13/03/2014 Cross Design

FdA Floristry Design
Level 4
Contemporary Design skills
13th March 2014

Activity Two - (Funeral Design) Loose Cross 
 

Victorian CrossThe History of sympathy (Benjamin,P) 11/03/2014

The Cross is the strongest symbol of Christian belief. A design to be placed on a coffin or can be used as a tribute. Particularly in the Victorian times the cross shape was used for royal funerals. The cross is a symbol of suffering and of the final victory of faith. Techniques being used were wiring, binding and arranging. But as time went on the biggest change in techniques would come with the launch of the first floral foam: Oasis. Initially this change wasnt recognised and stayed technical , because it was invented to replace the packed moss shapes. It was not until the late sixties and seventies that we saw a complete change in design.


Inspiration 
 

Cross 1 Vanden Berghe,M Flowers in Tears 11/03/2014

Cross 2 Vanden Berghe,M Flowers in Tears 11/03/2014

Cross 1: Straight, hard lines and angles is reflected by the material to create the shape. This works because its contrasted by the delicate sweet carnations. Colours are muted perhaps another colour would of created a more exciting tone.
Cross 2: This cross is very contemporary and has loose qualities. the base of the design is linear and clean, white representing purity.  The shape is lost to the top and texture could of been emphasised by using different heights.

Cross Sketch 13/03/2014

  
Developing Process

I did a quick sketch, drawing the main points of my design, i have decided to place all the Calla Lily's vertical and horizontal on the cross to keep the rhythm and overall shape. I have shown the foliage and twigs are to be textured with open space. The colours used are natural apart from the contrasting feathers that will create a unique design.

A variety of Twigs selected

Practical 
For the cross design foraging is a must to develop a unique bespoke piece. I have selected different sorts of twigs that all have different shape, colour and lengths.
To plan the cross, create a simple shape and bind together with wire. This is the same with any shape your trying to create.

Simple base

Try to use the branches to naturally slot into the base. keep the mechanics such as wire, hidden or decorate keeping with the theme. I added colour by spraying pink on one branch, i wish i had used more of this spray to balance out the natural yellows from the dogwood. The pink also brings out the feathers I've used and creates an eye catching colour harmony.
An important point to think about is the size of the design. This design is suited to fit on top of a coffin.

Close up of cross without flowers

Wiring of the Calla Lily

Wiring of the calla lily stem

Once you know how long you want the stems to be, you must wire the bottoms to help prevent the callas from splitting and becoming untidy. To do this: wrap binding wire just above the bottom of the stem and twist the ends together. Simply snip the stem so the wire is now at the bottom. I personally need to improve on this wiring to try and keep it tight and secure.
This image shows my workmanship is untidy and does not looks professional.



 Design Overall

Design on coffin

Overall Finish

Overall i am happy with this funeral design. even though its different from my original plan. I have kept the open shape but both the colour and rythem have altered. The colours are more diverse and create a rainbow of fun. Whether this is appropriate for a funeral piece or not its unique in its design. If i could change this design i would of added more pink spray to balance out the top. The pink is complimented by the natural purple tone from the calla and creates a monotone harmony
The rhythm and shape created by the stems elongates the length on the design. i would of added another calla nearer the top to pull in the top and base.

Inspiration: http://www.cleome.be/