Masterclass No. 8

 

Hello all,

Today's Masterclass was held on our balcony with the ceiling fan on and social distancing. We have to find ways to stay as safe as we can from Covid, while at the same time continuing with life. We've had to put things on hold for far too long. It was just great to see everyone and to catch up, as well as indulge in one of our favourite activities.

As in previous Masterclasses, I selected the materials for each arrangement and they were given to the students based on a raffle. This time, however, I asked each one to pick a container for their material themselves. Once they did so, I asked them to move one place over, thus having a container and materials they did not choose. I wanted to avoid choosing both the materials and container because, try as I might, I can't help injecting my opinion and taste n the choices.

The arrangement, above, was done by Lucy Papas. The container had been picked by Vicky, when she thought she would be working in it herself. The materials are fern fronds, variegated New Zealand flax and hydrangeas.

The next, very strong arrangement was made by Bredenia, who found herself out of her comfort zone with this large container and equally large materials. The container was selected by Jenny and was ideal for the tree philodendron (philodendron selloum). The strongly coloured sweet williams were massed behind the leaf on the left.

Jenny's container in the arrangement, below, was chosen by Lucy and worked very well for the hanging branch of viburnum opulus. The roses are 'Queen Elizabeth' and the hydrangea at the back is a white one that has started to change colour.

Christine, also, found herself with a very strong container, selected by Bredenia and strong gymea leaves. She created loosely triangular shapes with the gymeas and repeated the shapes with the finer dietes leaves. In contrast she had very delicate cleome spider flowers.

Akemi had some unknown, light, dry material, which I found in the storeroom and a very strong, doughnut shaped container, chosen by Christine. By concealing the greater part of the container with her material, she reduced its strength and created better balance. The placement of the calla lily leaves complemented the curve of the container and the crucifix orchids added just the right accent.

And last but, by no means, least Vicky battled with large golden elm branches to accentuate their curves. She did this by removing the leaves from one side of each stem, creating more space and emphasising the stem. The heavy, ceramic vase, selected by Akemi, doesn't allow for a horizontal fixture due to its slightly conical shape but Vicky managed to balance the stems in the end. The pink cleomes added the floral accent.

I have to admit, I was very pleased with everyone's work today.

Bye for now,

Emily