How to Make Wrist Corsages Step-by-Step

Wrist corsages are slipped over the hand, fitting snugly on the wrist.

The photo looked perfect. The reality is that the groom was shaking as he tried to pin a corsage on his mother's dress. Imagine his relief when he discovers the corsage can be simply placed on Mom's wrist, no fear of a puncture wound or torn clothing. Wrist corsages are slightly harder to make than a regular one. Choose lightweight blossoms that match the dress for the prom or wedding. Corsages can be made on an elastic wrist bands or bracelet.

Things You'll Need

• 5 roses, daisies, miniature carnations or flower mix
• Sharp knife
• Floral wire and tape
• Wire cutters
• Leather leaf or tree fern
• Corsage wrist band
• Corsage bow

Instructions

1. Cut the stems of the flowers to a 1- to 2-inch length with the knife.

2. Cut several 6-inch pieces of wire with the wire cutters.

3. Insert the end of a piece of wire through the stem just under the petals on a rose or carnation. Pull the wire through the stem until it is even on both sides. Repeat with a second wire on the other side of a rose. Four wire "legs" will protrude from the stem. One wire is sufficient for a carnation. Tightly wrap one end of the wire around the stem and the opposite wire three times. This is a support to keep the flower in place.

4. Pull the end of the floral tape from the roll. Floral tape sticks to itself when pulled tightly. Hold the tape at an angle against the top of the stem at the underside of the flower head. Hold the tape and turn the wired flower while wrapping the stem and wire firmly. Wrap to the end of the wire and start back up the stem. Wrap one or two more turns then rip the tape away. Smooth the tape end to the wrapped wire. When using daisies, insert the end of a wire piece straight up through the stem and the daisy center. Form a 1/4-inch-high U-shape at the end of the piece of wire. It will have the appearance of a shepherd hook. Carefully pull on the wire at the end of the stem to sink the hook firmly into the daisy center. Wrap with floral tape.

5. Tape a small piece of greenery to the wired stem of a flower. Add greenery to a second flower. Hold the main focus flower in one hand and place a second flower just above it. Tape them together with floral tape. Add a third flower at the side of the first flower and tape it in place. Cut away pieces of wire that are too long with the cutters. Set aside. Pick up another flower and tape the remaining flower to the stem. Cut off extra wires. Set aside.

6. Place the taped stem ends of the two sets of flowers alongside one another. Tape them together securely. Be careful and keep them smooth and as thin as possible. Note that there is a set of 3 flowers, taped space and a set of 2 flowers.Turn the corsage body to place the 3 flower bundle at the top. Bend the stem wires until the flowers are arranged nicely. Tie the corsage bow in the center of the taped area.

7. Set the corsage wristband under the corsage. Wrap the metal strips up over the taped space between the sets of flowers. If the corsage moves out of place tie an additional piece of ribbon that matches the bow over the corsage center to secure it tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• It is better to choose greenery without a strong fragrance such as cedar. The scent will overpower a lady's perfume.

References

• Flower Arrangement Advisor
• Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas: How to Make a Wrist Corsage

Resources

• Elegance in Bloom: Corsage Cuff
• Save On Crafts: Wiring and Taping Flower Stems