May flowers with flair

Hands-on time: One hour to paint the vase and rattan balls, and about 15 minutes to do the flower arrangement.
Total time: Add drying time for the painted vase and rattan balls.
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: $8.00 for the materials, $10.00 for the flowers (cost of vase and flowers can vary).

Materials & Tools

• Vase with a circular opening (vase should be about 35 cm tall)
• Assorted rattan or grapevine balls in light natural colours
• Spray paint in assorted colours (to paint the rattan balls)
• Acrylic paint in 4 assorted colours, a 2.5cm paintbrush (to paint stripes on the vase)
• Painter's tape in a narrow width
• Varnish in spray or liquid format (optional)
• Flowers of your choice and garden clippers (I used Gladioli, wax flowers and pussy-willow branches)

Here's a refreshing new way to display May's flowers, in which simplicity and colour are key. This bouquet, with contemporary colours and sleek fashion lines, provides a harmonious balance between country charm and cutting-edge trends. Rattan balls are incorporated and painted in an array of soft sorbet pastels to complete its visual appeal.

Clean vase thoroughly and wipe dry. Apply painter's tape to the exterior of the vase where you want the lines to be, horizontal or vertical, anything goes! Choose four acrylic paint colours for the lines. Apply these separate colours of paint between the lines of tape using a fine paintbrush. Let dry, then gently peel off the tape.

Spray-paint one or several rattan balls in assorted pastel colours in a well-ventilated area. Rotate the ball as you spray to achieve an even colouration. (You can use jar lids as a stand while you are spraying and to let the ball dry). Once dry, you may choose to add a varnish topcoat in a satin or semi-gloss finish, and let dry.

Fill three quarters of the vase with water and place a rattan ball at the opening of the vase. The ball should sit in the opening.

With garden clippers, cut the flower stems to different lengths. For a structured arrangement, first insert the larger flowers (Gladioli) into one of the rattan ball's many openings. Add three or four pussy-willow branches in the same manner. Lastly, add wax flowers, or any flowers with many small floral buds to compliment the main ones. Place them in the arrangement, starting at the front and working your way around the vase. Just make sure that each stem is inserted in water. To keep the arrangement looking fresh, occasionally refill with water.

For an urban touch, surround your floral arrangement with a group of pastel or neutral-tone rattan balls.

Tips

• You can also paint the rattan balls with acrylic paints and a paintbrush. A 2 cm paintbrush fits in between the openings to paint the inside first, then paint the exterior of the ball and let dry. Liquid varnish can be applied in the same manner for a topcoat if desired. For a natural look, the rattan balls in the lighter shades can be dyed with natural liquid: grape juice from concentrate, beets, cranberries, blueberries, red cabbage, spinach leaves, lemon or orange peels, green tea, and brewed coffee. Dip in a natural mixture and let dry. There is no need for a varnish topcoat, to add sheen simply wipe the balls with vegetable oil. These days, wood stains are available in so many wonderful colours. The rattan balls can be stain with a sponge brush, or simply dip and let dry.
• For the vase, tile or ceramic paints can be used instead of acrylic paints for a permanent and professional glazed look. Assorted brand names of tile paints are available at crafts retailers.

Variations

• Smaller arrangements can be created in small glasses, bowls, or in terra-cotta planters.
• Rattan or grapevine balls painted in pastel and neutral colours can decorate your mantel, or they can be displayed in a large glass bowl on a coffee table.