My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

The Floral Hourglass Wax Foundation

Paper as building material- base for my twig hourglass

For me, heavy cardboard is the ideal building material. It is easier to cut than wood and faster to glue than any other medium. When I am in need of a quick structure I often up-cycle cardboard into whatever I need. It is not a permanent solution and would never be as durable as wood, but with a big enough box, a hot glue gun, some wood glue and paint you can make an instant prop for almost any occasion.

Paint the cardboard in a water based paint the exact colour of the wax and Patina copper.

Cover the shape by pouring hot wax over it. My foundation was 800mm in diameter but if it was smaller you can dip the shape into the wax.

Glue the Patina details onto the foundation.

Detail of my Chrysanthemum Hourglass design

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Tutorials
Papier Mache
2 June 2011
Papier Mache

I save all the thin tissue paper or un-printed newsprint papers that are wrapped around the flowers that are delivered to me to make batches of Papier Mache with. These sheets make fantastic Papier Mache because it is designed to be super absorbent and colour fast.
Melting Wax for Floral Art
19 March 2011
Melting Wax for Floral Art

For Floral Art the temperature of the wax rarely exceeds the minimum melting point.
Wax Disk
2 March 2011
Wax Disk

I loved how peaceful this smooth wax looked when combined with the tulip and tendrils. Like a lily floating on a pond.
Patina Copper
24 November 2021
Patina Copper

The colour and the effect will vary due to application, temperature and humidity.
Ripping Flax
14 January 2011
Ripping Flax

Flax can be ripped into fibres creating long and versatile strips
Drinking straw "test tubes"
4 January 2011
Drinking straw "test tubes"

When you need to keep a tiny stem hydrated this is just what you need.
Reed Hourglass
18 March 2011
Reed Hourglass

Glue small sections of Mikado Reeds into a hour glass shape
Water dip Wax to match the flame petals of a Cyclamen flower for a layered Twig and Leaf armature
15 November 2023
Water dip Wax to match the flame petals of a Cyclamen flower for a layered Twig and Leaf armature

Dipping wax in a deep bath of water makes the most beautiful streams of wax that looks just like the petals of a cyclamen flower.
Making a Wax bowl using a mould
14 March 2011
Making a Wax bowl using a mould

Dip shapes into wax to create a bowl
Wax Disk
2 March 2011
Wax Disk

I loved how peaceful this smooth wax looked when combined with the tulip and tendrils. Like a lily floating on a pond.
Related Designs
Freeze… just for a moment!
15 November 2023
Freeze… just for a moment!

Not quite winter but also a bit late for autumn design that is somewhere between sparkle and flying leaves.
Harnessing the Wind
13 April 2011
Harnessing the Wind
SHAPE
18 March 2011
SHAPE

Chrysanthemum Hourglass