Wire Techniques for Wristlet Corsages
Wiring in your wrist corsage is essential in keeping the flowers on the corsage from drooping or becoming damaged. The purpose of the wiring is to stabilize the floral arrangement in the corsage. The type of wire and flowers, as well as the arrangement or placement of the flowers will determine the wiring technique.
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Pierce Method
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The pierce method refers to the process of pushing the wire through to the midpoint of the flower stem and bending both ends of the wire so it is parallel with the stem of the wire. The wire is not wrapped around the flower stem, but they are taped together to keep the wiring in place and stabilize the corsage. This method supports small- to medium-sized flowers. Larger flowers, such as a cymbidium orchid, will require a second wire to be inserted through the calyx, the structure at the base of the flower, and bent to create two ends parallel to the stem.
Cross Wiring Method
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The cross wiring method is commonly used for corsage arrangements that consist of several flower components. The wire is inserted through the base of the flower and into the other floral components of the corsage. Additional wires are used at different angles of the flower. The wiring is twisted around the base of the stem to stabilize all the floral components of the corsage and tape is applied to keep it in place.
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Hook Method
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The hook method is commonly used for daisies and flowers with a small and flat calyx. The wire is inserted into the calyx and is pushed through the head of the flower, leaving about one third of the wire exposed at the top of the flower. A hook is created at the end of the wire and is pushed down into the head of the flower. Alternatively, a narrow No. 26 wire can be bent into a U-shape and inserted directly down through the flower face and wrapped around the stem.
Wrapped Wire Method
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The wrapped wire method refers to the wrapping of the wiring around the flower. It is commonly used for delicate flowers, such as statice and baby's breath. The stem is secured in place with the wire. A thin gauge of wire is wrapped around the top of the stem or branch and extends down the stem. The other end is used to securely fasten the wiring to the stem.
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References
- Photo Credit wrist corsage wedding yellow flower image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
