Things You'll Need:
- Flowers (daisies, carnations, roses, etc.)
- Oasis floral foam spheres
- Chicken wire
- 20-Gauge wire
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
- Water
- Large Bowl
- Ribbon (grosgrain, satin or ribbon of your choice--just ensure it's strong enough to support the ball)
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Step 1
Purchase floral foam balls in the size of your choice (available at any floral supply store or online), flowers (sturdy flowers so they don't get crushed) and wire.
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Step 2
To prepare the ball for hanging, wrap the chicken wire around the diameter of the ball, then crisscross it to divide the ball into quarters. Twist the ends of the wire into a small loop (you'll slip the ribbon through this loop later to hang the ball). If you would prefer to use the balls as centerpieces or a non-hanging display, skip this step.
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Step 3
Soak the foam in water.
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Step 4
Trim the stems of the flowers at an angle, leaving an inch or so beneath the head.
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Step 5
Insert flowers. If the stems of your chosen flowers are strong enough, you can insert them into the ball as is. If you have trouble with this, use the 20-gauge wire to assist in the insertion. Cut it into 4-inch pieces, fold them in half and insert both ends through the blossoms. Then insert the wired flowers into the balls. Start by inserting flowers in a straight line, creating a ring around the ball. Then cover each half of the ball with flowers, overlapping the petals slightly and making sure to fill in all the gaps.
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Step 6
Slip ribbon through the loop you created at the top of the ball. You can tie a pretty bow, or if you prefer a cleaner look, tie the ends of the ribbon into a strong knot and use the wire to tuck the ribbon into the top of the ball and out of sight.
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Step 7
Alternatives: You can choose to use silk flowers instead. If you do go this route, you can use Styrofoam balls and skip the soaking. You can also use hot glue to help secure the fake flowers.
Comments
bmi57 said
on 5/25/2009 I love this idea, thank you. 5*****And congrats on being our eHow Featured Member of the Day.
erinnv said
on 9/17/2008 You can keep them refrigerated after making- and make sure to keep the foam ball wet. they last about a day or two depending on how fresh the flowers are when you start.
Virginiasr said
on 9/13/2008 How do you keep them fresh and how long do have to use them after they are made?
Carnations
Virginiasr said
on 9/13/2008 How do you keep them fresh after you make them? How soon do you need to use them after you make them? Carnations
WandaB said
on 2/29/2008 I like this idea! It's not something you see every day. I'm going to try making one of these for my daughter's birthday party in the spring.