On my online workbook this week: Refresh-ing

Dear

This week's inspiration is structural support.

Our tip for this week is to find the right balance when choosing stems as a horizontal support in a design. The idea is to wedge the twig so firmly from one side to the other, that it kicks into place offering structural support for your other design elements. Cut the twig to fit the diameter of the container and cut it flat so that it can rest against the sides of the vase. If it is at an angle the force will squash the twig and it will be too short to be snug and the debris from the twig will float about in the water.

Make sure your container can withstand this force though… you don’t want to crack your glass vase. The sides should also be straight so that the twig gets a firm hold.

The twigs should be sturdy but still fresh enough to have some “give”. You need to be able to just, just curve it so that it can be placed but it also needs to hold its shape so that it can carry some weight. If it snaps it is too dry.

The visual cues I look for when cutting the twigs to wedge is whether or not I can see the green cambium layer (see the picture above) just beneath the dry outer layer of the bark. If it is visible it is an ideal twig to wedge into a container. Another is a spongy or porous pith in the middle. One of the two is good… but if you find both… great!

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine