Overcoming Your Uncertainty
Overcome the fear of working with dried materials. In the beginner this feeling almost always exists. But practice does make perfect, and your dread of making an arrangement will gradually disappear as you master the mechanics.Remember that good grooming is important. Do not hesitate to trim leaves or cut out defects, such as insect-damaged foliage or discolored areas. Shoe polish will give a nice sheen to many leaves and pods, just as oil does to fresh ones. Polish changes the color of some materials slightly, but greatly improves texture. Use whatever color is nearest to that of the pod or leaf to be treated—black, brown, or oxblood. As long as it does not make material look unnatural, it is surely permissible.
Indeed, almost any type of mechanical aid is permissible, so long as there is no evidence of use. For instance, if stems are broken in handling, longer ones may be attached. You can always rely on such devices as tying short-stemmed materials to long stems or to florist's sticks so that flowers or foliage may be placed higher up in a design. Large-leaved stemless foliage, such as that of the very heavy palms, should be cut back a little bit on each side to let the midrib form a stem. This can then be attached easily to a florist's stick.
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January 7, 2009