On my online workbook this week: When the Pretty much Pretty flows, it lingers in our hearts

Dear

This week's inspiration is poised to unfurl.

My tip for you this week is more an observation… but it is an important design consideration all the same: Whenever we design in glass we have to consider that our design extends all the way in the vase just as much as it does above.

Choosing glass as a container can feel like a safe design choice. Glass is absolutely the most versatile container you can have in your design pantry. They can easily match most design personalities effortlessly going from a City Chick aesthetic to a Country Meadow design by just changing the type of flowers you choose and how you design them. It is no wonder that most of our vase collection is usually glass.

We do have to consider our mechanics more carefully, however. Everything is visible when you design in glass. Glass scratches so easily and can become unsightly if you do not care for your collection. Also using chicken wire mesh in glass containers are not just unsightly but also can rust and damage the vase. Lining glass containers with plastic can defeat the whole purpose for choosing a reusable wire mechanic in the first place.

Whatever mechanic you choose, designing in glass means you have to design everything that is visible. If you choose a wire mechanic, make it a decorative wire that is part of the design. Any stems placed below in the clear glass need to be placed with care because it is visible. The water needs to be sparkling clear and debris free.

My favourite way of designing in glass is to treat the vase as a pedestal that lifts the entire design and just happens to be filled with water that also hydrates the plant material. This means I design only in a portion of the glass thereby changing the proportions. In this week’s design that is just the bit below the surface with no stems visible in the vase itself. It takes a tall vase arrangement (one and a half times the height of the container, remember?) and turns it into a bit more of a long and low horizontal arrangement (one and a half times to the side… see the thin twigs that I add to extend the design proportions outwards in the picture above?) ... but still elevated on top of the pedestal.

I would love to hear how you use the versatility of designing with glass to your advantage.

and because you deserve to... Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine