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MODERN EUROPEAN FLORAL DESIGN IN A FLAT CONTAINER.

This quick and effective design incorporates three feature flowers and unusual accent materials to create an arrangement that is that little bit different.

MATERIALS 3 feature flowers of choice such as peony roses. Other suitable types are gerberas, and anthuriums. 8 large leaves such as caladium. Other suitable types are croton and laurel. Spear or bear grass. Line material. You can use fresh or dried flowers for this. In this design dried reed sprayed copper colour has been used. Other suitable types are – Bells of Ireland and broom

Secondary flowers such as dried brown rush grass. Other suitable types are bullrushes and sword shaped leaves such as gladioli leaves.

2 round lotus pods (sprayed copper). Other suitable types are pods, clusters of berries or flower clusters such as hydrangea or chrysanthemums nestled down into the base of the arrangement.

OPTIONAL: 1 hanging string of pearls. (This grows in a pot plant).

1 flat container.

Florist foam

METHOD

1. Soak florist foam in water and place in container. This can be held in place with a plastic grid which is supplied with the container or another method is to crisscross two pieces of thin plastic florist pot tape over the top of the foam and down on to the sides of the container for 2.5 cm (1").

2. Choose the smallest feature flower for number one and cut the stem to the desired length and insert it in the top left hand side of the foam.

3. Cut number two feature flower stem to the desired length and insert it on an angle in the center of the foam having it extend slightly further towards you than the number one flower head

4. Cut number three feature flower to the desired length and insert it in the center front edge of the foam so it extends slightly further towards you than number two flower head.

5. The leaves are now inserted in the foam. Insert some leaves to the front and some around the back as shown in the photo.

6. Cut one stem of line material (copper reed) to the desired length and insert in the foam to stand upright to the left of the feature flowers.

7. Insert pieces of line material (copper reed) to the desired length and insert between the leaves around the edges of the arrangement.

8. Cut stems of the rush grass to the desired length and insert in to the centre of the right side of the foam to extend out horizontally as shown in the photo.

9. Cut a thick cluster of spear grass to the desired length and insert it in the center back of the foam behind the feature flowers.

10. Cut one cluster of spear grass to the desired length and insert in the center of the left side of the foam. Place other cluster just above and another one just below having these clusters fanning out and slightly shorter than the center ones.

11. Insert two lotus pods on the right hand side of the foam having each one on a different level. If they need wiring, insert the end of a florist wire through the base of the pod and push it through until there are equal lengths on either side. Bring the two wires down and wind the right hand wire twice around the left hand wire and the stem.

13. Spray with water.

OPTIONAL Cut a strand of pearls to measure the desired length. It will need wiring to support it. To do this, place the centre of a long 18 gauge florist wire x 45cm (18") behind the end of the stem and wind the right hand wire twice around. Bring the two wire ends straight down together and cover with florist tape. Insert in the back of the arrangement and tape it against the spear grass for about 5cm (2").

This lesson is briefly explained. In our Floristry Diploma Course you will learn about all the different types of flowers and foliages that are used, and the basic principles of flower arranging. Each lesson is easy to follow, and explained step by step. The exact measurements are given on how long to cut each stem and exactly where to position each one, so every design will have that professional finish.