Our February Meeting

2 February 2023

'Journey to Creativity' by Graham King

On 2 February, in a packed hall, we enjoyed our first demonstration of the year when Graham King from Surrey took us on his ‘Journey to Creativity’.   What a journey it was, as he unveiled the containers which he had made from spiraled wire, re-formed tin trays and many unique shapes all raised by being fixed to a stand!
 
His first design of spiraled wire set off the deep orange roses and cerise Gerbera.  His second container started off life as a tin tray which he had then cut and curled back the central part into coils.  He explained it was from a Moroccan inspiration.  To one side he attached some floral foam which showcased pale orange and pink roses with deep red carnations and Hypericum berries. 












For his third design, seven different-sized wreath rings had been cut and twisted, then covered in ochre-coloured wool through which Graham entwined Phormium leaves.  

​After showing us how he manipulated Aspidistra leaves, he added them with other green foliage before pink Astilbe, Skimmia and pink and cream roses completed the design.






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After a break for refreshments, we were treated to a wintry look with twisted wire covered in white wool shaped into gracefully curling swirls.  To this Graham added Seneccio then white roses, cream carnations and pale pink spray roses, completing the design with small amounts of Gypsophila.  A very pretty design.

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As flower arrangers, we are all trying to use less floral foam and Graham described how his penultimate design was formed from chicken wire; shaped into two off-set cones covered in blue material giving the impression of a tropical waterfall.  He then added Asparagus fern and Bergenia leaves before some pale lilac and white Calla lilies.  By finally adding Gypsophila, we could visualise the spray from the cascading water.   ​

​​The sixth, and final, design intrigued us.  Graham explained that he had melted fabric to drape onto spherical shapes and included beads to a raised candelabra and the effect was a purple haze.  To this he added Garrya Elliptica, Sea Lavender and Chrysanthemum blooms in pale purple and after the dark purple carnations were added, five lit candles completed the design.  Graham gave us an amazing evening and certainly food for thought as to what we can use as our next container for flower arranging.
 
We meet on the first Thursday of the month, although please note that in view of Easter dates this year it will be the second Thursday in April, the 13th.  Visitors are always welcome, check this website and Facebook pages as well as the village noticeboard for more information.

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