How to Make Fabulous Flower Arrangements

I love flowers! I think it started when I got to be the flower girl in my uncle’s wedding when I was about 6 years old. My family says that I barely wanted to drop the rose petals from my basket. I guess I did not want to let them go! 

Flowers are so beautiful! I try to keep fresh flowers in the house as much as possible and I use them whenever I entertain. A simple flower arrangement can add that special touch to any occasion!

I have always wanted to take a floral arrangement class so when I saw a local class advertised on Groupon I decided to go for it!

The class was so fun, informative, and relaxing. The perfect way to spend a warm summer evening! Manuela is the owner of A Bed of Roses. She was a great instructor!  I highly recommend taking her class! However, if you are unable to get to a class, here are some basic tips and techniques that I learned from the class that you can try at home! First, gather a few materials you will need:

1. A small to medium size vase
2.  Clippers/Scissors
3. Clear floral tape for grid-I will explain. (You can find this at Michael’s or other craft stores)
4. Pitcher of water
5. Spray bottle for water
6. Towel
7. Block or small crate to support vase and raise its level as you arrange your flowers
8. Beautiful flowers! 
9. Oh and a glass of wine to get those creative juices flowing! You can sip and snip! 

I recommend going to the flower mart downtown to find beautiful flowers at a great price. It is an amazing place to visit! However, if you don’t have time to go downtown, I recommend your local farmers’ market. 

You can find beautiful flowers at a great price as well! I like to select flowers in the same color family with a few pops of contrasting color. Most florists will be happy to help you select fabulous flowers for your arrangement! Once you have your flowers and materials you are ready to begin. I like to do my flower arranging outside in a shaded area. Arranging flowers can get pretty messy!

The key is using the clear floral tape to make a grid pattern on the opening of your vase. This will keep your flowers in place and it will be easier to cover your mechanics (tape on the vase). There is no need to use the green floral foam with this technique.

Important Tips:

1. Make your center grid squares a little larger than the other squares. Add tape around the rim of the vase to secure your grid work.
2. Be sure to pull the leaves off the stems. You don’t want any leaves in the water.
3. Be sure to make a fresh cut of your stems and place them in the water right away. This will help the flowers last longer.

Start with your large wide flowers first, like hydrangeas in the center then add your next size flowers-like roses. Add in other flowers such as those with cascading stems and greenery. 

You can make grouping of different flowers in various heights or make it symmetrical, be creative and just design your flowers keeping in mind all angles and points of view. 

Once you have your flowers arranged the way you like, if needed you can add lemon tree leaves on the stem or other sturdy leaf stems to lift and add support to your arrangement around the bottom as seen in the picture above. It also helps to hide the tape! Use your spray bottle to mist the arrangement with water and ta-da! You are done!

Now it’s your turn! Go out and smell the roses then bring some home! I hope you have enjoyed this post!

Stay busy being fabulous,

Kery B.