On my online workbook this week: Like a hazy serotinal sunset

Dear

This week’s inspiration is the hazy sunsets we get in this latter, dry part of summer.

My tip for you this week is all about creating the natural and airy designs that can actually withstand some harsh conditions that we need for serotinal designs.

The plant material in floral designs should always, always look vibrant, light and fresh. But even when our flower materials are vibrant and fresh their natural curves can give the impression that they might be somewhat wilting in the summer heat.

Create structural lightness with lines and layers.

I begin the design by securing the wreath armature in the exact position that I want it, at an angle, over the water filled container. Absolutely, absolutely upright. It is worth spending a bit of extra time to get this part right. Design in ways to make lines in general point up. Look at the wreath from all angles to position it just so. You might have to pull and add tension on the wreath to get it to stand exactly upright. If the wreath droops it will be really difficult to correct the lines later.

Placing the wreath at an angle also allows you to design in layers to keep the design light and airy with plenty of openness to give the delicate plant material breathing space. An angled wreath is an instant way of limiting clutter and allowing the floral material to be fully appreciated and instantly highlight the focal points.

Next weave in the clematis vine and the cosmos flowers through the wreaths to be as light and airy as possible (see the picture above). Take care to position the clematis (especially the growing tips) to have an upwards tilt to the tip to prevent it from adding any heaviness to the armature.

Counter the lazy nodding cosmos flower heads by designing in strong uptilted lines with the grasses throughout. Both the vines and the cosmos flowers will reposition slightly and even grow a bit so they will design with you in the days to come. The grasses and the wreath, however, will remain exactly how it was glued in creating unchanging lines that will make the design appear lifted no matter what.

Every good wish,

Christine