Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Stem line-up
- 21 February 2018
- click to send Christine a smile
- and more
Komiwara is a classic and traditional Ikebana technique used in a Rikka design. Designers would usually bundle straw to keep the flowers in place. For more detailed instructions on how to fill a container with snippets see the Tutorials below
Place a container on it's side on a working surface and fill it with twig and stem snippets.
For my design I used heliconia stems and fiddle head fern stems.
Alternate between the two coloured stems and set it down in the basic pattern you want it in when you turn the container upright.
When the container is filled with stems lift it upright.
Move the stems around to create your basic design and let the stems settle in place.
Fill the container with water.
Add more stem if required. For my design I added a few clear acrylic tubes for visual interest.
Place the heliconia stems. Make sure there is enough water in the container to keep the flowers hydrated.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter
Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.
Tutorials
Komiwara is a classic and traditional Ikebana technique used in a Rikka design. Designers would usually bundle straw to keep the flowers in place.
Multiple tiny twigs create a flower frog to keep the delicate buds and leaves in the exact spot you want.
Design in two levels by using two vases, the smaller slipped into a bigger one.
Cut short bamboo lengths to keep your flower material upright in a shallow and narrow container
Twist lily grass slightly to create a spiral for the orchids to nestle in
Inspired by a classic and traditional Ikebana technique used in a Rikka design called Komiwara. Designers would usually bundle straw to keep the flowers in place.
Break the water flow when you fill a vase with details in that can move with the stream of water
An easy way to create a neat curve in a very short time
Glue potting soil to polystyrene to create a natural looking armature
Related Designs
The design for the cover of my book, the effortless floral craftsman, crafted from Fiddlehead Fern and Red Lipstick Hanging Heliconia.
I would definitely describe my own personal style as minimalist classic... but with an edgy twist.
A bundle of twigs armature to create a pretend Spring design for a snowy morning.
A quick-to-do-but-looks-impressive way to display a beautiful cut garden vine for an effortless summer design.
Snip and grow willow to create a Spring new growth support for your tall flower stems.
Connect the dots with round willow cuts and the spotted lip of the tiniest mini miniature Phalaenopsis orchids
