On my online workbook this week: The circle of making new things:

Dear

This week's inspiration is making way for the new season.

My tip for you this week is a take on an ancient, traditional technique… it’s about stopping that support twig from splitting all the way down.

Cutting a split in the stem is a great way to naturally support flower material creating a peg over the edge of a container but if you are not careful when you cut it, it will split all the way down the length of the twig.

Open the split end up slightly, slip it over the rim of the container and press it down to pinch (like an old fashioned washing peg) in place. Then, if you feel concerned that it might split too far you can give it a bit of help. Practice a few cuts to see where and why it tends to run. If you cut it just right the split will usually not run. You can also cut it below a node for a natural split "stopper" in the stem. For an almost invisible connection add the tiniest bit of glue right into the split to glue the two halves. Hold it closed for a few seconds for the glue to set. For a more visible or even decorative connection, tie rope, string, wire or ribbon around the split right where you want it to end.

Just this little bit of support keeps the stem from splitting all the way through, especially if you split it on both ends. See the inspiration picture above? Now you can position the wreath over the container on one end and then slip the slit on the other end neatly into wreath to keep it upright above the container.

Also, if you split it on both ends make sure you cut it in a cross. This way (let’s say horizontal) on this end and then that way (let’s say vertical) on that end.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

ps: Book readers turn to page 180 for more split stem tips.