My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

A Twig and personal inner Gyp flurry melted snowman

Place a display container on a flat surface

Place a display container on a flat surface.

Snip some gyp flowers into the display container

Snip some gyp flowers into the display container.

Brush away the flowers to create a open space in the middle

Brush away the flowers to create a open space in the middle.

Place a medium size fishbowl in the open space

Place a medium size fishbowl in the open space

Pour a bit of water into the bowl

Pour a bit of water into the bowl.

Add snow and sparkling crystals to some twigs

Add snow and sparkling crystals to some twigs.

If you want more information on how to add snow to twigs... or why-oh-why do I use a corsage pin to set the crystals see the Tutorial section below.

Design Tip: Set aside two character filled twigs for the snowman arms to add later.

Place the twigs in the bowl

Place the twigs in the bowl.

Design Tip: yes, the twigs are decorative but they also serve a function. The twigs keep the flowers in place. So make sure the twigs are slightly wedged into place.

Place the Gyp into the bowl

Place the Gyp into the bowl so that it leans against the twig.

Scissor skills!

This is a great place to show off your scissor skills. Gently pinch- but don't cut the stems to place the flowers deep into the bowl. Of course you can use tweezers but it would not look half as impressive as using your scissors, now would it?

Next step is to position the second fishbowl vase on top of this one. Well... first we need to protect the bowl... and what about adding a bit of personality? Oh yes... I have a tip for you this week on all that AND how I keep the vase from fogging up. It's a bit of a longer conversation and I thought you might have questions or want to comment so I discuss this in our weekly email. Feel free to hit "reply" so that we can chat. If you are not yet receiving the once a week only notification email you can sign up right below this post.

Place a smaller fishbowl vase on top of the first

Place a smaller fishbowl vase on top of the first and pour in some water.

Wedge the snow covered twigs into the bowl

Wedge the snow covered twigs into the bowl and add the Gyp.

Glue in the twig arms.

Adjust the position so that you can add a present

Adjust the position of the twig arm so that you can add a present...

Glue in the red chilly nose

Glue in the red chilly nose.

Give the snowman a twig star hat

Give the snowman a twig star hat...

Wrap a small box

… and remember to wrap a tiny gift… to add to the twigs.

And balance the gift on the twig arm

... snugly balanced on the twig arm.

Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.

Tutorials

22 May 2012 Bite and snap a sturdy twig

Break the sturdy twig on the scribe line.

25 December 2018 Twig Snowflake

Glue twigs into a snowflake twig armature for Christmas trimmings.

28 December 2016 Adding snow to twigs

Glue artificial snow to twigs

25 November 2015 Winter White Gyp Wreath

A dried wreath in winter white

18 December 2012 Fill hollow bark with test tubes

Glue tiny sections of pipe to the bark to fill as a water source for the fresh flower material

4 December 2019 Eucalyptus collar for a snow-covered Christmas candle

Not only will your home smell wonderful while crafting this design you will also have a ethereal and long lasting design to enjoy.

16 December 2015 Ivy vine Christmas tree mobile

Twist ivy vines around a cardboard shape to create a lace fine Christmas tree mobile.

2 December 2020 Lost and found snow mittens

Artificial snow covered cardboard mittens to add to a winter themed design.

4 December 2013 Large wax snowflakes

Artificial snow can be very "chemical" and flowers deteriorate quickly when exposed to it. It also dissolves in water. I use candle wax as "snow"

13 December 2017 Long lasting bark and Kalanchoe sleigh

Kalanchoe flowers last weeks without a water source and is the perfect way to dress up a bark and silver bell sleigh

24 December 2012 Tiny Twig Christmas Treasure Trunk

Wire a small twig gift-box for Christmas presents

6 December 2017 Barely there twig tabletop Christmas tree

Glue curved twig snippets to craft a delicate winter white Christmas tree

Favourite Flowers

Gypsophila

Baby’s breath, soap wort, Gyp, Gypsophila

Related Designs

9 December 2020 Have yourself a Merry Cellulose Fibre Christmas: Gyp flurry Snowman

...ok not really that fancy- it’s paper pulp. Cardboard boxes, really. In the spirit of 2020- I am inspired by the endless stream of cardboard boxes being delivered. My list of...

1 December 2021 It’s the most… it’s the most... Hap-Hapiest Patina Christmas of all!

This is the second of my Christmas 2021 series of designs. This year in the form of a mini workshop… my Christmas present to you. Craft a three twig sphere snow man to proudly...

15 December 2021 It’s the most… it’s the most… wonderful Patina Copper Christmas Tree of all!

This is the fourth of my Christmas 2021 series of designs. This year in the form of a mini workshop… my Christmas present to you. Paint copper to add a beautiful patina to a...

28 December 2022 Giving a nod

A scattering of winter decorating for wherever you might need it.

1 November 2023 That day after Halloween feeling

Time to cut down vines... and enjoy them a bit longer in a Halloween display.

11 December 2024 A Very Merry… all elf pass into Santa’s Workshop for a dash of Having Something To Look Forward To

An on-purpose-not-yet-quite-done design to remind us to enjoy the Christmas moments as they unfold.

25 November 2015 So white

A dried Baby's breath and fresh orchid wreath

18 December 2012 So this is Christmas, I hope you had fun…

Capilano Flower Arranging Club Designing for Christmas Workshop: Yule log

4 December 2019 A Very Merry eucalyptus-collar-candle Christmas!

An easy and naturally fragrant winter white candle decoration to bring nature into your house this Christmas.

16 December 2015 Christmas Waves

Twist a Kalanchoe and Ivy vine Christmas tree mobile

2 December 2020 Have yourself a Merry Cellulose Fibre Christmas: Lost and Found Snow Mittens

...ok not really that fancy- it’s made from paper pulp. A cardboard box snow mittens… really. In the spirit of 2020- I am inspired by the endless stream of cardboard boxes being...

13 December 2017 Just hear those sleigh bells jingling

Craft a bark sleigh that will last for weeks.

24 December 2012 Please have snow… and presents under the tree

Wire a Tiny Twig Treasure Trunk for small Christmas gifts

6 December 2017 While I sing of beauty's treasure

Glue the most delicate twig table top Christmas tree