Flower Arranging Styles
By Judith A. Babb
Flowers are a symbol of beauty. And a well arranged set
with a few additions brings out a beauty that touches the soul whether the
observer realizes it or not.
All flower arrangements stress on the use of natural flowers as the beauty they
provide is unmatched by that of
artificial flowers. Any arrangement can be made
beautiful only if the right kinds of flowers are used. To make
floral arrangements last
longer flowers should be used as buds that have bloomed a little but not opened
up completely. As soon as the flowers are cut they need to be put in a special
flower solution, though if that is not available warm water could be used. The
flowers should not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Any of the leaves that
lie below the waterline should be removed. And stems need to be re-cut and the
water changed periodically to keep the arrangements looking beautiful for a
longer time.
Receive a FREE specially selected sample
of my ebook to download and keep for yourself.
Discover how YOU can become a flower
arrangement specialist and save up to $800 a year
or more over the cost of a florist while creating
beautiful and unique flower arrangements for
yourself, family and friends!
With my quick step-by-step method of flower arranging you can now become a floral arrangement specialist.
“FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS MADE SIMPLE”
Written by Judith A. Babb
To download your FREE sample click on the button below.
(You are under no obligation to buy.)
Western flower arrangements are divided among 8-10 different types:
• Horizontal Style Flower Arranging
A very
shallow container is used to make this type of flower arrangement. It has
strong, low horizontal lines that are parallel with the surface on which it Is
placed. Many times the longest stems are extended beyond the normal proportions
resulting in an enhanced horizontal line. In addition they are often angled
downward, providing a soft arching look. This design is considered to be a
restful and tranquil arrangement since it provides a feeling of stability.
Normally this design will feature a single large flower as its focal point. This
particular arrangement is perfect for a dining room or coffee table. One might
also consider using this arrangement on a windowsill, shelf or as an accent
under a picture.
• Vertical Style Flower Arranging
A vertical
flower arrangement
has an overall appearance of power and strength. The vertical style most often
requires a focal point either near the top of the arrangement or the rim. In a
true vertical design, the materials used will remain within the width of the
container and very seldom will it extend beyond the sides. The finished product
will be a very tall floral arrangement. Most times you will find lilies, roses,
and carnations used in this type of arrangement. Cattails, thistle and twigs are
also a popular material found in this arrangement style.
• Triangle Style Flower Arranging
Most arrangements used for ceremonies are of this kind. Here the centre is made
of the tallest flower stem and the other flowers are cut to size to arrange
around the centre and maintain the triangular shape. The triangle can be either
symmetrical, having three equal sides, which will make the arrangement appear to
as wide as it is tall. This type of triangle is usually looked at as formal. Or
the triangle can be asymmetrical with three unequal sides. This design has a
vertical axis positioned off center, with the floral materials being placed
unequally on each side. This type of triangle would normally be considered as
less formal and more natural in appearance.
• Crescent Style Flower Arranging
The Crescent arrangement captures the shape of the moon and
is also known as a “C” shaped design. Because of the crescent shape this style
requires a strong focal point to maintain its visual balance. This involves
using curved shaped flower stems selected based on the crescent’s size.
Gladiola and carnations with flexible stems work well here. Crescents used with
a downward curve are found many times in bridal bouquets.
• Oval Style Flower Arranging
There are two types of oval
flower arrangement designs, oval and pointed oval.
The oval design
is a variation of a circular form with its shape being elliptical to the eye.
Oval arrangements are always symmetrically balanced and are generally one sided
but they can also be all sided too.
The pointed oval is
a more elongate shape than the oval. They are mostly arranged as an all sided
arrangement with the tops being more peaked than rounded in design. The pointed
oval at times can resemble a tear drop shape. The oval designs are always
symmetrically balanced. Both the oval and the pointed oval flower arrangements
are usually used in formal settings.
• Minimal Style Flower Arranging
The minimal arrangement is great to
use for an indoor decoration. The main focus is kept at
the focal flower and few others are used. Minimal
arrangements can be created by determining the height
using a vertical line of flowers, and providing a
horizontal line of flowers to give a basic outline. This
is an arrangement were the “less is more” theory
applies.
• Lazy "S" or "Hogarth's Curve" Style Flower
Arranging
Called the Lazy “S” as flowers are
arranged to form an approximate “S” shape, this
arrangement is a very complex type and usually requires
a lot of professional skill. This type of arrangement
is visualized as two semicircles, one placed on top of
the other with the focal area being between both the
upward and downward curving lines. The stems of flowers
used in this arrangement are bent into gentle curves.
• Fan-Shaped Style Flower Arranging
Fan
shaped designs are half circles, one-sided and
symmetrically balanced. They are typically wider than
they are tall. It is noted that this particular shape
technically should be twice as wide as it is tall. The
materials used in this style appear to radiate from the
central point and are designed with equal weight on each
side of the central vertical axis. The materials on
each side may look alike, or as long as both sides are
equal to the eye, the flowers need not be the same. To
help keep the visual balance of the design, smaller and
lighter colored flowers are normally used at the outer
areas with the larger and darker or brighter flowers
placed closer to the center.
The
landscape style flower arrangement is one that resembles
a large area of nature such as manicured gardens or
landscaped areas. They use foliage, flowers and branches
to represent the landscape design. They are usually
arranged with taller materials in in the back, making
the arrangement display one sided. The use of clay
pots, twigs, rocks, moss, sand, etc., are used to add
detail to the arrangement. Most of the materials used
are found within the same environment and during the
same seasonal period.
A famous
flower arranging technique from Japan is the Ikebana. As with everything
from the orient, this technique is not just about putting flowers together but
has an underlying philosophy and set of rules that result in awe inspiring
arrangements. The delicate use of leaves, twigs and seed pods in addition with
the flowers bring out the unison that exists in Nature and how it can be used to
create beauty with the use of minimum resources. Ikebana, though a complete art
in itself is not esoteric. There is plenty of room for amateurs and anyone
willing to put in a little time and effort can acquire sufficient skills to make
beautiful arrangements. The masterpieces though would require a highly skilled
expert to work on them.
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.
A look at some of the most popular
flower arranging styles.
A whimsical look at some myths and
facts about valentines and a lesson on putting together an
arrangement for your sweetie.
A
journey through time and how the art of flower arrangements came
into being.
Ever been in
a situation of having to decide whether to purchase a floral
arrangement made of plastic or silk flowers over one made of
fresh flowers? Actually the right choice is much easier than it
seems.
While being
an extremely rewarding experience, there are a few
things not to do when making flower arrangements that
can help get you off in the right direction.
A simple
step by step method to creating a dome shaped flower
arrangement with no experience required.
Receive a FREE specially selected sample
of my ebook to download and keep for yourself.
Discover how YOU can become a flower
arrangement specialist and save up to $800 a year
or more over the cost of a florist while creating
beautiful and unique flower arrangements for
yourself, family and friends!
With my quick step-by-step method of flower arranging you can now become a floral arrangement specialist.
“FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS MADE SIMPLE”
Written by Judith A. Babb
To download your FREE sample click on the button below.
(You are under no obligation to buy.)
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