On my online workbook this week: Ways to Merry a Christmas

Dear

This week's inspiration is that moment you find a pinecone that is big enough to be the entire design… not just a detail!

My tip for you this week is to hang the pine cone before placing the flowers. The first reason is so that the flowers are not damaged as you turn the cone to design the opposite side- but for this you can also balance the cone on a glass or container.

The reason I hang the design first is because it will have a natural “front”. The cone will gently spin but it will always stop somewhere, naturally. Hang the cone and go have a cup of coffee or dance to your favourite song to allow the cone to settle. Mark this side as your focal front. I did this by placing a larger twig that points straight up. Now you can design all the way around and add just a bit of special emphasis to the natural front.

Also if the design gently spins while you design you can easily spot gaps… or back of the flowers and stem ends that are showing and can add more floral details to conceal that from all angles.

Enjoy!

With kind thoughts and all good wishes for a Merry Berry Kalanchoe Christmas,

Christine