First find a vase that has a lovely shape. Ngaire found hers in a junk shop for $2, all shiny and covered with flowers. Then assemble tissue paper, and wall paper paste. Dip the tissue in the paste and cover the vase with it, making a paper mache that covers over the vase completely. The tissue gives a finer texture than newspaper, so if you want a bigger, bolder texture, use that instead.

When it is dry,  paint the container in the colour of your choice. "Work quickly" says Ngaire, "don't fuss, and it's fun" Ngaire touched up her container with spray paint, "but talk to someone as you do it, "she says, "so you don't get too meticulous."

Find a container that will fit inside the rim of the vase snugly and extends into the vase for at least 100 mm . Ngaire saves all sorts of plastic containers from her  groceries just for this purpose. Soak green floral foam if you are using fresh flowers, and then put into the container, with the foam extending slightly above the rim. Put the container into the vase. Add chicken wire over the top of the foam and rim.