9 Steps to Making A Great Flower Arrangement

By Judith A. Babb

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 – 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 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

                                                   

 

Judith A. Babb is a self-taught floral design expert and author of "Flower Arrangements Made Simple", loves to see everyone enjoy the beauty of flower arrangements has created an easy step by step guide available at http://www.artisticflowerarrangements.com. Sign up for the free monthly newsletter "Flower Talk" and receive numerous tips and techniques for making your own flower arrangements.

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