On my online workbook this week: You Just Like You

Dear

This week's inspiration is leaves that are so similar… and when you care enough to pay close attention you are in on the secret: no two are ever exactly alike. A bit like all of us, really.

My tip for you this week is to consider the why when you pick out your design material. Why do we search for just the right two leaves to match?

Because when you pick exactly the right Monstera leaves the design just works.... effortlessly. Firstly and probably my favourite part of the design is the ruffle created by the two monstera leaves when they slot in together. It is easy to think, perhaps, that that needs no designing at all. The leaves have that ruffle naturally after all. Only you hardly notice it without the other leaf placed just so (see the picture above). And secondly the two leaves you pick will also have a function. The entire design is kept upright by the overlap and the stems of the leaves. Again the leaves make that look effortlessly as if it just tumbled into position. Or better yet, grew that way.

The leaf fenestrations in the Monstera that you pick will have to match up exactly at the right point and have exactly the right angle and stem height to, when matched, have a perfect gap for the small bunch of flower treasures to stand up in. And then the beautiful natural twin ruffles fall in such a way that it frames that. And the dew drop crystals attracts your attention to that.

That is actually a lot of designing to show off a ruffle!

And so taking your time to choose exactly the right leaves to match even before placing them becomes the most important part of crafting this design. This is what I mean with effortless designing. It is all about making an effort so that the design itself looks like it happened effortlessly.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine