Dried Flower Arrangement
The Craft of Everlasting Blooms Placed in Artistic Design form.
This centurie's old craft is still alive and thriving, even though the materials used are dried and have passed their used by date. Ellaborate arrangements can be created
Dried flowers have their own acceptable category of craftsmanship.
Like many craft forms, dried flowers were used centuries ago. They were pressed within the covers of books, many holding cherished memories of romantic moments and occasions. Ladies used them to decorate bookmarks and fans or some were placed lovingly into special books including their titles, these books have become collectables over the years.
Elaborate dried arrangements were focal points in grand foyers and parlours. Over the years a new interest has been awakened in dried flowers as art forms and some countries have a traditional form of arrangement.
Eye catching:
If you are a nature lover, you will always be drawn to the beauty of the ‘natural’ of plant species and also have an affinity with those who take a selection of plants and unite them to become eye-catching combination.
These arrangements can be everlasting as the words of the poet Wordsworth quote’ For I have felt the Presence that disturbs me within the joy of elevated thoughts,’ unquote. He was inspired to write this as he looked at nature around him.
Perhaps you are a city dweller and do not have the opportunities to ‘go bush’ and yet you feel an urge to pursue dried flower arrangements. Well, take heart many and varied specimens may be purchased through florist outlets.
Design, whether it be in a painting or craft must have:
* Theme
* Line
* Balance
* Focal point
Let's begin:
This particular floral arrangement has a simple design for you to follow and apply to any floral pieces you may choose. The theme is Australian wildflowers; the line is kept within the boundaries of the triangle, balance is uneven numbers of each plant and the direction they face, focal point is from the centre large Banksia.
Each plant has its individual and correct placement but all spring from the focal point.
The plants and materials used for this project are as follows:
Large Banksias, Holly-leaved Banksias, Pear Bush Pods, Large grey Gumnuts, Dryandra, Grandfathers Beard, a large foam oasis and bowl.
Newspaper is placed on a table or bench top, scissors for snipping stems, oasis and bowl.
Step 1. Place a large Banksia into the centre back of the oasis, all other placements spring from this point.
Step 2. The Pear Bush Pod is placed behind the large Banksia, a Dryandra, Grey Gumnuts and Holly-leaved Banksias.
Step 3. Placement of the Dryandra and Gumnuts are arranged facing outwards and either side of the main Banksia.
Step 4. One large Banksia juts from the centre while another is placed coming from the base of the arrangement but facing the opposite direction.
Step 5. The Pear Bush Pod adds solidarity to the overall appearance while the Gumnuts and Holly-leaved Banksia are used as ‘fillers’.
Step 6. Grandfathers Beard becomes a background support both in colour and form when placed behind the Gumnuts, Pear Bush and Holly-leaved Banksia.
The natural fall of the leaves from the large Banksia, cascades from various angles, this adds its own special charm in completion of this arrangement.
Let's hope you feel inspired to create your Everlasting Dried Flower Arrangement.
