her time out How to make a hand-tied bunch
Step 1: Select flowers that are fine in stem yet full in flower, such as hydrangea or roses, as they are much
easier to handle. Rounded head shapes work together much better than a mix of rounds and spires. The magic will come with the fillers, in this case wax flower, astrantia and foliage. Chop all the stems to a manageable length (c.30cm) and clear them of thorns, leaves and painful nodules at least 15cm from the stem base. Lay out the prepared flowers on a clear surface so they are easy to select.
Step 2: Begin by holding one of the leading flowers in your left hand and then, using your right, add from the bunch on the table.
(Reverse if left-handed) The flowers are held in place in your palm with your thumb and forefinger; the other fingers grip in and release as more flowers are added. Every third stem or so, turn the bunch using your right hand. Keep all the stems facing the same direction; as they are added the twist will become apparent. As each stem is added, slightly drop the height so as to get a lovely rounded shape.
118 | December/January 2012 | HER MAGAZINE
