On my online workbook this week: Soft Serve Swirl

Dear

This week's inspiration is … what could possibly be wrapping up the fuchsia harvest for this year.

The first step when wrapping a leaf this tightly is to remove it from water so that it dehydrates to make it easier to roll. Anything under 30 minutes will not shorten the vase life at all.

When wrapping foliage into a rolled up swirl start off with the tip that can be rolled tightly into the smallest possible circle. The cut end piece is usually too thick and plump to be rolled as small as you would like it to be in the centre of your design. Keep the tension even. If it is too tight you will not be able to slip the flower details in without damaging the leaf. If it is too loose it will fall apart when you lift it up. Then by the time you need to add in another leaf the roll is so thick that you can you simply roll in the leaf, this time starting at the thicker cut end by slipping it behind the cut end of the previous leaf. See the pictures above. This creates a neater roll even if you cut the bulkiest part away.

And by alternating the leaves like this the tip will now finish off the design by neatly folding over the roll.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine