Artistic Flower Arrangements

Hello fellow bloggers,

I just wanted to let you know that I will be presenting a series of 6 articles on the principles of flower arranging. The articles will cover Balance, Emphasis, Harmony, Proportion, Rhythm and Unity. I hope you will find them informative and useful. Thanks for being one of my readers.   Spread the word and let others know about my blog.

Judy

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What can be more special than creating your own flower arrangement for an upcoming holiday or birthday? You will make the gift special and impress your friends and loved ones. The idea may be overwhelming. This is natural when trying something new and you are unsure it will turn out right. If you are creative and have a strong affinity for flowers, than you can do it. It is a lot easier than you think. This article contains suggestions that the pros use when they make those fantastic flower arrangements. By the end of this article, you will be flower arranging like the pros. Refer to flowers for more information.

The first step is picking the right flowers. Try to pick colors and shapes of flowers that will work well together. Place them next to one another and judge how they look. There are occasions that you will want to use the same flower or color of flowers. Sometimes different colors of the same flower might work well together.

Roses, carnations, zinnias, tulips or lilies, usually are the central focus of arrangements. This is because they are single bloom flowers. Think about adding flowers with large stems to make up the back of the arrangement. This helps balance the arrangement out and give it depth. Think about using delphinium, gladiolus, and snapdragons to accomplish this effect. Small buds and multiple buds give an  arrangement fullness and density. Babys breath is a good example of this type flower.

The next item that you need to choose is the vase or container that you plan to use. Again, consider the size, shape, and color of the vase. Does it match or clash with your flower arranging  choices? Think about the width of the container. Will it be to big or small to hold the number of flowers you have chosen. A good rule of thumb is your container should be about one-third to one-half the size of your flower arrrangement. If you pick a short vase, consider you will have to cut the stems of flowers so that they will fit. With some flowers this will not work. If you have short flowers, they may not reach the water below in the vase.

Once you have your vase and container you are ready to make your arrangement. Begin by cutting each flower stem diagonally about one inch from the bottom. Do this while holding the end of the stem under warm water. This cut will ensure that each stem will be able to absorb water moisture and nutrients efficiently. Fill your vase half way with water. As you cut each flower put them into the container so that they will be in water. You are not arranging them yet.

After you have cut all the flowers, fill your actual vase two thirds of the way with warm water. Look at the vase and make sure that it is not leaking. Begin your arrangement by placing your blossom flowers in the vase. Step away and see how it looks. If you judge that the stems are too long you will need to cut them. You may run into the flowers being too short. You may need to change the container if this is the case. You can also add stones or marbles into the bottom of the vase.

Continue to add flowers and cut them as you need to change the proportions and look to your arrangement. As you add more flowers, they will stay in position better.

Once you have completed your arrangement, make sure that you pick the perfect place to display your work of art. It should be in a cool place that is not too drafty. Change the water on a regular basis. If you have trouble getting inspired, look in magazines and websites that have flower arrangement displays. Print them out and try to duplicate them on your own. You may even improve on it. Your friends and family will be impressed. Visit flowers for further information.

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I just finished a new article on Flower Arranging Styles. Why not check it out for yourself, I think you just might enjoy it.

Learn about Flower arranging – FREE lesson and newsletter

Perfect is in the Eye of the Creator

Your flower arrangements don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. They don’t have to be big, costly, or time consuming. All they have to be is your very own creation and magnificent in your eyes. You don’t need extravagant. In fact, extravagant is probably too much. Don’t go to any great expense to make your flower arrangements. Opt for simple and unique.

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Flowers are Beautiful in All Kinds of Containers, Not Just Vases

The best arrangements are unique arrangements, and the best way to create a one-of-a-kind flower arrangement is to not only get creative with the flowers, but to get imaginative with the containers. Vases, although classic, are not the only things you can use. Look around your house for any open container. Bowls, glasses, ceramics, teapots, bottles, baskets, decorative boxes, or anything imaginative that you can get your hands on are great for holding flowers. Don’t worry if the container you choose doesn’t hold water. You can always place a smaller vase, bottle, or container inside of it where it is hidden.

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Sometimes Flower Scents are not a Good Thing

Always keep in mind that your flowers do have a scent. There’s nothing worse than making a flower arrangement that does not appeal to the sense of smell. Many times, the scent of your flower arrangement is too powerful for a small room or dinner table. Often, flower scents are too strong or unpleasant for some people and can cause them to get sick. For example, strong scented gardenias or lilies are probably not good options for small or hot rooms or dinner tables. Some flowers are what we call “stinkers.” They just don’t smell good or don’t smell good to some people. If the flower doesn’t smell that good in a flower shop, it definitely will not smell good when it is placed in a small area.

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Flowers like to be Cool

Although an arrangement of flowers looks absolutely gorgeous in warm sunlight, they do not like it. Flowers do not thrive in warm temperatures. They need to be kept in cool locations in order for them to last longer. Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, large lights, heating vents, heaters, active fire places, stoves, and appliances. If you must put your flowers in a warm location, make sure you water them frequently with cold water. Adding an ice cube or two every once in a while will also help them last longer.

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Flowers Always Need to be Cut with a Sharp Knife or Pair of Scissors

Never use a dull knife or pair of scissors to cut your flowers. Only a sharp knife or pair of scissors can give you the sharp, straight edge you need. A sharp, even cut is necessary to allow the water to absorb into the flower stems. A dull cut causes tattered and frayed edges, which hinders water and nutrient absorption and makes your flowers die faster.

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