Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Curve fountain grass... a bit... or a lot... and how to choose grass that is straight for more height
- 21 August 2024
- click to send Christine a smile
Fountain grass has such a naturally elegant curve to them...
And just by gently sweeping them between your fingers you can enhance the curve.
Rest the grass stem on the pad of your thumb...
Rest your middle finger and your ring finger above the stem...
Design note: I do not use my index finger because it is our strongest finger. I want to be so, so gentle....
Put the smallest bit of pressure on the grass and pull through your fingers to curve. Work only in the area where you want to add the curve.
Curving it slightly to one side...
or add a more dramatic sweeping curve to the stem by continuing to message the stem until it flops over exactly how you want it.
Book readers turn to page 126 for more design inspiration on how to use elegantly sweeping grass. For more information about my book: The Effortless Floral Craftsman
To gently spill over the side of your container.
See the Tutorial below for how I used this curve in a summer floral design. But what if... even if you are oh so careful this stem happens to snap into a sharp angle instead of this elegant gentle curve you are trying to message into it?
You can find a Tutorial for curving the fountain grass below... and this week in our email I tell you how to "fix" grass that snaps into a sharp angle when you need only gentle curves. If you want to receive a weekly lesson tip email from me- it goes out every Wednesday morning (Vancouver time) the moment the new design is ready for you to view) you can sign up below this post.
To add a perfectly straight stem of grass to add some height to your design choose a stem that is still protected with the grass sheath. This covering will add extra support and the grass stem will point straight upright.
Here is a quick video for you to have a closer look.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter
Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.
Tutorials
It's sometimes difficult to place a tiny crystal or bead exactly where you want it.
Create two separate containers to minimize clutter in a light and airy floral display.
Create a dry layer by placing a smaller vase inside the larger vase
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...
I build up the spheres by weaving willow wreaths and then use those to shape the ball
A collar for a vase that you can use throughout the season... simply replace the water and the flowers inside the vase.
Not only will your home smell wonderful while crafting this design you will also have a ethereal and long lasting design to enjoy.
Reshape a vine wreath into smaller wreaths to combine as a pumpkin
Tie Midelino Cane coils to make a spiral armature
Create a sheltered or veiled design by framing the outer edge of your armature (in this case thick cardboard) with long strands of grass
This is both a decorative and functional design solution. But most importantly, I think, there is absolutely zero waste.
A cool and minimal floral design for summer.
A radiating design that has the freedom of movement to add a bit of a cooling effect on the warmer days of summer.
Build up a design in a shallow container by stacking it by threading the plant material into the teeth of a pin cushion in three levels.
Orchids grow in long flower spikes. It is great to use the entire stem but sometimes you need shorter section. There is a trick to cutting the stems without leaving a visible...
Favourite Flowers
Gladiolus, Sword lily, Corn Lilies, gladioluses, glads, plural: gladioli
Curly Willow, Chinese Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow, Dragon's Claw, Hankow Willow
Related Designs
... a hint of a pumpkin late summer floral display to show off the elegant curve of a gladiolus flower stem.
Autumn bud vase collar made from gladiolus foliage.
An easy and naturally fragrant winter white candle decoration to bring nature into your house this Christmas.
Designing adventurous Contemporary Floral centerpieces Article in the Canadian Florist Magazine.
An easy going design of ripped grass and calla lilies. But look a bit closer. See if you can find Mr. Stalk relaxing somewhere between the blades of grass.
A sustainable, absolutely no waste floral design using willow to suspend your flower head in your arrangement.
Loop a grass veil over a lily stem to create a minimalist summer design.
Cut stems of Gladiolus to place in a radiating summer design.
