“A modernistic centerpiece, with ebb and flow, to disrupt conventional thinking”
Lady’s-slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.), pincushions (Leucospermum spp.), callas (Zantedeschia aethiopica), pincushion flower pods (Scabiosa spp.), heavenly bamboo berries (Nandina domestica), pine needles (Pinus spp.) and medium-size and small palm spathes from suppliers of your choice; Oasis Water Tubes, Oasis Bind Wire, Oasis Florist Wire (16 gauge) and Oasis Florist Netting from Smithers-Oasis North America; bamboo skewers from grocery or craft store.
Step 1: Create “legs” for the large palm spathe, for stability. Drill four small holes into the palm spathe, and hot-glue pieces of bamboo skewers wrapped with paper-covered wire into the holes. Cut each leg to whatever length is necessary to make the spathe level.
Step 2: Construct a “screen” in the center of the large spathe through which to arrange pine needles. Create a three-sided rectangular “frame” for the screen with 16-gauge wire. Make two pilot holes in the spathe with a nail or drill bit, and hot-glue the two vertical wires of the frame into the holes. Attach a piece of wire netting vertically to the frame.
Step 3: Weave small groups of pine needles through the wire netting until the netting is completely covered and the pine needles appear to be standing freely.
Step 4: Create an organic, rhythmic “system” of wires to support water tubes and smaller palm spathes by wrapping 16-gauge wires with paper-covered wire and hot-gluing the ends into pilot holes you create in the large spathe with a nail or drill bit. Attach water tubes, in random placements, and small palm spathes to the wire system with paper-covered wire. Fill the water tubes with flower-food solution, and arrange flowers to continue the curvilinear lines and dynamic movement created by the wires and influenced by the shape of the large palm spathe.
