Advanced Floral Design

A flower cloud - Part 2 - Creating the cloud

with WILLOW CROSSLEY — World-renowned florist, author and designer, known as the UK’s ‘Queen of Flowers’.

Lesson 8 of 20

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With your framework constructed, under Willow’s instruction, you can begin crafting your flower cloud creation.

From the Lesson Workbook

A Flower Cloud - Part 2

Creating the Cloud

With your framework constructed, it's time to begin crafting your flower cloud creation.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • The framework you've prepared
  • Flowers of your choice - I have 125 stems of gypsophila
  • Secateurs

Creating the Cloud

Step 6

Suspend the framework in place. Make sure it is hanging straight, and secure at a comfortable height for you to work at. This can be adjusted and lifted higher once you have finished.

Step 7

Depending on the types of flowers you are using, you may wish to condition the stems.

Step 8

Start by feeding stems one by one into the chicken wire. Use a variety of lengths, and begin to build out the overall shape - don't worry about being too precise at this stage. I like to form a large grouping at either end and create some negative space in the middle.

Step 9

Throughout the process, keep in mind that the cloud will mostly be seen from beneath. Remember to periodically take a step back and assess how the cloud is looking from a distance.

Step 10

Once you're happy with the overall shape, it's time to start filling in the middle. To do this, create small, short bunches so that you have dense coverage, and nestle these into the central section and close to the framework.

Step 11

With the mid-section adequately filled in, you can revert back to adding single stems - this time in a more precise and considered manner to craft the finished shape and look that you want.

Step 12

When you have finished all that you can at eye level, hoist the cloud up so that you can comfortably work on the underside. Never put the stems into this section completely straight, as they will fall out. Instead, put them in at an angle so the chicken wire can hold them.

Step 13

After you have finished filling in the underside, it's time to position the cloud at its intended height ready to be admired and enjoyed!

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Willow Crossley

Your Instructor

Willow Crossley

World-renowned florist, author and designer, known as the UK’s ‘Queen of Flowers’.

Willow Crossley is a professional floral stylist, creating wild and whimsical arrangements full of colour, pattern and movement for an array of top British brands (Jo Malone, OKA). She is the author of four books and is regularly featured in House & Garden and many other publications. Willow is passionate about the profound impact nature can have on how we feel, and has gained a substantial following for her down-to-earth and inclusive approach to floristry and gardening. Willow firmly advocates a sustainable approach to floristry, working with the seasons and sourcing locally grown stems wherever possible.

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