In this video, we delve into the intricate process of creating a Vanda Orchid, a popular flower known for its vibrant purple hues. This flower is a favourite for many due to its unique structure and striking colour, making it an excellent choice for decorative purposes. The video will guide you through the process of crafting this beautiful flower, from creating the buds to the final assembly and colouring.

Start by making the column. Take a 24 gauge white wire and bend a 5mm closed hook at the end. , Brush egg white onto the wire hook and insert into a ball of purple paste. Press paste into the mould, using your fingers to keep the back of the paste rounded. Release from the mould. Apply a little piping gel into each hole and attach two yellow nonpareils (tiny decorative sugar balls). Leave to dry.

To make the throat, press paste into the basic 'bone' shape of the cavity, then continue with a cosmetic sponge, so the paste is thinner towards the edges. Press the Flower Pro Fan Veiner onto the back. Remove from the mould. With the Companion Tool, drag a line down the centre, then using the needle end drill a hole 4-5mm from the end. Brush egg white on the back of the column and pull it through the hole in the throat. Leave to dry on a crate foam former.

Now make the sepals and petals. Press paste into the sepal mould cavity using a cosmetic sponge. Create a ridge in the paste down the centre. Dip the end of a 28 gauge white wire into egg white and insert just over half way into the sepal. Press the Flower Pro Orchid Veiner (included with the mould) onto the back then remove from the mould. Make two more sepals so you have a 'head' and two 'legs'. Repeat the process using the petal mould cavities so you have two petals. Allow to dry.

Tape each flower component using quarter width light green floral tape. Tape one of the sepals ('head') to the throat, wrapping the tape around like string. Bend the other two sepals down, then add in these two 'legs', taping in tightly. Add in the two petal 'arms', sitting in front of the sepals. Then wrap from the flower base down the stem using half width light green floral tape.

The colouring process involves using a mix of mauve and purple dusting powders. This combination creates a slightly darker version of the paste's original colour. The dusting powder is applied to all parts of the orchid. The aubergine dusting powder is then used to add depth to the tips of the buds and the edges of the petals.

The final step in the process is steaming the orchid. This enhances the colours and gives the flower a shiny appearance. Once the orchid is steamed, it is ready for display. The Vanda Orchid, with its vibrant colours and intricate structure, is a stunning addition to any decorative arrangement.