Angela Maynard - Modern Dried Flowers: 20 everlasting projects to craft, style, keep and share

My aim in writing this book is to share my passion for everlasting beauty with you, and to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to master the basics of the dried flowers craft. The first chapter is particularly dedicated to this, laying the foundations for getting you started, from creating a workspace to sourcing dried flowers, as well as explaining key design principles.

At the heart of the book are 20 step-by-step projects that anyone can make with a little practice. Each one is inspired by the changing seasons and is designed to be worn, displayed or gifted year-round. Whether you wish to bring a blank wall to life with a floral tapestry, are looking to mark a special celebration with a forever bouquet or to invite festive cheer with a rustic foraged wreath, enjoy experimenting and finding confidence in the process. My guidance and suggestions will help spark ideas for you to make these compositions entirely your own. There are also tips for repurposing your leftovers; reimagine bits of twine and twig as a striking mobile, or perhaps press unused blooms for a greeting card or framed artwork.

It is through making that I want you to get a feel for the beauty and wonder of the materials, and to familiarise yourself with the key stems (see for a visual guide to these). Ultimately, with this book, I hope to inspire and encourage you to create original designs and develop your own style.

In this chapter youll find all the information you need to get started on your dried flower journey. Discover what makes the ideal workspace and how to equip yourself with the necessary tools. Youll find useful information on sourcing and storing dried flowers, and will learn how to dry fresh flowers that you have either bought or grown yourself. Above all, youll learn the tricks of the floristry trade when it comes to colour choices, the best vessels to use for display and the rules for creating balanced compositions.

The dream for all of us would be to have our own dedicated studio in which to work, but this is not always possible. Instead, you may need to be creative in making good use of an existing space in your home, be it under the stairs, in the attic or in a corner of your kitchen.

Wherever you plan to work, youll need sufficient light and enough room for a large table or workbench, plus space for drying and storing your flowers. Be wary of anywhere with too much direct sunlight, as this can bleach your blooms (see ), it is advisable to have access to a cupboard that is tall enough for hanging stems.

Ideally, your work surface should measure 150 x 50cm (60 x 20in) minimum. This will allow you to lay your stems out full length while leaving space for your tools, your chosen vessel and any other materials. Everything should be within easy reach. A large table will also give you some room below for storing stems flat. A trestle table that can be adjusted is beneficial but not essential.

If you happen to be working on a dining or kitchen table, bear in mind that you may need to protect it. Stripping back foliage and cutting stems creates a mass of debris and can damage your work surface. Large chopping boards provide ample protection for this purpose. Finally, it is best to work in a space with a smooth floor, so that you can easily sweep away the cuttings at the end of the day.

INSPIRATION

Above all, your workspace should be a place in which you feel inspired. Make sure you have wall space on which to mount a mood board for pinning things to postcards, photos, images from interiors magazines or newspapers, cuttings of stems gathered from outside, and dried or pressed flowers. You will find your mood board evolving over time, changing with the seasons and the influences you have at any particular point. A sketchbook can also be useful to jot down thoughts, notes and drawings from nature. An inspiring workspace triggers a creative mindset and makes arranging with dried flowers even more enjoyable.

As with any craft, you need good tools when working with dried flowers. Set yourself up with the best kit you can afford from the start, and only buy the tools you absolutely need; you can build up your kit over time. It is worth investing in a toolbox, too, so that you can keep all your floristry tools in one place, free from moisture and dust.