[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]
[fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” type=”1_2″][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” type=”1_2″][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner]
So we find ourselves confined to our homes in lockdown and cut off from the natural world outside for the majority of the day. However, psychologists and mental health experts now believe that nature and any connection to it is massively important for both our physical and mental health and in these testing times, this is very important. A 2018 report by mental health charity Mind found that: ‘spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing.’ It can:
* Improve your mood
* Reduce feelings of stress or anger
* Help you take time out and feel more relaxed
* Improve your physical health
* Improve your confidence and self-esteem
* Help you be more active
These are all things we need right now, so this is a quick and easy little project you can do in the comfort of your own home using simple household items and materials from your outside space. Hopefully it will fend off cabin fever for a little while. It’s even simple enough for children to do but obviously man the scissors at all times!
YOU WILL NEED
* A small tray/a picture frame/piece of paper or fabric cut into a shape of your choice. Simple shapes such as circles, or rectangles work best.
* 3-5 small containers: eg empty spice jar, small bud vase, shot glass, espresso cup. Pick containers which work well together visually. Varying heights, shapes and finishes (eg matt, shiny) create interest among the containers themselves, as they’re part of the design too.
* Scissors and/or secateurs
* 10-15 stems of mixed foliage and/or flowers: this could be from your garden, window box, an indoor plant or you could even use artificial flowers. Mix different shapes, sizes, textures and colours. Stiff stems, such as twigs, give dynamic lines while curved pieces, such as trailing ivy, create movement. Be creative; even daisies and dandelions from a lawn will work.
If you have a go at making a still life, please send us a photo of your finished piece to hello@wildrosamund.co.uk. We’d love to see what creative ideas you come up with.
-
- STEP 1 Choose your containers and place them on your frame to anchor your design. Think about where your finished piece will go. If it will be seen from all sides, place the highest container in the centre, with lower ones around it. If viewed from one side only, place the highest container at the back, working towards the lowest at the front. Fill your containers with water.
-
- STEP 2 Place your first type of foliage. I’ve used black phormium here. In proportion, aim for one-third container to two-thirds flowers in height but don’t be too rigid about this. If it looks good, leave it. WARNING: Pieces that are too long may topple light containers.
-
- STEP 3 Place your ‘dynamic’ stems at different heights and in different vases to create drama and use curved pieces, such as this trailing ivy, to create arcs across your design to draw the eye around it.
-
- STEP 4 Next add textured foliage to soften. I’ve used senecio and lavender foliage here. Combine different foliages in the same vase to create visual interest in each one.
-
- STEP 5 Place the final layer of foliage. I used acid green fern (snipped from a houseplant) to add another colour to the foliage. The more textures and colours you use, the greater the interest your finished design will have.
-
- STEP 6 Slip in a few stems of light, airy material, such as these slender dried poppy heads. By leaving space around them, they add lightness to your design and draw the eye out and up.
-
- STEP 7 Place your boldest, brightest flowers at different heights and in different vases to create lines. Odd numbers such as threes or fives work best but I’ve used two here because that’s all I had, so don’t worry if limited materials mean you have to do the same.
-
- STEP 7 Finish off with focal flowers. These are larger blooms that catch your eye first. I used leftover carnations and a couple of narcissi. Place them towards the centre of the design and keep them short in the vase so their weight doesn’t pull it over. Your design is complete. Enjoy it!
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
If you have a go at making a still life, please send us a photo of your finished piece to hello@wildrosamund.co.uk. We’d love to see what creative ideas you come up with.