Floral Arranger
Insider Info
Martha Stewart's a bona fide pro, but anybody can become a flower arranger
with a little time and patience.
Floral arrangers combine artistic flair and a green thumb to create stunning
displays that look like a professional job. So get out your vases, scissors
and floral tape and start arranging!
Arranging flowers may sound simple, but there is more to it than just throwing
some flowers in a vase. As flowers are becoming more and more popular, people
are taking more care in how they are displayed. Sometimes, they turn their
hobby into a profitable business.
People of all ages and abilities can get involved in flower arranging since
it is fairly simple and can be done at home with relatively little cost.
Since beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements can be shown off in many
different types of vases and containers, you probably already have most of
the supplies around your house.
When getting started, as with most things, it is best to keep things as
simple and inexpensive as possible. Use containers that you already have at
home, use flowers from your own garden, and get inspiration and instruction
from library books.
However, if you really get into this hobby, there are definitely a few
supplies you'll want to keep on hand:
- flowers (of course!)
- greens (like fern leaves)
- foam
- floral flood solution
- floral tape
- scissors
- containers (anything from antique tea pots to simple glass jars)
- ribbons and other accessories
All of these items can range from very cheap to quite expensive, depending
on the kind of arrangement you want to do and what flowers you want to use:
fresh, dried or silk, or roses, orchids or carnations. Visit your local florist
or garden center to get a better idea regarding supplies and costs.
Another place to find out more information on floral arranging is online.
Tons of step-by-step instructions can be found for free on the Internet. Do
a search on floral arranging or start off by checking out some of the sites
listed below.
Many people become hooked on floral arranging and decide to do it full
time. There are schools where you can learn all the tricks of the trade, from
basic arranging to opening your own business.
However, before you plunk down hundreds of dollars on tuition, consider
the many floral arranging courses that are often offered through community
centres.
So you've invested a couple of dollars, have your supplies and an idea
in mind, but still need some tips on how to get started -- you've come to
the right place!
Getting Started
Flower arrangements can be shown off in many different types of vases and
containers. The possibilities are endless -- from an antique teapot or brass
urn to an elegant crystal vase or a simple glass jar. Avoid containers made
of steel or iron.
Make sure your vase is leak-proof, and has a neck and water reservoir large
enough for your flowers to fit comfortably.
For some flower arrangements, you may also want to use a brick of floral
foam -- a substance that, when saturated, holds flowers in place.
Be sure to soak your foam in water containing a floral flood solution.
Let the foam absorb water at its own rate. Cut it to fit the shape of your
container, leaving enough space for reserve water. Floral foam cuts easier
when wet.
If your flowers don't stand up, it could be that your vase is too short
for your flowers, or your flowers are too tall for your vase! A good rule
of thumb: the height of your vase should be about half as tall as your flowers.
Build a grid across the top of your vase with clear tape. Then place the
flowers in the grid.
If you've cut your flowers too short, don't worry. Just add pebbles or
marbles to the bottom of your vase, or simply float the head of a broken flower
in a clear bowl for an attractive display.
To avoid "spill over" when watering your flowers, use a baster to reach
into narrow vases and full arrangements.
Links
An Introduction to Flower Arranging
Information for beginning floral arrangers
History of Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging)
Tons of info, photos and instructions on the art of ikebana
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