My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Pick up any bits of plant material floating in the water

Dip a brush in the water.

Dip a brush in the water to wet the brustles.

Sweep up the debris

Sweep up the debris.

It will settle in the bristles

It will settle in the bristles.

Even the tiniest bits of plant material float closer to the brush and can simply be picked up

Even the tiniest bits of plant material float closer to the brush and can simply be picked up, leaving your vase spotless to display.

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

Tutorials

11 April 2018 Designing with refraction

Only a few stems create an impressive display if you allow the water to design with you.

3 January 2011 Syringe with tube

Easy way to fill test tubes and easiest way to remove water from a vase

24 January 2018 Stack two glass vases to keep a leaf upright in water

Slip a leaf into the gap between two glass containers to keep it upright... and add a plastic lining to support the flowers nestled into it.

17 July 2012 Prevent scratches, rust and water stains on display surfaces

This is a great, non permanent way to protect surfaces from damage

22 January 2014 That good old double vase trick

Create a dry layer by placing a smaller vase inside the larger vase

13 April 2012 A secret trick to conditioning new growth

Conditioning new growth and sprouts are difficult because the little sprouts have not had time to fully develop its cellular structure to survive being cut and taking up water on...

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...

30 August 2011 Suspending and positioning a Phalaenopsis orchid under water

Flowers naturally float and you will need some kind of sinker to keep them suspended under water.

Favourite Flowers

Salix matsudana "Tortuosa"

Curly Willow, Chinese Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow, Dragon's Claw, Hankow Willow

Related Designs

11 April 2018 Follow the line

Stack a few glass containers and fill each with water to a different level.

11 July 2018 Stay-a-Float

Snip florets from a hydrangea mop head to float on water

10 July 2019 These are my favourite summer things:

A submerged design... perfect for summertime designing... and enjoying!

15 April 2020 Helping Spring Stick Around

Blossom petals drop so quickly! Here's a way to make them last just that little bit longer.

5 August 2020 Spare a Moment

A tranquil design that just takes a moment to do... when you need to take a moment to... breathe.

1 June 2022 Found it!

A very secure thorn branch armature to hold overgrown Tulips in place

17 May 2023 Purple haze… float

Softest Wisteria colour to cool things down on an unexpectedly warm day.

22 May 2024 Let me float my Wednesday idea by you for a bit

Floating the most delicate cut flowers

24 January 2018 How to make a stack of just enough:

Stack two vases to create a small gap at the side to keep a leaf upright

22 January 2014 How do you do?

Snow and twigs winter design

30 August 2011 Ichi-go, ichi-e

Freely translated it means Each Moment, Only Once. It is a saying associated with Japanese tea ceremonies.

23 March 2013 Today I'll be

Silhouette design using glasses filled with water

17 April 2013 Hide-and-go-peek

Create a soft light by making a leaf cocoon for a flameless candle

4 November 2015 Delicate

Bleached Gypsophila wreath with delicate autumn touches