Material Selection and Design Mechanics for Arranging Cut Flowers.

Container Selection Four Functions: Hold flowers Hold foliage Hold water Hold decorative material A container should add to the appearance of the arrangement, not distract from the design.

Containers Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors Generally made from: glazed pottery glass porcelain plastic wood metal paper mache

Containers Select containers based on: Function Style Texture Color Price

Types of Containers Vases-height is greater than the width. Bowls-width is greater than the height. Pedestals-elevated on a base that is short or long-stemmed. Baskets-styles and materials vary, they are mostly used for informal arrangements. Novelty-limitless in possibilities; something that normally has an alternative use.

Cutting Tools Florist knife-short sharp blade made of steel. Florist shears-used for cutting herbaceous and woody plant materials. Pruning shears-used to cut thick, woody materials. Ribbon shears/Scissors Wire cutters

Stem Support Material A firm steady foundation is important in holding the plant materials in place. Select support material based on the container type and the design of the arrangement.

Types of Support Materials Floral Foam-holds stems in place while providing them with a supply of water. Thoroughly saturate a block. May add preservatives. Cut to fit container Leave 1/2 to 1 inch of the block above the container Secure the foam in the container with anchor tape

Types of Support Materials Chicken Wire-may be used solely or to reinforce floral foam. Needle point or pin holders-used more commonly by home flower arrangers; expensive and not as secure. Dry Foam or Styrofoam-used for dried/silk arrangements

Adhesive Material Anchor tape-sticky, duct tape like tape used to hold support material in the container Floral tape-a flexible, stretchy adhesive material that is used to bind flowers together. Floral clay-waterproof material used to secure needlepoint holders to the container Hot glue

Wiring Materials Wire-used to support weak stems. Measured by gauges. The larger the number gauge, the smaller diameter wire. Metal Picks-dispensed from a picking machine, used to make short stems for flowers Wood Picks may be attached by hand. Chenille Stems (pipe cleaners)-decorative purposes

Accessories Used to supplement the theme of a design. An object included in the arrangement but separate from the plant material. Candles, pine cones, figurines are all examples