How to create Tussie~Mussies

In Victorian times communication between the sexes was chaperoned and between
"class" forbidden. One day a smitten,creative gardener sniped & gathered fragrant rosemary for remembrance, intoxicating red rosebuds for passion & upon bundling the sweet sentiments, secretly had it delivered to the fair lady of the house. This bold gesture created a trend!
Create your own heartfelt floral message that becomes a preserved cherished keepsake for one or many a loved one today.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3~6 inch lengths of Rosemary OR any herbs and garden greens being fragrant,of good color and texture.(10-20 nice pieces)
• Red Rose buds and or petite roses partially opened.(7-9)
• Dainty or interesting florals to mix in for contrast.(several stems)
• Floral tape(dark or light green),thin green floral bundle-wire,nippers and scissors.
• Wire:snip into 8-10 inch lengths.
• Floral tape: cut into 5-8 inch strips
• Ribbon,raffia(18-24 inches) or taped wire to gather and tie off.
• A sweet note sealed with a kiss!

1. 
    
   Have everything you need available at your finger tips to start!

   Gather your materials.
   Today you are using Red Roses & Rosemary primarily.
   Best to clip early rather than middle of the day.
   (Helps preserve the fragrant oils in the leaves and petals)
   
   Mints and leaves of other herbs and flowers are lovely as well. I love to use miniature gardenias the jasmine and ALL antique roses .... Ornamental
   berries and rose hips are a delightful added surprise too!

2. 
    
   Have fun! Discover as you go, use what you like and do it again in new ways.

   Sort and assemble >>>Take your most beautiful rose(s)and use it as your focal point, being at the center. It should have a firm stem. Take 3 stems of rosemary and space them equally apart around the base of the rose with about 1 & 1/2 inch tips above the rose bud(s).Use your floral tape or wire and wrap snugly around the base of the flower securing the greens around flower.
   Next place some of the dainty flowers between the(3 open spaces of)rosemary. Secure with tape or wire again.
   REPEAT this layering process. ALTERNATE the red roses and smaller flower placements with the rosemary. Do this until floral bundle is about 3 & 1/2 to 5 inches across. Basically till pleasing to your eyes....
   Last time around ONLY use the rosemary to create a solid green "cuff".
   Add extra tape or wire to wrap the now fat stem tightly.
   Cut bottom stems off even.

3. 
    
   Most materials will dry and retain their natural beauty for several seasons.

   Tie off with a pretty ribbon or raffia.
   Write a sweet note and give it to the someone(s)you love.
   Seal it with a kiss!
   
   You can actually create Tussie~Mussies with fresh or dried flowers, silks or a combination of all three successfully as you become familiar with and gain confidence with your materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Embellish with French ribbons, bits of lace and precious or found trinkets to personalize and add enchantment to your Victorian re-creation.
• Look up historical meanings for flowers("THE LANGUAGE of FLOWERS")from your library or internet, and create messages for special occasions!
• If you cut and gather and have to take a break, remember to put in water OR zip lock bag with damp paper towel.(if over night, keep cool)
• and last HOT TIP! work your numbers in design...use UN-even numbers/like 3 roses, 5 dainty stems, 7 rosemary stems ... etc.
• Thank you and ENJOY!
• Avoid using known plants that are toxic or
• Avoid intense fragrance that could cause an allergic reaction for those with a "sensitive" nose.