flower care tips

Flower Care Tips

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers: For floral arrangements Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions. For loose bunches or boxed flowers Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared. Selecting Flowers When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening. article source: http://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-a-plant-information-and-photos/flower-a-plant-care-tips/287-flower-care-tips.html

Eight Basic Flower Arranging Designs

Eight Basic Flower Arranging Designs
If  you are used to working with fresh flowers, it will take some time to get used to all the possibilities and limitations when using silks. Though so similar in use, artificial flowers are an entirely different art form. The line, focal, filler technique is an excellent way to design artificial and dried flower arrangements.


 Horizontal Arrangements

1. Using a relatively shallow container, anchor foam with a lot of glue or use anchor pins, and position sprays of line flowers to establish the shape of the design.

2. Insert focal flowers in the middle so they gently droop over the lip of the container on both sides, reach towards the line material and extend on either side of the middle. Leave room for filler flowers.

3. Fill in and around focal area with filler flowers and foliage.


 Vertical Arrangements



1. Wedge or secure foam in a vase with hot glue. Cut the stems of the tallest flowers or leaves to reach three or four times the height of the vase.
 2. Place the focal flowers vertically within the diameter of the vase.
 3. Fill in the areas as needed with filler flowers.


 Triangular Arrangements



1. Secure floral foam. Determine the vertical height and horizontal width with the smallest line flowers and/or leaves. Make the height higher than the width.


2. Position the largest focal flowers in the heart of the arrangement and slightly lower to give weight and balance.
 
3. Fill in with the filler flowers and foliage keeping within the triangular shape.

Crescent Arrangements

 
1. Secure foam in container. Determine length of crescent and insert curved line flowers or leaves to follow the crescent form. Angle the shape to balance in the container.


2. Insert the focal flowers fairly low in the bowl to achieve balance, stability and depth.


3. Fill in around the focal flowers with smaller flowers and foliage. Place wisps of filler flowers that gracefully taper off the ends.


Oval arrangements



1. Secure the floral foam. Determine the height with line flowers, then frame in the outer edges of the oval shape with light colored flowers and foliage.



2. Place the largest, strongest or brightest flowers in the focal area.


3. Fill in around the larger flowers and leaves with the filler flowers.

 
Minimal Arrangements


1. Adhere foam to container. Insert vertical line flowers to determine the height, and secure the horizontal line flowers to give the basic outline of the arrangement.

2. Place the focal flowers.

 

3. Fill in with filler flowers as needed.

The lazy "S" or "Hogarth's Curve"


 
1. Anchor the foam securely. Bend the stems gently into graceful curves and insert them in place so they balance.


2. Add the focal flowers following the lines of the upper and lower curves.


3. Cluster filler blossoms and foliage around the central flowers maintaining the rhythm of the ‘S’.

Free Standing Arrangements
 


1. Fill a shallow container with foam that extends one inch over the top. Secure the foam with hot glue, floral clay or floral tape. Define the shape of the design with the line flowers and leaves.


2. Place the focal flowers and leaves, turning the vase as you go so all the sides are even.


3. Add filler flowers to integrate the design.




article source: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/eigbasflowar.html

flower arrangement