My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Tutorials

Twist a twisting Wire Angel
10 December 2011
Twist a twisting Wire Angel

Just a few twists are required to make this Wire Angel
Glue a forest filigree twig wreath
7 December 2011
Glue a forest filigree twig wreath

This wreath is not woven but glued to create a see-through forest filigree
Hang a wreath on a door without knocking nails into the door face
7 December 2011
Hang a wreath on a door without knocking nails into the door face

I use two methods (or a combination of both) to attach a wreath to a door.
Encouraging Moss and Lichen to grow on a design
7 December 2011
Encouraging Moss and Lichen to grow on a design

This time of year is best for starting a moss garden. It needs to be cool and wet. Lichen and moss becomes dormant when it is too hot and dry.
Messy wire lace
29 November 2011
Messy wire lace

I call this “lace” because I use pins to guide the wire sections together- almost like you do when making lace.
Twig and glue Angel
23 November 2011
Twig and glue Angel

Cut short sections of twigs to glue into an Angel shape
Assembling a Mobile on a twig top bar
23 November 2011
Assembling a Mobile on a twig top bar

Here are the two secrets to assembling a well balanced hanging sculpture: First: Let gravity do the work. Do not fight it. And Secondly: Start from the bottom of your design and work your way up. Each piece has a balance point. Find that and connect it to the piece above
Making the waist corsage using the BoutStix Floral Magnets
16 November 2011
Making the waist corsage using the BoutStix Floral Magnets

The BoutStix Floral Magnets “stick” is the backbone of the design, strengthening the narrow heart shape and adding support and balance.
Gypsophila snowball posy
9 November 2011
Gypsophila snowball posy

A Posy made of Gypsophila flowers can look flat. I use a dried Hydrangea or Agapanthus flower head as a flower frog to puff it out
Curve a flower around the design with a T-wire
9 November 2011
Curve a flower around the design with a T-wire

Gently bend and secure the Alstroemeria flower head into the twig design
Weaving a twig wreath
1 November 2011
Weaving a twig wreath

For my design I wanted the wreath to look wind blown so I added a few loosely woven twigs into the weave. I also wanted to emphasize the autumn colours so I added a twirling copper wire into the weave
Acetate Garland
26 October 2011
Acetate Garland

Acetate is the clear plastic mostly used for packaging design. It is thicker than cellophane and holds its shape much better.