Bruno Duarte: Step by Step Floral Design
Standing at the worktable in his shop, surrounded by an array of floral design elements that celebrated both nature and high style, Bruno Duarte demonstrated his artistry for photographer Jon Whittle and editor Jenny Andrews.
By Jenny Andrews
Photo by: Jon Whittle
For this anniversary arrangement, Duarte first lines a clear vase with plant leaves, then cuts off the excess foliage around the rim. "I chose a vase with a narrow opening to support the structure of the arrangement."
Photo by: Jon Whittle
The first of the Pandanus leaves is added. Though the finished arrangement has a full accompaniment of foliage, Duarte only used seven Pandanus leaves.
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Working with one leaf at a time, Duarte finds the right bending points and folds the leaves. "Let the leaves tell you where to bend."
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Then, making carefully located slits in the foliage with his thumbnail, Duarte pulls leaf tips through the openings, weaving all of the leaves together in origami fashion. The structure holds together without gluing or stapling.
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Nine calla lilies of varying heights are tucked into the armature of Pandanus leaves to complete the design. "I wanted all the flowers on one side and the leaves on the other. And I like to use odd numbers of flowers."
Photo by: Jon Whittle
FLORAL ARRANGING TIPS: A few flowers are all you really need. Using a lot of flowers can actually detract from the overall sculptural look. Consider flowers accents rather than the core elements.
Photo by: Jon Whittle
FLORAL ARRANGING TIPS: Using asymmetry in an arrangement does not mean it will look lopsided. According to Duarte, "Off-center can look even more balanced."
Photo by: Jon Whittle
Standing at the worktable in his shop, surrounded by an array of floral design elements that celebrated both nature and high style, Bruno Duarte demonstrated his artistry for photographer Jon Whittle and editor Jenny Andrews.
Photo by: Jon Whittle
