Flower Tips

Armature construction:

Vine vase top

Materials needed:
Vase
Matted or wrapped vine
(Honeysuckle, angel vine, grapevine, clematis etc)
Straight twigs (birch works best)
Tools
Pruners or strong sheers

To begin:

Take vine material and form a flat mat by wrapping and/or weaving material around itself. Check to match the size of the mat to the vase top. After the size is correct, work the straight twigs through the mat to add strength. With sturdier vines this may not be necessary. Cut twigs to size and trim mat as needed for a finished look. Place on top of vase and insert flowers through the mat as desired. Rocks can be added to the bottom of the vase if needed for stability.

Wire armature

Materials needed:
Vase
Aluminum wire (available from florist or craft store)

Tools:
Wire cutters

Using a round form such as a can dowel or vase, wind wire to form a “spring”.
Take the spring and pull the loops around to form a somewhat flat top.
Stretch and pull wire to form different sizes of loops. Be sure to overlap loops to form the top for the vase.
Pull one or two loops below the top to hang down inside the vase for stability.
Once the desired look is achieved, place in the vase and insert flowers as desired.

Branch Armature

Materials needed:
Pliable fresh branches
(Curly willow works best)
wire

Tools:
Pruners
Wire cutters

Gently bending branches, place them in vase to create a free-form grid under the water. Leave some of the tips of the branches sticking above the water and tuck some of the tips back into the vase.
With the pieces above the water, wire the branches together to form a “cage” above the top of the vase leaving some of the branches loose.
Insert flowers through the grid as desired. For stability, flower stems can be wired to the branches above the water.

Signature Secret

Stain Removal

Peroxide: Great for removing protein based stains, such as ice cream, cheese, egg, glue, blood etc.

Rubbing Alcohol: Best for removing oil based stains such as butter, oil, salad dressing, mayonnaise, ointments etc.

After testing the fabric in an inconspicuous area douse with the appropriate liquid. Using a white cotton cloth, blot to remove stain. DO NOT RUB. Repeat the process until stain is lifted.