Hanging Amaranthus has a gorgeous dripping form that can really enhance a display. Shown above is a bit less than one bundle hung from a single 18-24" Natural Manzanita Branch that we set in plaster.
Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the bundles for hanging. Open up the package of Hanging Amaranthus and separate out the stems. Typically a single stem has plenty of flower strands, but if you'd like more, combine some stems. You could tie the strands directly to the branches, but if you're like me you'll inevitably want to move the bundles around until it looks just right. To facilitate this, we cut a length of wire, folded it over, and wrapped it with more wire to create a simple loop to hang the small bundle of Hanging Amaranthus from the branches. The appearance doesn't really matter here, and a quicker way to do this would be to use a small paper clip cinched onto the bundle with a small cable tie.
2. Hang and arrange.
3. Conceal the wire and top of the stem. Once you have everything hanging where you like it, it's time for the final step. Properly preserved Hanging Amaranthus is almost yarn-like. Snip off a long strand, drape it over the top of the wire and wrap it around the top of the stem.
This step makes a huge difference in the look of the display. At first I had the wire and the top of the stem exposed and it just didn't look right. I tried covering it up with some ribbon, and finally came up with this solution.
3 comments:
i love this!! thanks for the tutorial.
I made a mock up of this and its gorgeous!!! I secured the 24" branch in plaster in a birch covered pot. I planned on putting perserved reindeer moss on top of the plaster but after a few weeks I noticed the extra AMARANTHUS that was sitting on top of plaster started to get mold!!! I was going to use that (and buy more) for another tree. I'm concerned now on using the moss on top of the plaster now..i dont want that to get moldy. Has anyone had this issue? I might have to glue pea gravel to the top of the plaster :/ The quality of the branch and amaranthus is exceptional, by the way! Thank you!!
Hi Alison - With plaster, once it sets (15 minutes or so), all the water used to mix it is still in there even though it is hard. It will dry out over time, but while doing so it will be exuding moisture, which it sounds like provided enough moisture to allow mold to form. I'd definitely give the plaster a while to dry before painting or putting anything on it that might be susceptible to moisture. A few days to a week would probably be best. You likely can quicken the drying by putting it outside in the sun. Hope the helps, and let me know if you have any more questions!
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