material in the general position you want them… but with a bit of str-e-e-e-tch so that the plant can reposition itself and the gum simply stretches along.

The way I use gum is in tiny rolled up tubes. I cut the gummy dot into a thin strip. Remember to do so through the acetate protecting the sticky gum (see the pictures above) so that you can give it a clean cut without it sticking to your scissors. Then remove one side of the acetate and use a bamboo skewer to roll it off the other side of the protective acetate. Loosely roll it up around the skewer (or toothpick) to lift. Use the skewer as an applicator and pull the skewer out the gum roll. You now have a gummy tube that can stretch to help you position your plant material.

When you are ready to take the design apart simply lift away the gum. It can be reused if you prefer. Simply protect it with acetate until needed, if a waste free design room is also one of your goals.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine