A Natural Twig Wreath Design FLORAL DESIGN SKILLS
Follow these simple design rules to create your own unique wreath:
* for a contemporary design choose just one type of flower
* follow the natural pattern and flow of flowers in nature
* use the stems to create some rhythm and movement within the design
* choose twigs which bend naturally to your desired shape
* use the same colour twine as the natural materials to bind them together, and
* ensure you create a solid frame with the twigs in order to maintain the desired shape.
SEE BELOW for step by step instructions on how this design was created.
FLOWER CARE TIP: CALLA LILY
Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia)
have a tendency for their ends to split when using them out of water therefore it is recommended that you bind the cut end with some decorative wire, tape, raffia or ribbon.
Follow these simple design rules to create your own unique wreath:
* for a contemporary design choose just one type of flower
* follow the natural pattern and flow of flowers in nature
* use the stems to create some rhythm and movement within the design
* choose twigs which bend naturally to your desired shape
* use the same colour twine as the natural materials to bind them together, and
* ensure you create a solid frame with the twigs in order to maintain the desired shape.
SEE BELOW for step by step instructions on how this design was created.
FLOWER CARE TIP: CALLA LILY
Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia)
have a tendency for their ends to split when using them out of water therefore it is recommended that you bind the cut end with some decorative wire, tape, raffia or ribbon.
SNIPPETS: TOP 10 Cultural and Historical snippets about Zantedeschia
1. These very versatile flowers have so many different common names including Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Trumpet Lily, and my favourite "Pig Lily".
2. Zantedeschia were so named after an Italian Botanist and Physician called Giovanni Zantedeschia (1773-1846).
3. The common name of "Calla" lily may refer to some varieties having aquatic characteristics as Zantedeschia can actually be grown under water. It may also be a reference from a Greek word for beauty.
4. "Arum" lily may originate from Arabic ar meaning "fire" possibly referring to the burning taste of the plant.
5. These gorgeous flowers are native to South Africa which is where the name "Pig Lily" comes from originating from observations of porcupines (which were then called pigs) eating the roots of this plant, hence "Pig Lily".
6. Despite the common name lily, Zantedeschia are not lilies but are from the Araceae family.
7. Sometimes they are also referred to as the "Death Lily" as they were a common flower used for funerals during the Victorian times and symbolised sympathy and purification of the departed soul.
8. They are traditional symbols of marital bliss and devotion and also represent "Ardour" therefore they are a very popular choice for wedding flowers.
9. The Zantedeschia is used to mark the 6th wedding anniversary.
10. According to Christian religion this flower is symbolic during Easter as it symbolises the resurrection of Jesus and is therefore associated with holiness, faith and purity and is therefore also a common funeral flower choice.
1. These very versatile flowers have so many different common names including Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Trumpet Lily, and my favourite "Pig Lily".
2. Zantedeschia were so named after an Italian Botanist and Physician called Giovanni Zantedeschia (1773-1846).
3. The common name of "Calla" lily may refer to some varieties having aquatic characteristics as Zantedeschia can actually be grown under water. It may also be a reference from a Greek word for beauty.
4. "Arum" lily may originate from Arabic ar meaning "fire" possibly referring to the burning taste of the plant.
5. These gorgeous flowers are native to South Africa which is where the name "Pig Lily" comes from originating from observations of porcupines (which were then called pigs) eating the roots of this plant, hence "Pig Lily".
6. Despite the common name lily, Zantedeschia are not lilies but are from the Araceae family.
7. Sometimes they are also referred to as the "Death Lily" as they were a common flower used for funerals during the Victorian times and symbolised sympathy and purification of the departed soul.
8. They are traditional symbols of marital bliss and devotion and also represent "Ardour" therefore they are a very popular choice for wedding flowers.
9. The Zantedeschia is used to mark the 6th wedding anniversary.
10. According to Christian religion this flower is symbolic during Easter as it symbolises the resurrection of Jesus and is therefore associated with holiness, faith and purity and is therefore also a common funeral flower choice.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO CREATING A CONTEMPORARY TWIG WREATH
Materials Used:
Pussy Willow (Salix sp.) stems (dried)
Cotoneaster horizontalis
Camillia japonica
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia)
Pussy Willow (Salix sp.) stems (dried)
Cotoneaster horizontalis
Camillia japonica
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia)
 Tatami (picket fence) technique using Salix sp. | STEP 1 Cut the pussy willow stems and bind together with bind wire. Create one side of the heart shape by cutting the pussy willow stems - start small then gradually build it up wider to form the heart and then smaller again to create the tapered bottom end of the heart. Bind each piece together with bind wire using the Tatami method (picket fence). |
| STEP 2 Bind the Cotoneaster stems on the pussy willow frame to give strength and support to the pussy willow and maintain the shape.
|  Cotoneaster horizontalis to give rigid backing support  Alternative design with curved Calla lilies |
EVALUATION
This is a particularly useful type of design to keep costs down as only a few flowers are required to create a focal point. All other supporting materials have been recycled either from garden pruning or using up scraps from previous designs. The unused part of pussy willow (Salix sp.) stems for example were kept and allowed to dry out and are perfect for wiring together to create great shapes as in this natural twig heart design. This design did however lack some structural integrity and was rather bendy. This is a big NO NO. All designs must be rigid enough to retain it's shape. To solve this issue stronger support branches are required to be used and preferably branches which naturally curve to the desired shape. Directional use of the Zantedeschia is also important - in this design a lack of consideration is evident as the smaller Zantedeschia is pointing the wrong way.
This is a particularly useful type of design to keep costs down as only a few flowers are required to create a focal point. All other supporting materials have been recycled either from garden pruning or using up scraps from previous designs. The unused part of pussy willow (Salix sp.) stems for example were kept and allowed to dry out and are perfect for wiring together to create great shapes as in this natural twig heart design. This design did however lack some structural integrity and was rather bendy. This is a big NO NO. All designs must be rigid enough to retain it's shape. To solve this issue stronger support branches are required to be used and preferably branches which naturally curve to the desired shape. Directional use of the Zantedeschia is also important - in this design a lack of consideration is evident as the smaller Zantedeschia is pointing the wrong way.
SKETCHES OF ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SHAPES SUITABLE FOR CONTEMPORARY TWIG WREATHS
Sketches by Julia Davidson
INSPIRATIONAL AND CREATIVE DESIGNS by other designers:
THANK YOU for taking the time to read my blog. Please feel free to make comments below.
Coming up next will be about PROVIDING CORPORATE DESIGNS.
Coming up next will be about PROVIDING CORPORATE DESIGNS.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander, M (2010) "Leaf Manipulation in Flower Arranging" [on-line] at www.blurb.com : Blurb Creative Publishing
Bloom's World 04 Floral Designer's Collection Autumn-Winter Christmas (2012), Ratingen/Germany: Bloom's Gmbh
Eaton, F (2002) "Flower Circles a book of garlands and seasonal wreaths" London: Anness Publishing Ltd
Farrell, M (2014) "What do calla lilies represent" [on-line] accessed on 3.4.14 and available at: http://www.teleflora.com/flower-news/post/what-do-calla-lilies-represent-570744.aspx
Johnson, A & Smith, H (2008) "Plant Names Simplified" Ipswich: Old Pond Publishing Ltd
Milner, G (2009) "Fresh Cut Flowers" Australia: JoJo Publishing
Vanden Berghe, M (2013) FleurEx demonstration (event hosted by the British Florist Association (BFA) in Birmingham
Alexander, M (2010) "Leaf Manipulation in Flower Arranging" [on-line] at www.blurb.com : Blurb Creative Publishing
Bloom's World 04 Floral Designer's Collection Autumn-Winter Christmas (2012), Ratingen/Germany: Bloom's Gmbh
Eaton, F (2002) "Flower Circles a book of garlands and seasonal wreaths" London: Anness Publishing Ltd
Farrell, M (2014) "What do calla lilies represent" [on-line] accessed on 3.4.14 and available at: http://www.teleflora.com/flower-news/post/what-do-calla-lilies-represent-570744.aspx
Johnson, A & Smith, H (2008) "Plant Names Simplified" Ipswich: Old Pond Publishing Ltd
Milner, G (2009) "Fresh Cut Flowers" Australia: JoJo Publishing
Vanden Berghe, M (2013) FleurEx demonstration (event hosted by the British Florist Association (BFA) in Birmingham
RSS Feed