Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden

by Sophie Parker of Wife NYC

Create one-of-a-kind arrangements of paper and botanicals in the high-art-meets-garden party style of Wife NYC. Follow Sophie's collage technique again and again for extraordinary centerpieces, large-scale decor, outdoor entertaining and more.

Sophies Avant Indoor Outdoor Garden - Fiskars®
Tools used

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden

Create one-of-a-kind arrangements of paper and botanicals in the high-art-meets-garden party style of Wife NYC. Follow Sophie's collage technique again and again for extraordinary centerpieces, large-scale decor, outdoor entertaining and more.

Materials
  • Leaves—Foraged or fresh-cut tropical leaves
    Important Note
    Painting on actively growing potted or outdoor plants can inhibit photosynthesis, so thoughtfully take a few cuttings during a nature walk, give fading leaves from your houseplants a second life after pruning, or pick up a few leaves from your local florist.
  • Foraged sticks or bamboo
  • Vessel—an upcycled vase or ceramic pot
  • Heavy watercolor paper or cardstock
  • Non-toxic water based paint—acrylic, gouache, or tempra
  • Brushes
  • Palette
  • Water
  • Tape
Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 01 | Fiskars

Step 1

Paint the paper.

Using your favorite brush and an array of vivid, summery colors, paint a gentle wash of color over the paper.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 02 | Fiskars

Step 2

Paint the leaves.

Continuing this same color palette, paint blocks of color along the surface of your leaves. Using the natural lines of the leaf as a guide, let colors mix and swirl.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 03 | Fiskars

Step 3

Get creative!

Experiment with pattern and contrast for extra flair.

Pro Tip

Reducing the amount of water used will help the paint adhere to the leaf.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 04 | Fiskars

Step 4

Cut abstract shapes.

Once the painted paper is dry, use your scissors to cut abstract shapes that feature visually compelling color zones. Organic and curving shapes create a nice dialogue with the leaves.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 05 | Fiskars

Step 5

Tape shapes to foraged sticks.

Using tape, attach the cut shapes to sticks.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 06 | Fiskars

Step 6

Prep your vase.

Prepare your vase with fresh water and begin to place your painted leaves within. Be sure to give each stem a fresh cut with your floral snips so the leaf can absorb water.

Sophie's Avant Indoor or Outdoor Garden 07 | Fiskars

Step 7

Cultivate an arrangement.

Cut the sticks with attached shapes to height and add them at varying elevations to the arrangement.

Pro tip

Give your leaves a fresh cut every few days when you refresh the water, and they will last longer!