Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Patina Copper Spiral Bauble and Pinecone Cascade
- 22 December 2021
- click to send Christine a smile
Stack two vases to create a display surface.
Hang the battery of a fairy light string in a wire basket to hook over the edge of a container so that it can easily be switched on and off.
Securely balance a large pinecone on the vase.
This week I wanted to discuss balance in a bit more detail. Not just balancing the design details but also creating balance in the way the onlooker experience your design. I would love to hear what you think. You can read more about my opinions in our email this week. I send out one email every Wednesday morning to notify you when the design is ready to view. Sign up below the post to make sure you receive yours.
Loop the string light so that you can weave it through the pinecone...
... To cascade down the front of the design.
Twist the wires together to create single strands.
Glue in a few twigs to peek out of the pinecone...
... to start the design.
Add in a few strings of rosary vine...
To cascade down with the lights.
Place the display vase on a plastic sheet to protect you surface from glue and to catch the leftover snow flakes...
You might wonder why I placed the cone on the display container before adding the snow. It's all about crafting a believable floral illusion. For more information on how to take inspiration from nature turn to page 273 of my book to read more about Crafting an Illusion.
Add artificial snow to fall onto the design from above. Look at where you might need more snow and build up the snow in layers.
For more detailed instructions on how I glue the snow to my design see the Tutorial links below.
Set the pinecone aside so that the glue becomes clear and the snow is secure.
Scatter a tiny bit of snow into and on the display container.
Glue in a few water tubes to keep the fresh flowers hydrated.
See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how I make these water tubes.
Fill the tubes with water...
See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how I fill water tubes.
Place the fresh flowers in the water tubes so that they remain hydrated.
Add in a few more twigs to finish the design...
Including three sturdy twigs that can carry the weight of the copper spiral baubles.
Remember to test the twigs to make sure they can carry a bit of weight... and remember to test the design to make sure it is balanced (see this week's newsletter)
Hang the spiral baubles to dangle down the design
The copper baubles were really fun to make. And much easier than you might think! See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how to spiral them. And have a look at the Patina Copper Tutorial for more detailed instructions on how I treated the copper with chemicals to get this blue coloured patina.
Scatter a final dusting of snow to finish the design.
Christmas designing is so wonderful. But it is sometimes difficult to find inspiration to craft new designs that still feel traditional. Turn to page 325 of my book where I discuss how to design with tradition... but in a new way.
For more information about my book:
The Effortless Floral Craftsman
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Tutorials
The cage spirals to form a basket that wrap around the plump ripe berries (or you can slip in a flower) to hang as connections between the twigs.
The colour and the effect will vary due to application, temperature and humidity.
When you need to keep a tiny stem hydrated this is just what you need.
It is easier to peel a pine cone from the flat side than to try and break the scales from the top
Break pine scales from the cone and glue on a wreath frame to create a continuous pine scale wreath
Kalanchoe flowers last weeks without a water source and is the perfect way to dress up a bark and silver bell sleigh
Wire the tiny little bells so that they dangle loosely and will jingle with the slightest breeze
Easy way to fill test tubes and easiest way to remove water from a vase
Favourite Flowers
Rosary vine, Chain of Hearts, Collar of hearts and String of hearts
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