“Perfect for today’s modern services, this contemporary composition will be appreciated for its artful aesthetic and as a lasting remembrance in a family member’s home.”
With dramatic changes occurring in funeral traditions and the types of services many people are opting for, a botanical design that will continue its life cycle beyond the week of a service can be cathartic for the family, and the contemporary and artful aesthetic of this statement piece is in keeping with all aspects of modern services and changing mores.
The botanicals chosen for this composition will all root in water and continue to thrive, and this design idea gives you the creative freedom to select myriad other long-lasting materials. It also has applications beyond expressions of sympathy: offi ce environments, art-loving clients’ homes and even party décor.
Stacey purchased the metal ring structure from a wholesale florist in Belgium, but you could have one produced by a metal fabricator, or you could create a similar piece with a wire wreath form and a candlestick, vase, lamp base, bouquet-holder stand or other similar item as the base – or you could place the completed wreath on an easel.
Dracaena braunii /D. sanderiana (lucky bamboo), Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ (corkscrew willow, dragon’s-claw willow) and Begonia aconitifolia × coccinea (angel-wing Begonia) from suppliers of your choice; Jute Cord (Natural), Metallic Braid Wired Edge (Gold) and Oasis Bullion Wire (Gold) from Reliant Ribbons Bows & Trims; 24KT Pure Gold Premium Metals Spray from Design Master Color Tool; Oasis UGlu Adhesive Dashes from Smithers-Oasis North America; water tubes from supplier of your choice.
STEP 1
Spray the metal ring structure and lower portions of the water tubes with gold paint.
STEP 2
Attach adhesive dashes to top and bottom of the stem of the ring structure.
STEP 3
Tightly wrap the stem with jute cord, starting at the bottom. Continue tightly wrapping the entire ring structure with jute cord, applying additional adhesive dashes, as needed. When fi nished, tie the cord with a double knot, and trim the excess.
STEP 4
Create a decorative web through the center of the ring structure with bullion wire. Apply signifi cant tension, and secure and trim the tail of the wire when completed.
STEP 5
Add adhesive dashes to tops and bottoms (above the painted portion) of the water tubes.
STEP 6
Wrap the tubes with braided metallic wire, starting above the painted bottom of each tube. Trim excess wire at the top of each tube.
STEP 7
Wrap each water tube with two lengths of wire (bullion or bind), leaving extensions.
STEP 8
Tie the water tubes onto the ring structure with the two lengths of wire on each tube. Attach two tubes on the front of the “wreath” and one tube on the back, at varying levels. Add water to the tubes, and place the caps on.
STEP 9
Wrap sections of the lucky bamboo stems with decorative wire. if desired, applying an adhesive dash to the top and bottom of each stem section to be wrapped. Place botanicals into the water tubes. Secure the lucky bamboo stems to the structure with bullion wire, if necessary.
