How to Make a Fresh Flower Pomander Without Using Wires

Beautiful pomanders made from fresh flowers are a classic look from the past. Originally a French idea, pomanders have endured as a unique way of displaying the beauty and fragrance of natural plants.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• about 50 flowers
• sharp scissors
• oasis sponge
• flower food
• a bucket of warm water

1. Unpack all flowers as soon as possible after buying from the florist, and any plastic sleeves and elastic bands should be removed. If cutting flowers and foliage from the garden, the best time for cutting is early morning, or late evening. This is the time when flowers have the maximum amount of water in their stems, and they will condition more readily. Cutting in the heat of the day allows the material to wilt much quicker. Whether flowers are bought from the florist, or picked from the garden, all lower leaves should be removed from each stem, as any leaves left under water when conditioning will quickly begin to rot and cause a build-up of bacteria which will clog the stem ends, preventing the uptake of water, as well as causing the water to smell foul.
2. All buckets used for conditioning should be meticulously clean, and should be cleaned out regularly, to prevent the build up of bacteria. After removing the lower leaves, all stem ends should have the bottom removed at a sharp angle leaving only about 1.5 inches. As a general rule, buckets should be filled to about ¼ full with warm water, to which cut flower food has been added at the appropriate rate. This will prolong the life of the flowers, and helps to prevent bacterial growth. Using warm water allows the water to enter the stem more rapidly, so conditioning is quicker. Flowers and foliage should be left in the water for at least 10-15 minutes before arranging them.
3. Place the oasis sponge into warm water, with some flower food dissolved in it. Wait until the sponge submerges itself completely, don't push it down since that will cause bubbles in the sponge and the flowers will die if they don't have water
4. Starting from the top, push the stem of your first flower into the oasis, ensuring it sinks all the way into the foam base. Continue in a straight line until the ball is ringed with flowers. Then make a line halfway around and fill in the quarters. Ensure the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps.
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Tips & Warnings

• Ribbons can be added as well as beads or jewelry for an added little sparkle.
• Here is a link to a video for an easy demonstration: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-a-ball-of-flowers-with-an-oasis