Sprouting sphere armature to show off curvy burgundy arum lilies

This design is going to take a bit of preparation. First we weave the wreaths and set them aside to dry.

And then weave wreaths that will go on either end of that... a slightly smaller wreath for either side and a slightly smaller wreath than that at each end.

Weave a few sprouting twigs through the dried wreaths.

Every Wednesday morning (Vancouver time), I send out a design note as an early glimpse at the newest Design and a few notes that I picked up creating the Tutorial that might be useful to you. This week, I share my notes on designing with new growth to make sure they last for as long as possible in your design.

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Slip the wreath around the opening of the display container and set the fresh twig into the water inside the container to continue to hydrate.

Wedge the wreath into the opening of the container and set the cut ends of the twigs into the water.

Design note: make sure the twigs are secure. You can always use a small drop of hot glue if you want to make extra sure.

Weave in more fresh twigs into the wreath and add in the next size smaller wreath on either side of the upright wreath.

And wedge in the smallest wreaths on either end to complete the sphere.

And weave the fresh twigs around and through the dried armature.

Gently message deep burgundy arum lilies to curve them so that they drape over the twig sphere.

Book readers turn to page 299 where I show you how to follow the flower's natural curve to manipulate without snapping.

For more information about my book: The Effortless Floral Craftsman

But to get you started I have added a Tutorial below for you if you are unsure of how to curve calla lilies.

Design note:

I do find that the more "permanent' your armature the more lifeless it looks. Dried armatures need careful consideration to perk them up enough to be successful as design structures. I love how the burgundy and the bright green of the maple twigs and the calla lilies simply lifts this dried wreath armature. It is perfect... for now. Once the buds open up I will be ready to replace the calla lilies with something a bit more... what do you think? What flower will perfectly follow up the calla lilies once the armature is filled with budding new growth?

And I like to add a few sparkling dew drop crystals to add sparkle to my design. See the Tutorial below for more detailed instructions.