My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Overgrown Willow web inspired by a traditional Dream-catcher

I wanted my willow armature to hint of a web-like dreamcatcher that grows in the wild rather than being a precise replica of the traditional craft technique. But I did weave it in a similar way.

Weave a strong wreath

For more detailed instructions on weaving a wreath see the Tutorial below

Soften the overall look of the wreath by filling the gaps with wool

Tie wool to the wreath and secure with a knot

Create a loop in the wool by loosely wrapping the wool around the wreath. I measured the loop to be about four finger width away

Move around the wreath creating wool loops

Moving inward start a second row of loops, this time looping the wool around the middle of the first row of loops

Add loops all the way around the wreath

Add a third row of loops.

Pull the loops to the middle point of the wreath. Because I wanted my design to look more natural and because the mid-point would be the focal point of my design I moved this gathering point slightly off-center.

Secure the loops with a knot

Glue in small clumps of moss

Add glue to the connecting points and sprinkle with moss.

Let the glue dry overnight

Weave in thin willow stems following the wool pattern

Manipulate each stem to make it more pliable.

See the Tutorial below for more detailed instructions on how to manipulate stems and twigs

Gently wrap each stem around the wool to cover the entire armature

Try to let the stems point inward towards the focal point. This creates the impression that the stems grow from the wreath into the design. Let the tip of each stem face inward.

Double up on some of the sections to create a natural feel

Loosely weave a few thicker stems around the armature to break up the wreath lines

Place tiny test tubes as a water source for the fresh flowers

See the detailed Tutorial below for instructions on how I make my own tubes from drinking straws

Glue in dried hydrangea florets.

See the detailed Tutorial below for instructions on how to dry Hydrangeas

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