How to Make an Artificial Corsage & Boutonniere

Substitute a bracelet with a silk floral wrist corsage for a special occasion.

Handmade artificial or silk corsages and boutonnieres, or buttonholes, create attractive and lasting wedding and special-occasion mementos. Realistic in appearance, silk flowers and buds are lightweight and a safe substitute for people allergic to the scent of real flowers. When selecting flowers, choose those that complement the wearer's dress for corsages, or play it safe with neutral shades. While a corsage is typically worn by women around their wrists or pinned to a dress or lapel, boutonnieres are less elaborate arrangements for men.

Things You'll Need

• Silk flower
• 2 filler flowers
• Wire cutters
• Floral tape
• Decorative ribbon
• Scissors
• Hot-glue gun
• Clear glue stick
• Silk leaf
• Baby's breath or strands of pearls
• Wire
• Metal-clasp pin

Instructions

Corsage

1. Select a silk flower as the central bloom. Place two smaller rosebuds or miniature carnations on each side. Or, alternately place a sprig of artificial baby's breath on each side of the main bloom. Use high-quality silk flowers that are smooth, sturdy, attractive, hold their shape and colors and are long-lasting, as opposed to cheaper alternatives.

2. Grasp the stems of the flowers and cut them with wire cutters to 1- to 1 1/2-inches long. Wrap floral tape tightly around the stems to form one larger stem.

3. Cut a length of ribbon at 10 to 12 inches that coordinates with the color of the artificial flowers. Place the floral arrangement on the ribbon's center, covering it with the flowers.

4. Dab clear hot glue on the center of the ribbon and nestle the stems into it. Press the flowers in place securely, and allow it to dry for four to seven minutes, depending on the amount used. Or, wind a length of decorative trim around the stems and knot into a decorative bow before gluing the arrangement to the ribbon. This bow is visible from the topside of the corsage and enhances its appearance.

5. For wrists, position the corsage over the wrist and knot the ends of the ribbon in a decorative bow on the underside. To create a pin-on corsage, shorten the wire stems of a central flower and a smaller flower to 3 inches. Use hot glue to attach a sprig of baby's breath to each floral stem. Join the stems together so one bloom is above the other, and secure with tape. Wrap a decorative bow around the front for added effect. Glue a closable corsage pin to the back of the arrangement.

Boutonniere

1. The male version of the female's corsage, a boutonniere is smaller in size and grandeur, generally requiring smaller blooms, too. Trim the artificial flower's stem down to 6 inches. Position an artificial leaf against the back of the flower, then add a sprig of flowers, baby's breath or strand of pearls to its side. Arrange the items so the central flower stands out against the backdrop of the decorative accents.

2. Cut a length of wire to go around the stems of the arrangement and bind them together. Tuck the wire ends under the wound wire to keep it from coming loose or poking through the tape.

3. Position the tip of floral tape around the stems under the bloom and stretch it taut, winding it around the stems. Cut off excess tape.

4. Spread hot glue over the back of a metal-clasp pin and immediately press it against the back of the taped stems. Ensure that the pointed end of the pin points downward to prevent catching on other materials or people during festive moments, like the wedding dance. Hold it for a minute until the glue begins to dry and establishes a secure bond.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep experimenting with the flower placement until satisfied with the arrangement's appearance. Wait to secure the floral tape around the stems until the balance of flowers and trim is right.

• Use clear glue so it blends with the flowers and is not visible.

• Wait for the hot glue to dry, and cool, before touching the metal clasp, to avoid finger burns, which can blister.

References

• Flower Arrangement Advisor: Making A Rose Wrist Corsage Is Really Easy
• Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas.com: How to Make a Wrist Corsage
• The Budget Wedding Guide; Do It Yourself Wedding Flowers; bw4u; July 2007
• Save On Crafts: How to Make a Boutonniere (buttonholes) for the Groom
• Save On Crafts: How to Make a Corsage