Decorating with flowers is a great way to instantly add life and color to a room. Floral design principles can be used when working with fresh, dried, fake and paper flowers. Choose the flowers you want to use, a pretty container, any ribbon or other decorative additions. Read on to learn how to make handcrafted flower arrangements.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Prepare the Project
Step 1. Choose the colors of the flowers and foliage
If you want to accent a room in your home or decorate it for a special event, you will need to choose your colors carefully. Choose from one to four different colors that complement each other well.
- For a bold visual effect, go for a bright color, like an all-crimson bouquet.
- Mix it with green foliage for a natural effect.
- Think of yourself as a painter when deciding which colors complement each other. You could refer to a color wheel to help you make your decision.
- You can't go wrong if you choose your favorite shades. If they make you happy, you will also be happy with your flower arrangement, so you don't have to feel constrained by traditional choices.
Step 2. Sketch a version of the flower arrangement you want to create
Use pencil, paper, and some colored pencils to make a rough sketch before going to a florist or craft store. You don't have to draw a perfect representation of what you want, but sketching it out will help you figure out what kind of look you are going to achieve.
- Are you looking for a natural effect of hand-picked flowers? We recommend different colors, shapes and textures.
- For a more formal arrangement, you could stick to a classic shaped type of flower.
- If you're making a decoration for a party, you can also add seasonal pieces such as cornucopias for Thanksgiving or snowman cutouts that can be placed in a vase.
- When thinking about your floral project, decide whether it will have a horizontal or vertical arrangement. A vertical design often features a taller vase with flowers extending higher in the center and lower around the edges instead. A horizontal design has a shallower vase and prefers flowers that are slightly taller in the center which, towards the ends, hang out.
Step 3. Decide which container to use
The container is essential for a flower arrangement. Determine what size and shape you would like it to be. Here are some options:
- Traditional glass vases highlight the beauty of the flowers without standing out too much.
- Vases or boxes made of ceramic, wood, aluminum, and other materials are also good enough for a handcrafted flower arrangement.
- Consider using a jar, old ceramic pitcher, or other item you already have on your hands to add a personal touch to your arrangement.
Step 4. Visit a flower market or craft shop for your supplies
Now that you've got your project in order, it's time to put together what you need. Depending on the type of composition you are making, you will need some or all of the following:
- Different types of flowers
- Greenery, such as moss and ferns
- A sponge block or “florist's block” to insert into your container
- Other decorative pieces, such as buttons, ribbons and / or seasonal elements
- Florist's ribbon green, white or clear
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Prepare the Composition
Step 1. Make sure the sponge fits snugly against the bottom of the container:
it will serve to anchor the stems of your flowers to keep them in place.
- If the sponge is too small, you can cut a piece of it to get the same effect. Soak it for a few minutes to soften it. Trace the height of the container on the sponge, using a cutter to cut the shape. Put it in the bottom of the container.
- You can skip this step for artificial flower arrangements, since they tend to stay fixed unaided.
- If you don't have a utility knife, you should be able to cut the sponge with a pair of scissors.
Step 2. Make a grid with the ribbon
If you use a large decorative bowl as a container for your flowers, having a ribbon grid over the opening will also prevent the flowers and other elements from moving. Arrange half a dozen pieces of ribbon horizontally in the direction of the opening and six more vertically. This will allow you to fix the flowers within a well-ordered structure.
Step 3. Prepare your flowers
Cut the leaves near the bottom of the stem with scissors, to remove the bulb and help them stay fresh longer. Trim the flowers to the desired length with a diagonal cut. The shallower the container, the more you will have to cut.
- Consider cutting the stems of different types of flowers to different lengths. This will add layers to the floral design.
- If you're not sure how much to cut, give it a try and keep the flowers in a bouquet next to your container to estimate how tall each one should be.
Step 4. Insert the stems into the container
Make sure the tips are wedged into the sponge. In the container, place the tallest, boldest blooms first, then fill in the gaps with the other complementary flowers you've selected. Keep filling the container until the arrangement feels balanced and complete.
Step 5. Turn the composition over when it is mostly filled with flowers
Check its appearance from each side to make sure it has its own consistency. Fill any holes with other flowers or remove them if the area feels too full.
Step 6. Add your greenery and decorations
Ivy, ferns or Gypsophila make the flowers stand out while adding rich shades of green to your design. Depending on your design, greenery can surround your flowers at the bottom, come off the vase itself in places, or stay higher up among the flowers.
- You can put moss around the sponge where you can see it. For example, you can use moss around the sponge in a clear vase or at the top of a basket arrangement.
- Instead of using moss, you can fill the area around the sponge with other objects. Consider buttons, glass stones, corks or shells.
Step 7. Pour the water into the container
Don't forget this finishing touch! You definitely want your composition to last as long as possible.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Try Special Compositions
Step 1. Make a Thanksgiving composition
Use orange, brown, yellow and red flowers, as well as holiday-themed decorative items to create a beautiful arrangement for your Thanksgiving table.
Step 2. Make a composition for Easter:
pretty pastel colors and soft summer shades are indicated. Buy decorative eggs, bunnies, chicks and other Easter decorations to accentuate the effect of your flowers.
Step 3. Make a summer centerpiece
Use the most colorful and most generous flowers of the year to create your summer composition. This is the time of year to use lots of big, noticeable colors and shapes.
Step 4. Make a wedding arrangement
Use the colors chosen by the bride and add wedding bells, lovebirds or another cuddly element to compose a beautiful wedding centerpiece.
Advice
- Strengthen synthetic flower arrangements by adding a small amount of hot glue to each stem before inserting it into the sponge block. It is a good idea to do some practical tests before creating stationary compositions, in order to save on materials.
- To emphasize the green, use leaves, such as clematis or lilacs. You can save on fresh flower arrangements by cutting leaves from your garden.
- Add fake berries to flower arrangements to give a sparkling effect. They are available in clusters at most craft stores.
- Create small but effective compositions by adding clear, tall flowers to funnel-shaped vases or ice cream glasses. These arrangements can create a halo of flowers.
- Experiment with using colorful vases with colorful flowers. Instead of decorating a room with flowers in different colors, use flowers in the same shade as a vase that matches the rest of the decor.
