How to Make Crystal Embellishments for Flower Arrangements

Crystal embellishments add sparkle to flower arrangements.

Crystal embellishments catch the light, making flower arrangements sparkle. Real crystals give a rainbow effect, creating a dynamic contrast with soft flower petals. Jewelry offers a convenient means to add an unexpected shine to your flowers. Making crystal embellishments for flower arrangements involves using florist supplies to anchor the crystals amid the flowers. Crystal accents enhance wedding flowers and coordinate well with a crystal embellished bridal gown. For an understated, yet dazzling effect, use a minimum of crystal accents in each flower arrangement.

Things You'll Need

• Tiara (optional)
• Floral picks (optional)
• Floral wire or other bendable wire
• Wire cutters
• Crystal brooches
• Hanging crystals, such as from chandeliers

Instructions

Crystal Tiara Accent

1. Hold the top of a floral pick against the inside of one end of a tiara's band, 1 to 2 inches from the tip of the band. The top of the floral pick is the solid end. Use a tiara that's in scale with the flower arrangement -- a child's tiara for a small or delicate bouquet or an adult tiara for a larger floral display.

2. Keep the floral pick even with the hair band part of the tiara and wrap wire around the top of the floral pick and the band to attach the tiara to the floral pick. Wrap the wire between the two stakes on the pick.

3. Position a second floral pick at the other end of the tiara band and wire it on in the same way. Insert the floral picks gently into a flower arrangement to anchor the tiara amid the flowers. Press the picks deeply enough into the arrangement to hide the floral picks.

Brooch Crystal Embellishments

1. 

   Real crystals create rainbow light effects.

   Position a crystal brooch at the top of a floral pick, with the back of the brooch pressed against the side of the pick. Attach the brooch to the pick as though it's a sign on a post, with the crystals facing away from the pick's side. This creates a crystal embellishment that faces out from the flowers. Alternatively, hold the brooch with its back to the top edge of the floral pick, with the crystals facing the ceiling to display the crystal embellishment face-up in the flower arrangement. This effect works well for short floral displays viewed from above, such as bowls of flowers on buffet tables.

2. Wrap wire around the brooch's pin by slipping the wire under the closed pin and then wrapping the wire around the top of the pick. Wrap the wire around the two pieces at least eight times to hold the brooch on the floral pick so you can display the brooch in the desired position. Twist the ends of the wire together and cut off any excess wire.

3. Repeat this process to make as many crystal embellishments as desired. If you're making multiple flower arrangements, doing each step for all the arrangements at once saves time. Nestle the flower picks into the flower arrangement in a pattern, spacing them evenly apart. For example, insert one at each of the four points of the compass as you look at the flowers from the top, and position them so that they will be visible to the viewer.

Tips & Warnings

• For the head table at a wedding, keep crystal accents to a minimum -- the focus needs to remain on the bride.

• Brooches fastened to the side of the pick work well for centerpiece arrangement because they're viewed from a seated position and by those standing away the table.

• Choose one or two styles of crystal embellishments for multiple flower arrangements to create a sense of unity.

• Display the crystal-embellished flowers with lit candles, if it's safe to do so. The candlelight will enhance the sparkle of real crystals. Positioning the flowers and candles on top of or in front of a mirror intensifies the effect.

Resources

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Sparkling Bouquets
• Country Living: Spring Table Settings #6
• The Knot: 10 New Winter Wedding Ideas