Brian Patrick Flynn
While some freestanding objects look great, they can look cluttered or oversized once placed inside a hood. Gather various objects and then try them under the hood to see how their shapes, layers and textures are read under the glass. A general rule of thumb:most objects will need about two inches of space to avoid looking cramped.
Brian Patrick Flynn
Cloche tops and bottoms are specialty items and not routinely found at most major retailers. Excellent sources for customers are antique stores, trade showrooms, and craft stores. After finding the right size hood, it's wise to always buy a second glass cover in case it breaks. Place objects inside hood to see what fits correctly. Once the best object is decided, place it in the center of the bell base.
Brian Patrick Flynn
Remove the floral moss from the packaging, then place it along the base surface of the bell, filling in the area around your chosen object. This will create a ground cover for the center piece that introduces texture and color.
Brian Patrick Flynn
Make sure the moss fits 1/8 inch larger in diameter than the actual glass cover so it sits perfectly straight.
Brian Patrick Flynn
Place it in the center of the table, and then add decorations outside the hood to create a vignette.
