A hanging flower cloud - Part 3: Adding the fluff and filler

A Hanging Flower Cloud - Part 3: Adding the Fluff and Filler

In this display, I'm trying to capture the muted colours and seed heads of September, before the more showy colours of autumn appear. At this time of year, you'll find vines and seed heads scrambling through the English hedgerows and it is these colours and textures that I am trying to incorporate into my cloud.

• If you're using old man's beard in your display, make sure to remove all the leaves as they don't dry well.
• With foraged materials, you may find other plants tangled in amongst your stems, so make sure to remove these before adding the stems to your display (along with any insects too!).
• If you come across any section of stem that is rigid or difficult to work with, simply remove the seed heads and use these separately.
• Statice is a very open flower, which will add to the airiness of your cloud.
• Gather more of each plant material than you think you will need – some stems won't be right, so if you have more than you think you'll need, you'll have more choice.
• To add depth to your piece, insert some flower heads deeper into your display, which will help to create different textures.
• Take a break from your design and then come back to it with fresh eyes, this will help you to see any issues that you may have missed the first time.
• Imitate the way vines weave in autumn to ensure your cloud has a natural look.