How to Create a Victorian Tussy Mussy

Modern times have narrowed this idea to refer to the small bouquet held by a bridesmaid. In Victorian times, the Tussy Mussy was a far more common accessory, keeping at bay the scents of human bodies who were not in tune with daily bathing, and sewer systems which were not in tune with modern drainage and hygiene. Given the common use of the Tussy Mussy, they were often given as gifts, with each herb and flower conveying a specific meaning. The process of creating a Victorian Tussy Mussy is a simple one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seven stems (flowers and/or herbs) 7 to 9 inches long
• Additional stems, as needed for filler
• String
• Tussy Mussy holder OR
• Florist's tape

1. Choose flowers and herbs appropriate for your purpose. For example, choose miniature roses for love, rosemary for remembrance and energy, lavender for peace, sage for cleansing and protection, etc. Cut two pieces of string approximately 6 inches long.

2. Make the central bouquet which features the most striking (and longest) seven stems. At the top of the stems, just below the blooms, tie this group together with one six inch length of string. Trim the extra string beyond the knot.

3. If you want to fill out the bouquet design, choose fern, babies breath, fennel etc. Press these stems into the center, below the blossom heads of the central bouquet. Trim any extra lower-stem foliage, and use the second length of string to tie these to the center stems.

4. In the Victorian era, the stems would have been placed into a Tussy Mussy holder, which were extremely common at the time. Today, Tussy Mussy holders are found at antique stores, swap meets and bridal stores.
   
   Alternatively, the stems were placed in the center of a handkerchief, then the handkerchief was gathered around the center column of stems and tied off just below the blossom heads. This practice is the source of the lace edging often added to the modern version.
   
   If your household is running low on handkerchiefs and Tussy Mussy holders, florist' s tape will work just fine. Begin at the top, just below the blossom heads, and wrap in a spiral. Cover the stems completely as you go and when you reach the bottom, spiral back up to the top before you cut the tape.

5. As a final Victorian flourish, ribbons were tied around the top of the stems, below the blossom heads, to add a small cascade and touch of color to pick up the primary color of the blossoms.