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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 43 Creating a permanent work of art with dried and preserved botanicals can be a labor-intensive yet creatively rewarding project. is massive fl oral "painting," which would be stunning in a home, an offi ce, a restaurant or hotel, or an event venue, is designed with an intriguing array of colorful and textural naturals from Schusters of Texas. e design concept and techniques illustrated here can be used to create fl oral wall art in virtually any size and shape, customized for each client's décor and needs. Smaller versions could become popular "signature" items in your shop, and while large-scale pieces, such as this one, could also sell in your shop (although they would likely be bespoke contract pieces), consider creating a series that you could rent for weddings and other special events. Also, keep in mind that off ering seasonal and holiday versions could produce a year-round stream of revenue from customers who like to change their décor throughout the year. Finally, creating these types of art works can provide designers with an avenue for creative expression and artistic fulfi llment that other types of fl ower designs may not. Perhaps you could even negotiate a temporary solo exhibition at a local art gallery—or even create an online exhibition of your works. DRIED BOTANICALS from Schusters of Texas • Hydrangea macrophylla, Blue, (03693) (hortensia, French Hydrangea) • Hydrangea Limelights (03692) Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' (panicle Hydrangea) • Banksia Hookerana, Natural (415) Banksia hookeriana (acorn Banksia) • Repens, Red (05763) Protea repens (formerly P. mellifera) (common sugarbush, honey fl ower, honey Protea) • Teasils, Lavender (07800) Dipsacus fullonum (common teasel, wild teasel) • Floral Buttons, Purple, Blue (93084) Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) • Star Flowers, Peach (07600) Achyrocline satureioides (star fl owers, marcela, glixia) • Phalaris, Burnt Oak (05252) Phalaris canariensis (canary grass spike-type seed heads) • Long Fern, Bleached (03901) Woodwardia spp. (chain fern) • • • Lace Fern, Bleached (03840) Sphenomeris chinensis (lace fern, Chinese creeping fern, Chinese parsley fern) • Sheet Moss Ball Preserved 4" (05890) Hypnum spp. (sheet moss, plait-moss, Hypnum moss) • Sheet Moss Ball Preserved 6" (05891) Hypnum spp. (sheet moss, plait-moss, Hypnum moss) • Sheet Moss, Natural (96000) Hypnum spp. (sheet moss, plait-moss, Hypnum moss) • Reindeer Moss, Spring Green, Natural and Moss (05761) Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer moss, reindeer lichen) • Mood Moss (94725) Dicranum scoparium (mood moss, broom moss, fork moss, windblown moss) • Exotic Assortment, Natural (02930) includes Spiral Cones (Leucadendron); Salignum Branch (Leucadendron); Plumosum Preserved (Leucadendron); Repens (Protea); Protea rosettes and fl ats; Brunia Silver (Berzelia) HARD GOODS • Driftwood • Plywood or MDF panel • Hot glue • Heavy-gauge fl orist wire or thin braided steel cable • Wood screws • • • • Heavy-duty D-ring picture hangers • Picture-hanging wire (braided galvanized steel, twisted stainless steel or vinyl-coated twisted stainless steel) the placement of materials and pattern creation, if desired. Create a background surface of mosses fi rst. When placing other botanicals, position them at varying levels to create depth, and consider grouping materials by color and/or type, including bundles of smaller botanicals such as star fl owers and canary grass seed heads—rather than "peppering" them evenly throughout—to create maximum visual impact and interest. Step 4 Begin hot-gluing botanical materials onto the wood panel. Wire materials that need more security to small wood screws in the panel. Extend some materials beyond the borders of the wood panel, if desired. Step 5 Finish the design by adding botanicals to fi ll any undesirable open spaces and/or further defi ne a "fl ow" or pattern. Be sure to cover the edges of the wood panel with moss or other materials, to create a professional, fi nished look. Materials 4 5 Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 43

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