How to Make an Arm Corsage

The arm corsage continues to be a timeless statement of elegance. A wrist corsage is used for everything from formal dances to weddings to retirement parties. Recently, the arm corsage has gained popularity with brides who want to forgo the more traditional bouquet in order to keep their hands free. An arm corsage can be very simple or it can be very elaborate, but with the right supplies, either is reasonable to make on your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flowers (real or fake) Filler flowers (real or fake) Floral glue Ribbon Elastic wristlet Flower sealer (spray) Sisal (optional) Decorative corsage pins (optional)

1. Glue leaves from the flowers to the base of the elastic wristlet to make a base for the flowers. If you desire, you can also add loops or fringes of ribbon that will be visible under the flower heads. Let the glue dry before moving on to the next step.

2. Glue down the largest flower in the center of the base you have created. Keeping the heads pointing outward, glue the smaller flowers outward from the large center flower. Allow the glue to dry.

3. Tuck in filler flowers decoratively between the main flowers. Keep the clumps small and as even as possible to maintain the overall corsage shape. Keep in mind whether or not you will be adding ribbon as this will also add to the overall size. Allow the adhesive to dry.

4. Add ribbon, sisal or decorative corsage pins if desired.

5. If your corsage is made with real flowers, spray it with a flower sealer before storing it in the refrigerator.

6. Once the adhesive has completely dried on your corsage, gently tap and/or brush against your corsage to make sure that it is secure. Reinforce anything that looks or feels loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Flower glue usually takes five to 10 minutes to set up. Arm corsages are intended for the left wrist. The corsage should be worn with the flower heads pointing up toward the shoulder.
• Go light on the flower glue. If you add too much, it may make your corsage look messy and you can always reinforce later if you need to. Store any corsage made with real flowers in the door or near the front of the refrigerator. If the flowers freeze, they will die as they come back to room temperature.