Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Spiked Wire test tube catchers
- 5 September 2012
- click to send Christine a smile
- and more
The spiral creates a base for the test tube to rest on
![Cut the wire Cut the wire](/images/2012/09/cut-the-wire-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Cut a section of wire for each test tube.
![Wires for the test tube spikes. Wires for the test tube spikes.](/images/2012/09/wires-for-the-test-tube-spikes-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
I needed 32 wires for the test tube spikes.
![Measure the width of the test tube. Measure the width of the test tube.](/images/2012/09/measure-the-width-of-the-test-tube-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Measure a dowel stick to make sure it is just slightly bigger than the test tubes.
![Roll the wire in a tight spiral at one end. Roll the wire in a tight spiral at one end.](/images/2012/09/roll-the-wire-in-a-tight-spiral-at-one-end-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Roll the wire in a tight spiral at one end.
![This creates a flat base for the test tubes to rest on. This creates a flat base for the test tubes to rest on.](/images/2012/09/this-creates-a-flat-base-for-the-test-tubes-to-rest-on-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
It is not only decorative but also blunts the sharp end. You can also hook plant material through the spiral to secure.
![Fit the wire to the dowel and bend the spiral flat. Fit the wire to the dowel and bend the spiral flat.](/images/2012/09/fit-the-wire-to-the-dowel-and-bend-the-spiral-flat-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Fit the wire to the dowel.
![Wrap the wire tightly around the dowel stick. Wrap the wire tightly around the dowel stick.](/images/2012/09/wrap-the-wire-tightly-around-the-dowel-stick-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Wrap the wire tightly around the dowel stick.
![Fold the bottom wire flat and in to create a base. Fold the bottom wire flat and in to create a base.](/images/2012/09/fold-the-bottom-wire-flat-and-in-to-create-a-base-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Fold the bottom wire flat and in, to create a base.
![Make sure the top spiral points out and the bottom wire covers the opening. Make sure the top spiral points out and the bottom wire covers the opening.](/images/2012/09/make-sure-the-top-spiral-points-out-and-the-bottom-wire-covers-the-opening-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Make sure the top spiral points out and the bottom wire covers the opening.
![Creating a comfortable spike for the test tube. Creating a comfortable spike for the test tube.](/images/2012/09/creating-a-comfortable-spike-for-the-test-tube-l.jpg?inside=600x600)
Creating a comfortable spike for the test tube that is not rigidly wired into place and can easily be removed and replaced.
![Press the spikes into the wood. Press the spikes into the wood.](/images/2012/09/press-the-spikes-into-the-wood-p.jpg?inside=600x600)
Drill small holes into the driftwood for the wire spikes.
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Tutorials
Include a single floret (such as an orchid) or bundle a few weaker stems (such as lily of the valley) into an arrangement or hand tie by wiring a test tube to a stick.
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