How to make lavender wands

How to make lavender wands....

They are pretty easy...You want to cut the lavender
when it's fresh and you can bend the stems without
them breaking. Also try and pick the flower fresh and
open with lots of blossoms. Keep the stems as long
as you can. The longer the stem, the longer the wand

This first option

Using two 18" pieces of 1/4-1/2 " ribbon (your preference)

you weave the first row in and out (every other) 

second row is over under over under etc.

Now bend the stems backwards over the flowers. 

Hold lightly. This option will give you a more slender

wand. go back and forth using ever other over under

or under over as the key

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Option 2 will give your wand a larger cage. you want to create
6 rows at first on this one with a basket weave design using the
ribbon before bending the stems backward. then repeat under over
every other one & over under every other one

OPTION 3 (easiest)

Only one set of stems so its over under then under over.

Basket weave option 1 & 2

After weaving the ribbon all the way past the blossoms, cut one of the ribbons and with an inch tail. The other ribbon needs to  be wrapped
in a spiral around the stems firmly. when you get to the bottom wrap
the stems overlapping three times and using a pin small pin. at an angle pin the ribbon back into the stems.

If you want an easier finish. leave the stems and after you have woven the ribbon cut an inch on both and with an 8" piece of ribbon wrap the stems twice tightly with a knot and finish with a shoe string bow

Chris Lindsay Designs love the different herbs that are available to use each season and Lavender has to be one of the best. Smells absolutely heavenly.

In Provence they use sachets on window ledges inside to
try and keep out Scorpions. Maybe that would work in 
Arizona too. 

How to cultivate Sanderiana Vanda Orchids

Chris Lindsay designs  love working with these amazing Orchids..

here they are....
     This is a truly beautiful orchid that bears 4-6” bright pink, Purple, Violet, maroon and blue orchid flowers that have spectacularly long-lasting characteristics. 
            The ideal temperature range for the Vanda orchid is a low of 15° Celsius (59° Fahrenheit) in winter and a summer high of 32° Celsius (98° Fahrenheit).
As we mentioned this orchid loves water. Watering the Vanda orchid should happen on a daily basis in slightly drier but warm climates. In true tropical warm weather fashion, the Vanda orchid require water and high humidity.You also need to keep in mind that the Vanda orchid also likes to be cooled by a constant breeze. This makes air movement vital to the successful cultivation of Vanda orchids. Stagnant air can result in fungal and bacterial rot.           All Vandaceous orchids are heavy feeders. You should provide them with a high nitrogen orchid fertilizer such as 30:10:10 in spring to help wake it up after its winter dormancy.
The Vanda orchid is not particularly susceptible to pests or disease.
They may grow to be very large plants. They normally grow best suspended in wooden baskets .These orchid plants are air-loving plants and they do not require any media in which to be cultivated. A wooden slated basket is ideal. The plant should be secured to the base of the wooden basket with wire so as to prevent them from moving around. Before you know it the orchid plant will attach itself to the basket and produce several roots.
 

info about growing them.

The Sanderiana Vanda Orchid is not very different from other Orchids they are totally tropical. They do have special cultural needs if you want to bring out the best in this orchid species. The Vanda orchids originated from the warm islands of the South Pacific. Places like Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo ,Philippines are the natural home, to these orchid species. These orchids prefer bright light, warm temperatures, plenty of air movement and lots of humidity. There trailing roots draw moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere. These orchids will continue to grow anytime of the year if given warm temperatures (also known as the Euanthe sanderiana). 

Jewelry Bridal Wedding Bouquets... All the rage....

This one is Chris Lindsay Designs favorite...We are partial to the scent that fresh flowers can give. This costume jewelry bridal bouquet has Velvet , mulberry , olive and moss green colors with assorted brooches, beading and gem encrusted pins. A design using matching colored costume jewelry. The bouquet collar has solid stems of butter cream fresh cut narcissus blooms. Dusty miller foliage in silver sage green is the element to finish this amazing collar. This is a wonderful keepsake, bridal Bouquet.

Vibrant  jewel tone Wedding bouquet where colors are created with matching gem and enamel costume jewelry. A daffodil yellow collar of ribbon and a seed bead ballet cross.

Vibrant  jewel tone Wedding bouquet where colors are created with matching gem and enamel costume jewelry.

Vibrant  jewel tone Wedding bouquet where colors are created with matching gem and enamel costume jewelry. A daffodil yellow collar of ribbon and a seed bead ballet cross.

Jewel encrusted Bridal Bouquet in clear crystal and pearl jewelry.

Jewel encrusted Bridal Bouquet in clear crystal and pearl jewelry

Jewel encrusted Bridal Bouquet in clear crystal and costume jewelry

Jewel encrusted Bridal Bouquet in clear crystal and pearl jewelry

Costume jewelry wedding bouquet in gold, crimson, lilac and blue hues

Costume jewelry wedding bouquet in watercolor hues. those fortunate to have jewelry from mothers and Grandmothers can ask if they can incorporate these jewelry pieces into the design. this not only personalizes the bouquet, it will also helps with the need of "something old".

Begonias and flowers. A carpet of living wonder in Brussels.

 Every other year Brussels does a carpet of flowers. Chris Lindsay Designs team were hoping to play hookie and attend this wonder for the senses. It was not meant to be for 2014 so maybe 2016 will be the year. Here is a tribute to that amazing Architect & Designer, and all those incredibly hard working individuals who in the years past brought these amazing creations to life.

The designs change bi annually to a different theme. Like fashion design they are inspired from textiles, nature and all those imaginative creations we fall in love with year after year.