How to Design Floral Arrangements

Creating an artificial flower arrangement is a fun and easy project that produces beautiful results. Whether you choose to use dried, silk or plastic flowers, following a few simple basic steps will ensure that the finished project will be stunning and a reflection of your own unique creativity.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flowers
• Container
• Foam block
• Glass pellets
• Acrylic water
• Moss
• Craft scissors
• Glue gun (optional)
• Clear glue sticks (optional)

Designing the Arrangement

1. Begin the design. There are several steps to consider when designing an artificial arrangement with the first being determining the style. In this step, visualize the overall look of the arrangement. This includes deciding if only one type of flower will make up the arrangement or multiple flower types will be used and how they will be displayed. Decide if there will be one primary color theme or a variety of colors and whether the overall design be one of simple lines or of a more free-form design. Once you've visualized what you want the arrangement to look like this will help in choosing the correct type of primary flowers and filler flowers.

2. Decide the size of the arrangement and what type of container will be used. For example, if designing a tall arrangement, with long stemmed flowers or greenery, a tall vase or large basket works well. For a floor arrangement, a ceramic urn, tall basket or pot can be used. For small, medium and large arrangements, there are a variety of containers available including traditional glassware, wicker baskets, ceramic flower pots and brass or bronze containers. Arrangements can also be designed around unusual or non-traditional containers. Many of these items can be found in your home and include mason jars for a country look, votive candle holders, cream and sugar dishes, teapots, metal watering cans and water pitchers.

3. Choose your flowers. Once you've determined the size of the arrangement, the type of container for the flowers and the color or colors to be used, the next step is to select the type of primary flowers, filler flowers and greenery to create the arrangement. Whether the flowers will be one color, multiple colors, or a primary color using filler flowers to alternate colors and add highlights, selecting flowers that complement each other is important. Don't be afraid to experiment with combining different flower types and using non-traditional color combinations.

4. Consider the finished style. The style of the arrangement directly impacts the types of flowers to be used. For example, if you're making a spring floral arrangement, the use of flower types such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, peonies, violets, daisies, pansies, dahlias, hydrangeas, sweet peas and zinnias will make a full and vibrant arrangement. For a specific primary flower arrangement, such as roses, select the main flower color and use filler flowers such as baby's breath or delicate cornflowers as highlights to complement the roses. Tall arrangements can be spectacular and visually appealing with the use of long stemmed flowers such as calla lilies, Japanese lanterns, amaryllis, lunaria, poinsettia, gypsophilia, iris, jasmine, delphinium, bird of paradise, poppies and gladiolus.

Types of Flowers

5. Decide if you want to use silk flowers. Many floral arrangements are designed and created to use silk flowers. Silk flowers come in every conceivable flower type and color and hold up very well over time. They do retain their color if placed in an area out direct sunlight. Silk flowers also tend to get dusty but there are silk flowers cleaners available. Do not use a damp cloth on silk flowers.

6. Consider using dried flowers, which are very popular. These, too, come in numerous flower types and colors and are fairly easy to work with. To keep the flowers in shape, if sprayed with a sealant, the integrity of the flower can be maintained but, overtime, you may need to replace flowers because the stems can be easily broken. When storing, place dried flower arrangements in tightly sealed plastic bags and store in a cool, dark location.

7. Try plastic flowers which are probably the most versatile of the three types. They come in a rainbow of colors and types, hold up well, aren't easily broken and can be wiped with a damp cloth when they get dusty. Plastic flowers can fade if placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time but, again, they can easily be replaced. While plastic flowers are colorful, resilient and easy to work with, they do not have the natural look of silk flowers nor are they naturally dried flowers. Remember, depending on the style of arrangement you're designing this will help determine what flower type to use. All three flower types can be used to design beautiful arrangements.

8. Consider even other types of flowers that are available including handcrafted glass flowers, wooden flowers and freeze dried flowers.

Supplies Needed to Create an Arrangement

9. Get your supplies. When creating an arrangement, there are a few items that are necessary before you begin. These items consist of the container, flowers, foam block to hold the flowers in place or you can use glass gem stones, glass seashells, river rocks or acrylic water, a bag of Spanish moss to cover the foam block if this is used, craft scissors (regular scissors will not cut through the wire wrapped stems), a glue gun and clear glue sticks and a can of sealant, if you're working with dried flowers.

10. Start creating. Once you've visualized how you want the arrangement to look, begin creating it. If working with multiple colors, be sure to spread the flowers throughout the arrangement so that a particular color is not clumped in one spot. If using multiple flower types, strategically place each flower so it is displayed at its best angle. Also keep the color theme and highlights balanced. Periodically, step back and take a look at the arrangement and check for symmetry of the overall arrangement. This includes color placement and flow of the flowers. For example, placing tall flowers to add height or trailing greenery at the container's rim for a wispy look or small filler flowers to cover stems can balance an arrangement. There's no right or wrong when designing and creating a floral arrangement.

11. Create the arrangement that you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• When designing an arrangement, be creative and let your imagination take over. Don't be afraid to experiment.
• If using a glue gun to set the flowers in place within a foam block, be very careful because the tip of a glue gun is extremely hot. Be sure to place the glue gun in a secure area and don't allow it to fall over. Never leave a glue gun unattended around children or pets.