Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Bring out the pretty spots on the lip of this tiny orchid with a dotted twig stump armature
- 22 January 2025
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Cut a sturdy willow branch into small twig stumps...
To stand upright in a shallow display container.
The willow stems should be about double as long as the container is deep
Design tip: Place the sturdiest stems first around the container and then fill in the gaps with smaller twigs. This makes it so much to keep all the twigs upright while filling the container.
When the container is filled (but not too tightly packed) with tiny willow stumps you are ready to start with the fun design bits.
Measure and cut another twig stump, this time a bit taller than all the other twigs...
Cut a slit into this taller twig and place it back into the shallow container...
Measure out a willow twig with a side branch...
And cut it just above the side branch.
This week in our email I show you how to spot the perfect side branch to place in a low design like this and how to prevent it from lifting out... taking all your carefully placed little stumps with it! I send out an email every Wednesday morning (Vancouver time) the moment the new design is ready for you to view with a design detail that will make the design inspiration even more valuable. You can sign up to receive the email below this post.
Slip the twig with the side branch on the opposite side of the twig with the slit cut into it...
Curve the side branch and slip it into the slit in the twig so that it is held in place.
Loosely knot the willow tip to curve over the twig stumps.
Knot a second side branch...
And slip the stump end of the branch into the container so that it is held in place by the other stumps and it rests on the first knot.
Pour water into the container so that all the stumps are standing in water. This keeps them hydrated so that they do not shrink as they dry.
Pour in enough water to see it glisten...
So that the orchid stem stands firmly in water and can remain hydrated as well.
And finish the design with a few dew drop crystals.
Top up the water when you notice the twigs are starting to look lighter.
Book readers turn to page 310 for a few ideas for folding foliage to create a version of this armature. For more information about my book: The Effortless Floral Craftsman
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Tutorials
Most stems, twigs and even sturdier branches can be bend into shapes. It takes practice and more than a bit of patience. The main idea is to slowly manipulate the branch without...
It's sometimes difficult to place a tiny crystal or bead exactly where you want it.
Komiwara is a classic and traditional Ikebana technique used in a Rikka design. Designers would usually bundle straw to keep the flowers in place.
Willow cutting left in water will root and sprout... perfect for a all natural flower frog to admire as is or to keep long stem flowers upright.
Inspired by a classic and traditional Ikebana technique used in a Rikka design called Komiwara. Designers would usually bundle straw to keep the flowers in place.
Tie a bundle of lily grass in a bundle to offer support for your flowers.
New growth is really difficult to design with and definitely needs to be conditioned and placed in a water source
Design in two levels by using two vases, the smaller slipped into a bigger one.
Fold and then stitch a long fall leaf garland to roll into a coil
Multiple tiny twigs create a flower frog to keep the delicate buds and leaves in the exact spot you want.
Favourite Flowers
Phalaenopsis, Moth orchid
Related Designs
Connect the dots with round willow cuts and the spotted lip of the tiniest mini miniature Phalaenopsis orchids
Snip and grow willow to create a Spring new growth support for your tall flower stems.
I would definitely describe my own personal style as minimalist classic... but with an edgy twist.
