DESIGN OF THE WEEK

Can't Elope

To make this summery centerpiece, simply cut off the top and scoop out the meat of a medium sized cantelope. Tape a grid across the top of a container approximately the same height as the melon. Here, I cut down a plastic bubble bath container, but you can use just about anything that fits and will hold water. Place it inside the cantelope.

Add water to the inside container and insert four or five cheery sunflowers, saving three of the stems, which you will add in the back of the arrangement to give it a little height and character. Notice how the stems seem to repeat the color and texture of the melon.

The three green flowers in front are actually teddy bear chrysanthemums with the petals stripped off. You could do this with sunflowers, gerbera daisies and several other flowers that have large centers. Don't forget this trick when this type of flower has wilted. You can give it a whole new life!

A few strands of raffia offer the final, country touch.

For easy, step-by-step instructions on how to create dozens of designs like this one, be sure to look at my Flower Recipes!

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