My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Floating Boat Orchid

The name Cymbidium or boat Orchid is derived from the Greek word Kumbos meaning "hole or cavity", referring to the hollowness in the base of the lip of the flowers.

Orchid floating in a birds of paradise leaf

This is such a uncomplicated design. I filled a Strelitzia leaf with water and set the orchid into the water to float. Add a minimal foliage (cordyline or fountain grass) weave to bring out the burgundy freckled markings in the orchid petals

Cymbidium orchid with a foliage weave

I used a few river rocks for balance.

Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.

Tutorials

8 June 2011 Foliage Weaving

For this tutorial I focus on a simple weave pattern that does not require you to soften or prepare the leaves to be more durable or flexible. This is the starting point in...

21 July 2011 Weaving a fan basket

Dark and dramatic burgundy lilies are tucked in low to line a fan shaped basket that unravels into an unruly nest

Favourite Flowers

Cymbidium

Cymbidium, Boat Orchid

Strelitzia

Crane Flower, Bird of Paradise, Birds, Strelitzia

Related Designs

16 August 2017 Making Ends Meet

Criss-cross corset style connect the gaps in a Monstera deliciosa leaf

26 May 2021 From all sides

An all on one side design to admire roses from all sides.

2 June 2021 Like an open book

Position foliage to create a smaller, shallow pond for your floral details to shelter in.