My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Bundled Phormium with a secret water source

Rip Phormium

For more detailed instructions on how to rip Phormium see the Tutorial below.

Set the flax out to dry to a pale stone colour.

Place the ripped flax on a working surface.

Place the ripped flax on a working surface.

Place a water tube on the ripped flax

Place a water tube on the ripped flax.

You will need string to tie the armature

You will need string, ribbon or decorative wire to tie the armature. I braided a section of flax to match the colour of the armature.

See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how to braid flax.

Tie the flax bundle around the water tube

Tie the flax bundle around the water tube.

Knot the end pieces

Knot the end pieces.

Give the bundle a twist and set it on a display container

Give the bundle a twist and set it on a display container.

Fill the tube with water.

Fill the tube with water and add the fresh flowers.

For more detailed instructions on how I make the syringe with tube see the Tutorial below.

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

Tutorials

14 January 2011 Ripping Flax

Flax can be ripped into fibres creating long and versatile strips

25 April 2012 A plait, a braid or a French knot grass collar

"Plaid" and "braid" are synonyms, and where you are from will most likely dictate whether you use plait (British) or braid (American or Celtic). Some people also refer to...

3 January 2011 Syringe with tube

Easy way to fill test tubes and easiest way to remove water from a vase

3 May 2017 Three Twig Bundle Braid

Braid bundles of twigs to create an armature for flowers to dance in

23 August 2017 Twirl a ripped Phormium pumpkin pod

Rip the New Zealand flax to create a delicate fiber armature

22 May 2012 Spiral twig frog

Multiple tiny twigs create a flower frog to keep the delicate buds and leaves in the exact spot you want.

Related Designs

20 June 2018 A Bundle of Pretty

A dried bundle of ripped flax hides a secret water source for the orchids

28 August 2019 But... what are you Like?

A fun design... with a hula skirt (...for the cool summer breeze to arrange and rearrange)

8 July 2020 Super Cute!

A simple placement of bud vases... with the tiniest of lemon coloured twist that makes them unusual.

16 November 2022 All your Christmases…

A little bit of effort... that will last for weeks design to roll us in to the Festive Season.

24 April 2012 Words Matter.

Braiding and plaiting and knotting hair is a huge trend in hairdressing at the moment. Intricate little plaits are draped over long flowing hair to add complexity and quirk. ...

3 May 2017 Oh just...

Braid a few twigs to dance around your flowers

23 August 2017 Almost is still not quite

Weave just a hint of the Autumn to come

13 September 2017 Around again

Tape a grid at the edge of a container

22 May 2012 Lean

Place short twigs, leaning to one side to create a flower frog