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l Rakusui (Waterdrop Washi Paper)
Rakusui is made by sprinkling water on the surface of traditional Japanese paper,
called "washi," which is made from the long bast fibers from the inner bark of paper
mulberry/tapa cloth trees (Broussonetia papyrifera); that is how the "holes" appear.
The material comes in a natural ivory hue and eight other colors, and it can be torn into
fibers to incorporate into designs, containers, armatures or any other creative elements.
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l Agra-Wool 100% Natural Floral Foam
™
Many florists are choosing to reduce their use
of traditional floral foam by using alternative
mechanics, like chicken wire, and other newer
alternatives, like Agra-Wool International's
100% Natural Floral Foam™ (agra-wool.nl).
Agra-Wool 100% Natural Floral Foam products
(blocks and sheets) are made from basalt
(igneous/volcanic rock) and a type of
sucrose (cane or beet sugar), both of which are
completely biodegradable. Agra-Wool 100%
Natural Floral Foam is reusable, up to four
times; can be used both wet and dry (for fresh
and silk/dried botanicals); does not need to
be soaked in advance, meaning you can add
water once the foam is placed; and is easily
carved with a serrated knife.
Floral designer Kirsten VanDijk, who is the
only U.S. distributor of Agra-Wool through
her company, New Age Floral (newagefloral.
com), says sales of Agra-Wool, which she sees
as a "transitional" product for traditional floral
foam, are on the rise. "I'm excited about the
interest in it," she says. "Little things can have a
huge effect."
Agra-Wool 100% Natural Floral Foam is
available in Canada from Florists Supply
(floristssupply.com).
trend two
U N U S U A L
E L E M E N T S
e use of unusual or textural elements, such as pampas grass;
painted greens; and bleached, painted or dyed botanicals also
is a huge trend around the globe. Another trend is the use of
Japanese natural materials, such as wood, paper, rice and bamboo.
Greengabes (greengabes.com) offers products that it says are
"meant to be transformed, to inspire creativity and to add a specific
taste to floral designs." Here are a few examples.
Photos left and above, courtesy of
Kirsten VanDijk/New Age Floral
Photo right, courtesy of
Gabriele Kubo/Greengabes
