On my online workbook this week: Of the shades to come

Dear

This week's inspiration is … something to craft while waiting for the first autumn leaf to appear…

The tricky part of this design is being mindful of securing the willow stems so that when you remove the cardboard it remains secured... while keeping the shape. It's a balance between making sure you have all the edges of the basic shape covered closely but also taking care not to deform the cardboard as you shape it with stems.

Often you need to almost break the stem (a sharp bend without snapping it) to follow the shape. This is easier than simply wrapping it because the cardboard should remain in perfect shape, still to get a neat shape to design with you need to follow the outline as close as possible.

Next extend all the ends inside the shape so that they always twist, tuck or even knot to something on the other end of the stem- but this must happen inside the cardboard shape. Keep checking that you remain true to the basic shape. Be extra generous with the stem allowance. Extend each of the ends well beyond what you might estimate you need… it might come in handy to secure the next stem that you weave in towards that piece. Working from the middle point (if you are a beginner this is the safest bet) or somewhere inside, wrapping towards the edge of the cardboard section out and around the shape (see the picture below)

Turn the shape on its side and inspect that the shape is still true. See the picture above.

But do this right and you have a flower frog that can be used, and reused for a really long time. Oh! And if you want the disk to last, keep it slightly above the water line so that it won't spoil.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine