Flower arrangement
Introduction to Flower Arrangements:
Flowers are one of the most beautiful creations of God. People, Birds and Insects enjoy them
fully. Flowers when brought into the house bring fragrance, color and light. When an
arrangement is created using these flowers it gives a new dimension and character to the flowers
and also complements the special occasion if any. The arrangements are always appreciated and
bring joy to everyone who sees it. The arrangement also reflects your moods and artistic skills.
Arrangements can be displayed in the Kitchen, Living Rooms, Room Corners, Stairways, and
Bedrooms and even in Bathrooms.
There are two different styles of arrangement:
1) Western Arrangement.
2) Japanese Style of Arrangement- Ikebana.
1. Western Arrangement:
Here abundant flowers are amassed together and colors are mixed to form arrangements.
Planning an arrangement is important keeping in mind the right size, shape, colors and
type of flowers used and appropriate containers to hold the flowers. Long-lasting flowers
such as Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Gladioli, Tube Roses and Orchids are ideal for a
weekly once arrangement. Before buying or cutting flowers, work out the size and shape
of the display. Make sure that the arrangement harmonizes with its surroundings.
Many types of containers can be used like Jugs, Pots, Flower Vases, Teapots, Rustic
Baskets, Bottles, Big Sea Shells, Mugs, Old Watering Cans, Terracotta Pots etc.,
Different types of arrangements created in this style are:
Pedestal Arrangements
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Wall Arrangements
Rings and Wall Wreath Arrangement
Flower Spheres
Small Arrangements
Large Arrangements
2. Japanese Flower Arrangement-Ikebana
During the early part of the 7th century, the message of the Buddha kindled a new flame
in the hearts of the nature-loving Japanese. The emissary of Prince Shotuko, returning
from China brought back with him the idea of offering arranged flowers to Buddha. Thus,
Ikebana began as a kind of ritual flower offering made in Buddhist temples in Japan as a
means of achieving tranquility of soul. In these arrangements, both the flowers and the
branches were made to point toward heaven as an indication of faith. The emissary – a
gifted painter and sculptor named Ono-no-imoko – was so deeply affected by the idea
that he retired to live beside a lake(Ike) in Kyoto and became a priest(bo) dedicating
himself to the task of recreating the soul of nature in his offerings at the shrine of the
Buddha.
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Types of Flower Arrangement:
"Every flower is a soul blossoming in Nature"
It is well said "Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.
. "
Flowers are widely used for interior decoration; it gives aesthetic appeal to the ambiance. Flower arrangement is an art and it is widely used in hotel, offices, and hospitals on everyday basis. Flower arrangement may be defined as the art of organizing and grouping together plant materials to achieve harmony of form, color, and texture. They add cheer, beauty, life and happiness to the ambiance.
In hotels flowers are used extensively. There are different arrangements of flower placed on different places. Large spectacular arrangement are kept in the lobby, restaurant and small arrangement are kept in rooms, suites. The extent to which flowers are used in hotel interior depends on the degree of luxury provided. The housekeeper is responsible for all flower arrangement and their placement in most hotels.
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Types of Flower Arrangement:
Circular shape:
Arranging flower in circular design adds a pleasing element. It is satisfying to the viewer's eye. The circular or round shape is loved by nature since majority of flowers lies in this shape. In fact, it’s also easier to arrange flowers in circular fashion. This type of arrangement is laid on conference tables or on buffet tables. They can be presented to high class executives or politicians on different occasion.
Triangular shape:
It is a most common arrangement of flowers used in Personal and Professional functions. Firstly, height and width is fixed with flowers and then focal point is established. It is made in the triangle shape and looks very attractive. They are placed on the buffet table or in the side station. In ceremonies we can find this kind of arrangements.
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Crescent shape:
The crescent is asymmetrical and formal. It requires lot of skill and experience. This type of arrangement is very eye catching. It is kept in the lobby of the hotel. It is used as a focal point to catch the attention of the guest.
Fan shape:
It is a low arrangement and it does not interfere with conversation across the table. It is a fan or a horizontal in shape generally placed in the restaurant either in buffet or on dining table. Hotel rooms also have this kind of arrangement.
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Hogarth or 'S' shape:
This is very graceful style of arrangement. It is easier to make when curved branches are used. Once 'S' shape is made, flowers are filled at the center.
Ikebana: Means 'making flowers live' in Japanese. People in Japan use flowers to symbolize season. They represent ideal harmony between earthy and eternal life. In each arrangement there is an imaginary triangle tallest line represent heaven, towards the heaven is man and the lowest line looking up to both is earth. This is been practiced for past 100 years. The formal type of flower
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arrangement is called Seika style. Floating type of arrangement is called Ukibana and basket type of arrangement is called Morimano.
Flower Arranging Types:
8 basic types of flower arrnagements
Eight Basic Flower Arranging Designs:
If you are used to working with fresh flowers, it will take some time to get used to all the
possibilities and limitations when using silks. Though so similar in use, artificial flowers
are an entirely different art form. The line, focal, filler technique is an excellent way to
design artificial and dried flower arrangements.
Horizontal Arrangements:
1. Using a relatively shallow container, anchor foam with a lot of glue or use anchor pins,
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and position sprays of line flowers to establish the shape of the design.
2. Insert focal flowers in the middle so they gently droop over the lip of the container on
both sides, reach towards the line material and extend on either side of the middle.
Leave room for filler flowers.
3. Fill in and around focal area with filler flowers and foliage.
Vertical Arrangements:
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1. Wedge or secure foam in a vase with hot glue. Cut the stems of the tallest flowers or
leaves to reach three or four times the height of the vase.
2. Place the focal flowers vertically within the diameter of the vase.
3. Fill in the areas as needed with filler flowers.
Triangular Arrangements:
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1. Secure floral foam. Determine the vertical height and horizontal width with the
smallest line flowers and/or leaves. Make the height higher than the width.
2. Position the largest focal flowers in the heart of the arrangement and slightly lower to
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give weight and balance.
3. Fill in with the filler flowers and foliage keeping within the triangular shape.
Crescent Arrangements
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1. Secure foam in container. Determine length of crescent and insert curved line flowers
or leaves to follow the crescent form. Angle the shape to balance in the container.
2. Insert the focal flowers fairly low in the bowl to achieve balance, stability and depth.
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3. Fill in around the focal flowers with smaller flowers and foliage. Place wisps of filler
flowers that gracefully taper off the ends.
Oval arrangements :
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1. Secure the floral foam. Determine the height with line flowers, then frame in the outer
edges of the oval shape with light colored flowers and foliage.
2. Place the largest, strongest or brightest flowers in the focal area.
3. Fill in around the larger flowers and leaves with the filler flowers.
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Minimal Arrangements
1. Adhere foam to container. Insert vertical line flowers to determine the height, and
secure the horizontal line flowers to give the basic outline of the arrangement.
2. Place the focal flowers.
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3. Fill in with filler flowers as needed.
The lazy "S" or "Hogarth's Curve"
1. Anchor the foam securely. Bend the stems gently into graceful curves and insert them in
place so they balance.
2. Add the focal flowers following the lines of the upper and lower curves.
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3. Cluster filler blossoms & foliage around the central flowers maintaining the rhythm of the ‘S’.
Free Standing Arrangements
1. Fill a shallow container with foam that extends one inch over the top. Secure the foam
with hot glue, floral clay or floral tape. Define the shape of the design with the line
flowers and leaves.
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2. Place the focal flowers and leaves, turning the vase as you go so all the sides are even.
3. Add filler flowers to integrate the design.
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How to get ready for flower arrangement?
PURPLE ORCHID FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Making flower arrangements are not hard it's actually quite simple if you have the correct tools
for the job.
Instructions:
Requirements:
CAGES
OASIS
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CLIPPERS
WIRE PICS
FLORAL TAPE
FLOWERS
GREENERY
BANNERS
ANYTHING YOUR IMAGINATION CAN USE.
1. Step 1
Three different cages that can be used for wall or tripod mounting.
First you need to decide what type of arrangement you want to make. A standing
arrangement on a tripod? Or a table top arrangement, or even a wall arrangement. By
choosing your style makes such a difference on what you will need to start with.
2. Step 2
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Wire pieces in 4" and 6" lengths
Once you decide you will need oasis foam that fits into your cage. Usually a block is sufficient. You will then need wire pieces these are used to attach to flowers to give it a longer stem look. I usually use 8" sticks for these. You will attach most of your greenery and or flowers to these wire pieces. (If using flowers that need steady water you will have to get water tubes and insert per flower).
3. Step 3
As you can see I have floral picture holding the leaves that are into the oasis foam
You will then use floral tape to cover the wires this is done just for appearance.
Depending on the arrangement this step is not needed. If using water tubes you will
fasten the tubes to the pikes with floral tape. Remember to fill tubes with water before
doing the floral tape step.
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4. Step 4
Standing arrangement with greenery ready to have flowers inserted
Next start inserting your greenery in any direction the objective is to make the cage as
round and filled will greenery so there will be no hole when the flowers are inserted.
Next arrange your flowers into the cage, this can be done many ways I like to start in the
center and work in circles till I reach the end.
5. Step 5
Hanging arrangement on a tripod with flowers added no banner yet
Next you will add your baby breath if needed and your banner. Hook to your tripod and
enjoy.
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Floral Designing Tools and Preparation of Floral Foam:
Waterproof Tape:
It is an all-purpose method for holding either soaked or dried foam in place. It comes in three
colors: white, green and clear. The tape is waterproof and pressure sensitive. Once adhered to a
dry surface, it will remain firm and in place even when exposed to moisture. It sticks on pottery,
metal, plastic, wood, glass, ceramics... almost anything.
Waterproof Clay:
It is the designers’ tool for positioning candles and figurines. It will also anchor dry materials
like anchor pins to each other or to vases; frogs to bases, dry foam to bases etc. It is waterproof
and heat proof; can assist in positioning and holding ribbons and tissue, and will hold fruit in
place for cornucopia displays. Make sure the surface is absolutely dry and free of dust or the clay
won’t s stick.
Floral Clay Waterproof Tape:
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Waterproof tape is a fast easy and all purpose method for holding either soaked or dried foam in
place. The tape is waterproof and pressure sensitive. Once adhered to a dry surface, it will
remain firm and in place even when exposed to moisture.
Pan Melt Glue Pot:
It is a small electric pan, or glue skillet that you can either melt small pellets or (if it comes with
an attachment) broken glue sticks at a low temperature. Use it for placing your foam by waiting
until the glue is melted, but not hot, dip the four corners of the floral foam into the glue, and push
it onto the bottom of the container. Pan melt glue is also used to secure the ends of silk flowers in
foam when making large arrangements. Dip the ends of the flower stems into the pan glue before
inserting into the floral foam.
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks:
It may be used instead of pan melt glue pellets. They come in high and low temperature styles
and in various sizes.
Floral Stem Tape:
It is a strong stretchable tape adheres to itself without sticking to your fingers. It is the ideal way
to lengthen and strengthen stems. Use to create corsages, bouquets, headpieces, cascades,
nosegays or boutonnieres. As the tape is stretched, the adhesive material is activated. Stretch the
material as you wrap it around fresh, dried or silk flower stems.
Anchor Pins or Foam Prongs:
It is secure the floral foam firmly to the bottom of a vase. Affix the pin to the bottom of the vase
with hot glue or waterproof clay. Then press the foam into the pins of the prong.
Floral Wires or Stem Wires:
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It comes in different gauge sizes, colors and styles. The higher the gauge numbers the more
flexible and thinner the wire is. Floral wires come covered and uncovered as well as in different
painted colors. Choose between spooled or pre-cut wires. Floral wires are used to lengthen and
support stems. You can use them for hanging wreaths by shaping them into loops. Perfect for
securing floral material to wreaths and forms.
Candle Cups:
They are small, inexpensive containers designed to hold taper candles in floral foam. A necessity
when making centerpiece arrangements that will have taper candles in it. Use floral clay to
secure positioning of your candles.
Floral Foam:
Before floral foam was available, arranged flowers were held in place with chicken wire,
sphagnum moss, cut greens, pine needles or newspaper. Transporting arrangements was difficult
with water sloshing and flowers moving. Flowers lasted a day or two at most. The advent of
floral foam expanded the art of floral design.
There are many types of floral foam, and it comes in various shapes, styles, textures and sizes.
The blocks can easily be cut with a serrated knife (or florist knife) to fit the size of your
container.
Plastic Foam or Styrofoam:
It is coarse, non-porous foam. It is very sturdy and a good choice for working with large silk
flowers or swags. It can be cut and wedged into a container or cut smaller than the container and
secured to the bottom with hot glue or pan melt glue.
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Desert Foam of Dry Floral Foam :
It is also coarse and non-porous, but it is easier to penetrate than plastic foam. Secure to the
bottom of the container with hot glue or pan melt glue. Perfect for silk and dried floral
arrangements.
Oasis Foam or Water Holding Floral Foam:
It is highly absorbent. It is best for fresh plants, because it holds water and is easy to penetrate.
Leave a space between the foam and the sides of the container so water can be added to the
flowers. This softer, finer foam is also preferable for standard silks and dried arrangements. It is
perfect for inserting either thick or fragile stems. When using silks or dried flowers, the foam can
be cut up in blocks and stuffed inside the container or shaped to fit, and wedged securely in
place.
Floral Spray Paints :
Floral spray paints designed for dried, silk, and fresh flowers come in a rainbow of colors, including metallic’s and glitter. These sprays are used for changing the color of flowers or adding special color effects and glitter highlights.
Floral Spray Sealer :
A crystal clear spray used in floral arranging to help seal surfaces and create a shine on matt finishes.
"Frog" or Kenzan :
The "frog" or kenzan is a metal device with lots of sharp pins pointing upward. It is used when dry foam will not work, such as in a clear glass bowl or on a plate. The frog is held into place with sticky clay, and then the flower stems are placed into the frog between the steel pins.
Glass Marbles and River Rock:
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Use glass marbles and river rock in clear glass containers.
These polished glass and stone accents can be embedded into the Liquid Illusion resin for color and also can be used in and around arrangements for texture. They also add interest in the bottom of clear glass vases and containers and hide stem ends.
Glue Gun and White Crafts Glue:
A glue gun and hot melt adhesive are indispensable tools that work well for silk and dried flower arrangements. The hot melt adhesive dries quickly and is almost invisible. No crafter's toolbox should be without one. White glue can also be used for the same purpose as a hot-glue gun, but it dries more slowly.
Greening Pins (Ferning Pins) :
Greening pins (also called ferning pins) are used for stabilizing moss and securing other materials to straw or dry foam. The pins may have a "U"shape at the top or an "S"shape.
Liquid Illusion :
Liquid Illusion is used to create the illusion of water in clear glass containers while firmly holding the stems of silk flowers in place. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing. Glass floral marbles are often embedded in the hard resin for color.
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Dry Foam :
Dry foam is used specifically for dried and silk flower arranging. The dry foam will hold flower or greenery stems at any angle without the use of glue or floral picks. It is easily cut into any shape and placed into any size container.
Preparing the Saturated Foam:
Floral foam bricks self-saturate quickly and continue to wick water to the flowers for the life of
the arrangement. Water lost by evaporation or consumed by the flowers needs to be replaced.
The saturated foam is not a substitute for water. It is best to add bottled water with preservative
to your arrangement daily. As little as 10% moisture losses will cause flower wilting.
Fill a soaking container with fresh water and a proper amount of floral preservative.
The foam should be large enough to be wedged into place and extend 1 to 2" above the
rim of the vase. This allows for top and side placement of stems.
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Cut a wedge in the foam so you can add water daily. Place the cut out section at the back
of the container.
Allow foam to free float in a flat position. There should be enough water to fill the brick
and allow it to float free when fully saturated. Don’t force the saturation or air pockets
will form in the foam.
When foam is fully saturated, place in vase and tape down with waterproof tape.
Preparing Containers for Arrangements
Bowls
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Shape some foam to fit the bowl. Using waterproof clay, secure a plastic foam prong on the
bottom of the bowl. Impale the foam on the frog.
Dishes
Mound the top of the foam using extra pieces taped together with water proof tape. Using
strong glue, hot glue or pan melt glue, adhere the foam to the dish.
Tall Vases
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Stuff pieces of floral foam snugly into the entire vase with. Wedge a piece of foam that extends
an inch or two above the top of the vase.
Spherical Vases
Insert a loose ball of floral netting inside it and stretch it until it pushes against the interior
surfaces. Holding it self firmly inside the bowl.
Basic Flower Arrangements:
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Use flexible, non-corrosive florist's wire to keep flowers in place in a vase. Place some inside the vase and then wrap some around the outside of the vase.
Stones, frosted marbles, and sea glass can also act as a frog in a vase. To add an extra touch, insert tiny waterproof lights. They last about 18 hours in water. Place them under the stones to light up the stones.
Wrap curly willow wire around your hand and insert it into a round bowl vase. Add a few flowers. The willow wire will keep the flowers in place. Change the water every two to three days.
To arrange flowers in a wide-mouthed glass container, use clear florist's tape. Clean the edge of the vase with vinegar so that the tape will stick to the glass. Crisscross the tape across the opening, creating little squares. Insert flowers into each opening.
Use items around the house to make interesting and beautiful arrangements. Fill a large pitcher with hydrangeas and roses, for example.
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Fill a small teapot with dainty flowers.
Wrap a bunch of grass around your hand and insert it into a glass vase. This makes the vase look more natural.
Use rainbow foam to create a display. Just place the desired amount in a zippered bag and add water until the foam is wet. Layer the foam by color in a wide-mouthed vase. Place a sheet of plastic wrap between each layer. Add more water after each layer. Insert flowers.
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How to Make Simple Floral Arrangements?
Make Simple Floral Arrangements
It's 5 p.m. on Saturday and all of a sudden you have guests coming over in a few hours-how do
you spruce up your table? In this article, I'll offer a few different tips on how to save time, money
and make your home look wonderful. This will prepare you for any last minute get-togethers or
even planned festivities you may have.
Instructions
Requirements:
Vase
Shears
Green or clear floral tape
Plants/flowers
Decorative rocks/pebbles
Water
Bucket
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Flowers of your choice (preferably in the same color)
1. Step 1
Find a container. This can be something other than a vase! Go to your kitchen-what do
you have? Any serving bowls? Decorative bottles? Or maybe you have a great cake
platter or even a set of tea cups with a great teapot? If you have matching vases or a few
vases in different sizes and shapes, those can work too! Decide what you want to use and
place it in the kitchen.
2. Step 2
Now let's talk flowers. Go to your local grocery store or floral shop and survey what they
have. Since you don't have time to shop around all day-you'll want to pick a color scheme
first. I like a tonal palette (all flowers in the same color) or a two-tone palette-maybe
white and yellow or red and pink. Pick up 3 or 4 bunch of flowers. When you get home,
trim the ends about 1/2" using plants shears and place them in water, either in a bucket or
fill up the sink or another vase you will not be using. This will keep the flowers fresh
while you're preparing the others.
3. Step 3
If you are working with a clear container, fill the bottom of the vase with either glass
pebbles or rocks, or you can wrap a large tropical leaf around the inside to cover the
bottom of the stems. Do this before there is water in the vase. You can even tape the leaf
together so that it does not move.
4. Step 4
Fill the vase with water; just enough so the flowers are in the water and you won't have to
add more for a few days.
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5. Step 5
Now here's the secret to making your arrangement keep its shape! Take out the floral tape
and criss cross it over the top of the vase, making a whole bunch of smaller squares. This
is going to create a "frog" so that the flowers don't fall over. It will help the arrangement
hold in place-just like the pros do! Take the tape and make the rows about 1" apart
covering the top of the container.
6. Step 6
To make the most chic arrangements, I like them low and tight. To accomplish this you'll
want to cut the stems so that the flowers are about 3 to 4 inches taller than the vase. Clean
off all the leaves that might get into the water. It's the leaves that start to disintegrate and
turn the water brown and stinky-so keep the leaves out of the water!
7. Step 7
Start in one corner of the container and begin to add the flowers, working your way
around, adding flowers close together so there are no gaps. You may need to trim the
stems as you go along, depending on the placement in the vase. These arrangements
generally take shape like a soft arc, kind of like the top of a ball rounding down to the
corners with the center being higher. Allow a few flowers to lean over the edges-or
better, if you have any leaves or berries, you can drape them over the edge.
8. Step 8
Turn it around and admire, isn't it beautiful? Now you can place it anywhere, from a
center table piece to a console table to a desk. You can place it alone or make a series of
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3 smaller arrangements using similar colors and place together along a coffee table or
dining table.
Homemade Wedding Bouquets: The Basics
Want to create your own bridal bouquet? From single stem to blossoming bushel, just follow
these simple instructions for a classic dome shaped wedding bouquet.
A simple single-flower wedding bouquet is not difficult to make, and the classic dome shape of
this round bridal bouquet complements most wedding gowns. Be sure to stick to hardier flowers
like roses, which are easier to arrange and can endure a little manhandling. To make a bridal
bouquet about 8 inches in diameter, just follow the instructions below. This bouquet takes
between 30 and 60 minutes to construct, and about 30 to 60 stems.
Instructions:
Requirements:
30 to 60 stems of a hardy flower like the rose (20 to 40 for each bridesmaid bouquet).
Find other hardy wedding flowers.
Bucket
Paper towels
Ribbon (in a complementary color), 1 to 2 inches wide
Rubber bands or green waxed floral tape
Stem cutter or very sharp knife
Stem stripper
Straight pins or pearl-tipped corsage pins
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Step 1: Preparing the Flowers
Use your hands or a stem stripper to remove excess foliage and thorns, and pull off
damaged or unattractive outer petals.
Fill a sink or bucket with water, and holding the stems underwater use the stem cutter or
knife to cut the stems at an angle about 2 inches from the bottom.
Allow the flowers to drink for a few seconds with the stem ends underwater, then place
the stems in a bucket filled halfway with cool water until you are ready to use them.
Knot Note:
If you're working with roses and the heads aren't open yet, you can force the blooms open
by placing the stems in a bucket of hot water; but only do this for a couple of minutes just
before you are going to use the roses, or you might kill them otherwise.
Keep the stems long while you work with them and trim them to a shorter length when
you've finished constructing the bouquet.
Step 2: Assembling the Flowers
Take one stem at a time with one hand, and use your other hand to hold the flowers in
place.
Assemble four flowers at an even height in a square shape -- these will be at the center of
the dome.
Arrange the other flowers one by one around the center flowers to create a dome shape.
Knot Note:
To better see what the bouquet will look like in your hand, stand in front of a mirror as
you construct the bouquet to observe how the shape is progressing.
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Step 3: Securing the Bouquet
Use a rubber band or floral tape to bind the stems at the spot where they naturally join
(about 3 to 4 inches below the flower heads).
Repeat the binding toward the end of the stems, leaving about 2 inches of excess stem
beneath the bind to trim later.
Either place the stems in water and wrap them later or continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Finish the Handle
Cut the stem ends so they are all the same length, about 7 to 8 inches long.
Dry off the stems with a paper towel.
Cut a length of ribbon about three times as long as the length of the stems.
Tuck the end of the ribbon inside the top bind and start wrapping in a spiral down the
length of the stem.
When you reach the bottom, wrap in a spiral back up the stem.
At the top, tuck the cut end of the ribbon underneath and secure with a couple of pins
pushed through the ribbon and into the stems. If you'd like a bow, cut a separate length of
ribbon and tie it just beneath the flower heads.
Step 5: Preserving the Bouquet
Wrap the bouquet in tissue.
Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to leave for the ceremony.
For ultimate freshness, it's best to make the bouquet the morning of the wedding. Once the
bouquet is constructed, keep the bare stems in water as long as you can and mist the heads well.
Then when you're ready, wrap the stems.
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How to Make Your Own Funeral Flower Arrangements:
Funeral floral arrangements are not difficult to make (see reference 1), and making your own will
not only save money but also add a personal touch to your floral offering. Funeral arrangements
can include large wrapped green or flowering plants, large floral arrangements, and specialty
designs like crosses mounted on easels (see reference 2). A classically simple but showy floral
arrangement is described here.
Instructions
Requirements:
Small, sharp knife
Scissors
1 block floral foam (be sure to get wettable foam, not Styrofoam, for silk flowers)
1 sturdy, inexpensive vase/container (about the size of a gallon milk jug)
Green vase tape
7 branches of tall greenery (at least 24 inches)
Shorter greenery for filler (such as fern, boxwood or podocarpus)
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6 carnations, roses or large mums
1 bunch daisy mums or pompom chrysanthemums
1 bunch filler flowers (flowers with tiny blooms in clusters, like baby's breath)
5, 6 inch wooden floral picks (with wire on one end)
3 yards of wide ribbon (at least 1.5 inches wide)
1 sympathy/identification card
1. Step 1
If you choose to use greenery from your yard, cut it the night before you need it and put
cut ends in water to hydrate. Alternatively, if you choose to purchase greenery from a
flower shop, it will already be hydrated.
2. Step 2
Soak floral foam until saturated. Place foam in container and secure with vase tape across
top of container. Cut and wedge extra pieces of foam on sides of foam block if necessary
for stability.
