How to Make a Floral Saddle

Place a floral saddle over a tombstone to pay homage to the deceased.

A floral saddle is an arrangement of flowers secured to the top of a gravestone. Creating the arrangement yourself is not only economical, but it also provides comfort during one of the toughest times of a person's life. A handmade arrangement allows you to add personal touches like using the deceased's favorite flowers, fillers or colors. Use fresh flowers during the summer and create a silk flower arrangement during the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Headstone saddle frame
• Tape measure
• Floral foam
• Utility knife
• Clippers
• 6 to 8 long-stemmed flowers
• 12 to 15 medium-stemmed flowers
• 8 to 10 short-stemmed flowers
• Ferns
• Baby's breath

Instructions

1. Measure the length, width and depth of the headstone saddle frame. Cut a floral foam block to match the measurements and place it inside the frame. Trim the edges, if required, so it fits snugly. For wider frames, use more than one floral foam blocks.

2. Place the flowers on a table in front of you. Inspect the blooms for damages and remove those with spotted, wilted, discolored or faded petals. Also determine the size of the finished arrangement, and the placement of the flowers so that you insert stems into the foam accordingly.

3. Insert fern stems into the foam to conceal it and provide a base. Start inserting the stems through the middle of the foam and work your way outward to conceal visible foam. However, leave tiny gaps in between to provide room for floral stems.

4. Insert long-stemmed flowers into the outer edges of the foam. Their positions create the horizontal outlines, or define how far out the flowers will extend over the front, back and sides of the tombstone top. If desired, push a stem further into the foam, or pull it out slightly, until you are satisfied with the result. You may need to reposition a fern stem to make way for the floral stem.

5. Insert medium-stemmed flowers at an angle into the foam, all along its front and top, to form a well-rounded arrangement. These flowers form the vertical outlines of the arrangement, so insert them strategically into the foam to create a rounded floral saddle. Keep stepping back to review the arrangement and reposition the flowers slightly higher or lower than the surrounding ones.

6. Insert shorter flowers to fill gaps along the top and sides of the arrangement. Also insert fillers such as baby's breath into the foam to add depth, texture and color to the arrangement. Review the arrangement for any gaps along the front or sides, and fill with smaller flowers or fillers.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating a round, well-balanced arrangement prevents it from tipping and falling off the headstone, especially if not secured in a saddle frame.

• Use a commercial foam saddle in your desired size as an alternative to using a frame with foam.

References

• Save On Crafts: Eight Basic Flower Arranging Designs
• American Molded Plastic: Cemetery Headstone Saddles
• Floral Craft Resource: Flower Arranging Ideas