Selection of Wire and Wiring Techniques Introduction to Floral Design

When should wire be used? Rule #1: Only wire when a flower cannot be used satisfactorily without it!

Why do we use florist wire? Straighten crooked stems Support weakened stems Keep flowers upright and help prevent wilting Hold flowers and foliage in a desired position

Why do we use florist wire? Prevent flower heads from breaking off Replace flower stems on corsages so the corsage stem is not bulky Add accessories to corsages and arrangements

Selecting Wire Wire is sold in 12 pound boxes Boxes contain straight wires 18 inches long The number of wires per box varies according to the size of the wire…why?

Selecting Wire Wires are coated with green enamel to help prevent rusting The color makes it less noticeable in the design Wire can also be purchased on spools

Sizes of wire Florist wire comes in various weights and diameters called gauges Sizes range from 18-thickest, to 32–thinnest The LARGER the number the THINNER the wire!

Sizes of wire 20-26 gauge is most common Choosing the proper size of is important: wire that is too large will damage the flower or if too thin, the flower will not be properly supported

Rules of Wiring: Select the smallest wire that will support the flower and still hold it in place Don’t use too much wire or it will detract from the arrangement—remember Rule #1

Methods of wiring: Straight Wire Hook Piercing Wrap Stitch

Straight Wire Method Used when the stem remains attached to the flower Often used when wiring flowers for vase arrangements Wire should show as little as possible!

How to Straight wire: Hold a piece of wire parallel to the flower’s stem Insert into the calyx (fleshy part of the flower below petals) Push wire up toward the top of the flower Wrap the wire carefully around the stem going between the leaves

Hook Method: Used on flat-headed flowers such as daisies, asters, chrysanthemums The hook helps prevent flower from breaking off of stem The stem may be removed or left intact (depends on use of flower)

How to Hook: For corsage work, cut the stem so that only ½ inch is left below the calyx Remove all remaining foliage The wire is pushed up through the calyx and out the top of the flower

How to Hook: The wire may also be pushed in the center of the stem Then, bend the end of the wire that sticks out top of flower into a small hook Pull the wire downward so that the hook disappears into the flower head

How to Hook: If using the flower in a corsage, it is now ready to be taped If using the flower in an arrangement, bend the wire around the stem to support it

Piercing Method: Used on flowers that have an enlarged calyx…such as? Only use this method if the flower is going into a corsage or the stem will not be visible

How to Pierce: The stem is removed about 1 to ½ inch below the calyx if for corsage work Insert a wire through the calyx at a point halfway between the calyx and the petals

How to Pierce: If for a vase arrangement, push the wire until it sticks two inches beyond the calyx Then, bend both ends of the wire down Wrap the longest end around the stem

How to Pierce: For a corsage, push the wire so that the flower is located on the midpoint of the wire Then, bend both sides down parallel to the stem, wrap one length around the stem and other length of wire, and tape

Wrap Method: Used on foliage made of many small leaflets (leatherleaf) Used on flowers composed of many small florets (baby’s breath)

How to Wrap: Cut the stem to what length? Make a hairpin from 26-28 gauge wire Hang the hairpin over the lowest pair of leaflets so that the bend in the hairpin rests behind the stem

How to Wrap: Wind one wire over both the other wire and the stem of the leaflet Wrap the stem and wire with tape

Stitch Method: Used most commonly on broad, leathery skinned leaves Foliages that have been wired are much easier to use because the wire creates an extended petiole

How to Stitch: From the back side of the leaf, take a 26 gauge wire and pass the wire through the leaf along the midrib A stitch is made about halfway up the leaf

How to stitch: Bend both ends of the wire down the back of the leaf Wrap one half of the wire around the other half and the petiole several times Tape the stem beginning at the base of the leaf

Always Remember! Select the method that best suits the type of flower and its intended use Keep all wire hidden as much as possible!