My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Tutorials

Zig zag foliage lantern
16 June 2015
Zig zag foliage lantern

Fold foliage to create a zig zag patterned lantern
Grass Bundle
20 May 2015
Grass Bundle

A grass bundle floral armature
Hairpin wire to balance a thin bundle of grass on a vase
20 May 2015
Hairpin wire to balance a thin bundle of grass on a vase

Create a support for a bundle of grass balanced on a narrow necked vase
Hollowed out twig to encase a Corsage Magnet
13 May 2015
Hollowed out twig to encase a Corsage Magnet

Embed a corsage magnet into a twig
Willow twig Corsage Platform
30 April 2015
Willow twig Corsage Platform

To create a layered look for a corsage tie a foundation of twigs with fresh willow stems
Dowel ring flower holder for the most delicate of stems
22 April 2015
Dowel ring flower holder for the most delicate of stems

The most delicate of stems often disappear in a design. this is an easy way to display really delicate flowering stems without overwhelming them
Stretching leaves and foliage into a ringlet curl
15 April 2015
Stretching leaves and foliage into a ringlet curl

Most leaves and foliage can be slightly manipulated to curve or curl.
Cane and Willow Nest Shaped Basket
8 April 2015
Cane and Willow Nest Shaped Basket

Weave a nest for Easter eggs
Hana-kubari Bamboo
1 April 2015
Hana-kubari Bamboo

Hana-Kubari is an Ikebana flower mechanic. Only natural materials such as pebbles, sticks and branches can be seen to support the flowers. Traditionally no twine or wire, nails, or screws or any other man made materials are used
Keeping pollen tidy
1 April 2015
Keeping pollen tidy

Most of the time I would gently tug the pollen covered stamens away the moment it becomes yellow and messy. But the Gloriosa looks rather pretty with the stamens on, so I fix it in place
Jiyek Braiding a Pussy Willow Twig Blind
25 March 2015
Jiyek Braiding a Pussy Willow Twig Blind

A design inspired by traditional Jiyek braiding techniques
Meadow in a bowl
18 March 2015
Meadow in a bowl

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.