My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Hana-Kubari Bamboo Stilts with a Hidden Water Source

Cut the bamboo right above the node.

Cut the bamboo right above the node. Leave about 1 cm of the internode.

This creates a small cavity for the miniature orchid stem to fit in

This creates a small cavity for the miniature orchid stem to fit in. The thin walled hollow culms are more suitable for this.

Split the opposite side of the bamboo

Split the opposite side of the bamboo

Slip the bamboo over the side of a container

Slip the bamboo over the side of a container. Split more bamboo sections and place it around the container.

Gently press down on the bamboo to make sure it stands securely

Gently press down on the bamboo to make sure it stands securely

Weave a vine through the bamboo sections

Weave a vine through the bamboo sections

See the Tutorials below for more detailed instructions on how to weave and how to manipulate stems.

Continue to weave the vine through the bamboo and set the end of the stem in the container

Continue to weave the vine through the bamboo and set the end of the stem in the container

Fill the container with water to keep the stem hydrated

Fill the cavity with water using a syringe

Fill the cavity with water using a syringe

Fit the flower stem into the water filled cavity

Fit the flower stem into the water filled cavity

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

Tutorials

8 June 2011 Foliage Weaving

For this tutorial I focus on a simple weave pattern that does not require you to soften or prepare the leaves to be more durable or flexible. This is the starting point in...

19 February 2013 Manipulating stems: Snapping at an angle, Bending, Spiraling, Curling and Straightening

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...

1 November 2011 Weaving a twig wreath

For my design I wanted the wreath to look wind blown so I added a few loosely woven twigs into the weave. I also wanted to emphasize the autumn colours so I added a twirling...

Favourite Flowers

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis, Moth orchid

Related Designs

2 September 2015 Happy Dance

Split a few bamboo sections to create a happy water source for miniature orchids

20 April 2016 That Will Be

Freestanding willow twig armature design

26 April 2017 In no time at all

Hana-Kubari twig armature

5 July 2017 Just A Bit

Glue a bit of grass snippets to suspend over the design

9 May 2018 What is the meaning of this?

Create a minimal design with a few leaves to keep is all upright.

7 October 2020 Let’s circle around to this one

Create a floral circlet to rest the little pumpkin on... but above the water line.

24 May 2023 everywhere IS nature

A lush wreath that remains green so that you can design once... and cut and cut and place your violas to make sure you have flowers all season long.