Mechanics and Supplies

Containers•anything that holds water can be used

•the container should help to express the idea the designer has in mind.

Containers•should add to the appearance of the arrangement

•should harmonize with the design and environment

Containers•are selected based upon characteristics such as texture, shape, size and color

Texture•depends largely on the material the container is made of

•usually glass, glazed pottery, plastic, wood, metal and paper mache

Texture•vary according to finish•smooth finish usually has a fine texture

•rough finishes usually have a more coarse texture

Texture•should be compatible with flowers

•fine textured containers should be used for arrangements with roses and lilies

Texture•rough textured containers require coarser materials such as daisies and zinnias

Shape•one of the most important characteristics

•often determines the form of the design

Shape•containers should have clean lines and not be highly decorated

Shape•highly decorated containers take away from the arrangement

Shape•containers in the shape of clowns or cars, etc should only be used for special occasions

Size•principles of scale and proportion should be used to select the right container for the arrangement

Size•size of the container must create a feeling of stability and harmony with the arrangement

Color•must harmonize with the color of the flowers

•containers that do not blend with the arrangement call attention to themselves and away from the flowers

Color•blending of colors is preferable to contrasting

•green containers that echo the foliage are commonly used

Color•other commonly used colors include tan, brown, gray and white

Floral foam•most commonly used material for holding the stems of flowers.

Holding devices•chicken wire and needle point holders have limited used as holding devices

•chicken wire may be used with floral foam to support heavy items in large arrangements

Needlepoint holders•may be used in arrangements with few flowers or where floral foam would be visible

Floral Foam•soft, absorbent, lightweight material

•stems of the flowers take up water through the foam

Floral Foam•Oasis is the most commonly known commercial name for floral foam

Floral Foam•different densities of floral foam are available for various uses

•foam should be thoroughly soaked with a preservative solution before use

Floral Foam•manufacturer recommends using the free-float method for soaking

Free-float method•place block of foam in a bucket or container filled with preservative treated water to a height greater than the foam

Free-float method•as the foam absorbs water it will sink

•when 1/4 inch of the foam remains above water the block is saturated and ready for use

Free-float method•make sure the foam is thoroughly soaked

•dry spots in the foam can cause flowers to wilt

Adhesive materials•four types of adhesive materials are used most commonly by florists

•used to help secure the mechanics of the arrangement

Anchor Tape•anchor tape secures floral foam to the container

•available in 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch widths

•1/4 inch is preferred because it takes up less space

Anchor Tape•available in green, white and transparent

Anchor Tape•green tape is used on green containers

•white tape is used on white containers

•green tape is easier to hide in floral arrangements

Stem wrap •also called floral tape•waxed, stretchy tape that only sticks to itself

Stem wrap•used primarily in corsage work to create stems for the flowers used in the corsage

•used to hide wires or picks in dry or silk arrangements

Stem wrap•1/2 inch is the most common width of floral wrap used

•sold in green and white, some other colors may also be available depending on the season

Floral Adhesive Clay•sticky material similar to play dough

•comes in a flattened strip wound into a coil with waxed paper between the layers

Floral Adhesive Clay•two common brands are “Cling” and “Sure-Stik”

•used to fasten anchor pins or to anchor needlepoint holders

Floral Adhesive Clay•will not stick to a wet surface•leaves sticky mark on the surface

•be cautious of use on expensive containers

Hot Glue•used with silk flowers and with fresh flowers, especially in making wrist corsages

•must be used with caution as the glue is very hot

Cutting tools•use tools correctly • practice proper maintenance for longer life of the tool

Floral Knives•used for cutting stems only, never used for cutting wires

•will dull the knife•knives that make a clean cut will not pinch the stems

Floral knives•keep the knife sharp you will be less likely to cut yourself

•knife is held between the thumb and forefinger

•cutting toward yourself at an angle

Floral Knives•do not try to cut hard woody stems with a knife.

Florist Shears•can be used for cutting stems

•can pinch stems•primarily used for cutting wire and ribbon

Ribbon Shears•cutting ribbon and decorative foil

•never use for cutting stems or wire

Wire cutters•used for cutting wires and the stems of artificial flowers that contain wire

Pruning shears•cutting heavy stems too large to be easily cut with a knife or florist shears

•used for cutting stems up to one half inch in diameter

Picks•wooden and steel picks are used

•used mainly in funeral designs, wreath making and artificial and dried arrangements

•used to add length or support

Picks•attached with a pick machine

•make it easier to insert plant material into styrofoam or other holding device.