3. Step 3
Cut greenery to appropriate length and insert securely into floral foam. The greenery
should form a triangle as illustrated and be about 2.5 times the height of the container.
Most funeral arrangements are one-sided; that is, they are flat in the back.
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4. Step 4
Cut the ends of your larger flowers at an angle and insert into floral foam as illustrated.
5. Step 5
Cut the ends of your pompoms or daisies and insert in the spaces around your larger
flowers. Repeat this process with your filler flowers, trying to balance the spaces in your
arrangement by placing the fillers evenly.
6. Step 6
Gather ribbon into single or double loops, secure with wire on end of your wooden floral
picks, and tuck into your arrangement near the bottom to create a focal point. Make tails
for your loop by securing flat ribbon to your wooden floral pick and arrange the tails
hanging down in front of your vase.
7. Step 7
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Fill out identification card, which can be obtained from a flower shop or hobby store.
Secure the card to the arrangement so the funeral directors know where the arrangement
is supposed to go and the family knows who sent the arrangement.
9 Steps to Making a Great Flower Arrangement
There is so much general information on the internet about what types of flowers to use basic guidelines when arranging flowers, etc. There is a distinct lack of step-by-step information for beginners to use to make their flower arrangement a success.Due to this lack of information, below you will find 9 steps to a great flower arrangement that is aimed at the new flower arranger. The steps are easy to follow and ensure that your flower arrangement not only looks great and professional, but also lasts for as long as possible.
Step 1 –
Select the container that you are going to use and cut your floral foam to fit the container. It is recommended to start with a round container; however the technique that follows is suited to any container.
Step 2 –
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Soak your foam in a preservative solution. By soaking the foam in the preservative solution before you begin, you allow the foam to absorb the preservative solution, ensuring that there is a sufficient amount to be effective.
Step 3 –
Tape the wet foam down into the container. This will ensure that when making heavy arrangements or arrangements that are going to be moved regularly that the foam stays in its place within the container.
Step 4 –
Hide the foam and cover the edges of the container with a selection of fill material. It is important when working with live flowers that you select a live fill material, this will prevent the fill material from prematurely rotting and spoiling the preservative solution. (Not to mention your arrangement!)
Step 5 –
Select your first flower and begin to arrange it in a circular pattern around the container. When you are happy with how they look, insert the stems into the foam. This should be a simple case of sliding the stem into the wet foam. If you experience difficulty with this step, you can pre-poke the holes for the stems.
Step 6 –
Add a few of your selected flowers to the center of your container. Bear in mind that your final result will be a dome shaped arrangement, so consider this when selecting the height to use.
Step 7 –
Continue with your selection of flowers, gradually increasing the height as you approach the center of your container. The end result that you are
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Flower arrangement
aiming for is a dome effect, with the peak in the center. The aim is to create a fairly even distribution of color and types of flowers throughout your arrangement.
Step 8 –
You now have the majority of the work done. Add your selected fill material in bare areas of your arrangement between your main flowers. You want to separate the blooms (if they touch) so that they will not be able to crush each other, and they have adequate ventilation space around them.
Step 9 –
This one is simple. All you need to do now is add some more preservative solution to the container and select where your new arrangement is going to be located.
P.S.: Even fruits and vegetables can be made into a dome shaped arrangement
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Learning and Conclusion:
1) Flower arrangement taught me the new ideas for arranging the flowers into
attractive bouquets.
2) This assignment helps me to understand the importance of flower
arrangement in housekeeping department.
3) Due to learning of flower arrangement it is very easy for me to prepare the
bouquet in home only without much expense.
4) Flower arrangement is a very economic and good job for the women who
eager to start their business.
5) Flower arrangement gives idea regarding the management skills and
creativity.
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Bibliography
1) Britannica Floral decoration
2) Ancient Flowers Found in Egypt Coffin , National Geographic
3) Ancient China's Flower Arrangements , New York Times
4) History of Flower Arranging Info
5) History of Flower Arrangements Article
6) www.amazon.co.uk
7) www.wikipedia.org
8) www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floristry
9) www.the flower expert.com
10) www. floral craftresource.com
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11) http://www.itslife.in/2007/05/ikebana-the-japanese-art-of-flower-
arrangement#ixzz0bOliMOMv
12) http://www.itslife.in/2007/05/introduction-to-flower-
arrangements#ixzz0bOhBU9PV
13) www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_flower_ arrangement
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