- While most silk flowers are purchased, you can make a variety of flowers out of nothing but fabric, scissors, a needle and standard hand-sewing thread. Choose a range of fabrics; however, synthetic ones may be more versatile than natural fibers. Synthetic silk dupioni and silk organza are ideal. Cut circles or flower shapes from dupioni or organza. Singe the edges with a candle flame, then stitch the centers together. Add beads, jewels or buttons to the centers of your flowers. This will form something like a poppy or ranunculus. You can also stitch a neat circle of gathering stitches at the center of each flower shape, stacking them one inside the other to form the center of a lotus style blossom. For a rose shape, cut long strips of fabric and accordian fold them, then trim the corners away. Singe the edges and gather the straight end. Roll the fabric to form a rose. You can use floral wire and tape to form stems for any of these flowers, or reuse the stems from purchased silk flowers if you want to create a traditional arrangement. They can also be sewn or glued onto a wreath or swag.
- Silk flowers should be chosen to coordinate with your décor. A formal arrangement would be out of place if your living room is done in denim and gingham, just as a bouquet of sunflowers would be odd in a very formal room. The colors should also work with your space; however, do choose naturally colored silk blossoms for the prettiest silk flower arrangements. The colors within the arrangement should work as well. Consider looking at fresh flower arrangements for ideas about which flowers work best together and which color combinations you like.
- Create a sturdy base for your silk flower arrangement. Floral foam or floral clay in the vase or container is a good start for any arrangement. Choose floral clay if you are making a large or heavy silk flower arrangement, and consider gluing the base into place for low arrangements to prevent tipping. The tallest and largest flowers should be placed first, at the focal point of your flower arrangement, with the supporting flowers added next. Floral picks can be used to lengthen flowers if needed, and wire cutters can shorten silk flower stems. A glue gun can be used to secure flowers that are not staying on their stems well. Add greenery and smaller flowers to round out your arrangement, and then look at it from all sides to correct any bare spots.
