Volume I, Issue I, June 16, 2003
Welcome to Our New Newsletter
Hello, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all. This is our number one issue of our Floral Newsletter. I do hope you enjoy it.
In this issue I am going to show you how to create a very simple but stylish floral design as shown in the photo. You will often find this type of flower arrangement in interior design stores and in glossy home decorating magazines.
These types of arrangements usually are quite expensive. By following our directions you will be able to create your own for much less. This design would look great on a coffee table, a mantelpiece, or an entrance hall.
Floral design - Amaryllis in a Container
You will need:
- One amaryllis. Fresh or silk flowers can be used.
Other suitable flowers that can be used are agapanthus and orchids. - Foliage of choice (I have used ivy and conifer).
- 1 container
- Florist foam
- 2 Christmas gold glass balls and 1 gold berry spray(optional). You can substitute these with pine cones or lotus pods, or leave them out if you prefer.
- 75cm (30") Silk cord
- 22 gauge wire
- Moss
- Soak florist foam in water if using fresh flowers.
- Place foam in the container, having it level with the top of the container.
- Cut the flower stem to the desired length and insert it into the center of the foam. If using silk flowers you may need to wire the end of the stem first for firm support. To do this, place the center of a heavy 18 gauge floral wire behind the center of the back of the end of the stem and wind the wire twice tightly around a couple of times.
- Cut the wires to measure about 7.5cm (3") inches long and insert them into the center of the foam. Optional: If using silk flowers and you are wiring them you can cover the wire stems with green floral tape for 5cm (2").
- Cut pieces of foliage into lengths about 10-12cm (4-5") long and insert into the foam fanning it out in widening circles having the pieces around the edges extending over the edges of the foam. If using silk foliage wire each piece and use 22 gauge medium wire in the same way as explained above.Any large gaps can be filled in with moss.
- Wire the small loop at the top of the glass ball by inserting a 22 gauge medium floral wire through the small loop at the top of the ball, and bring the 2 wire ends straight down together and twist the right hand wire twice tightly around. Repeat this step with the other ball. Insert the two balls and the berry spray into the foam as shown.
- Make a shoe lace bow by forming the cord in a figure 8 shape with 2 long ends and wire across the centre with a 22 gauge wire.Cut the wires to measure about 7.5cm(3") long.
- Tie a knot at each end of the cord to prevent it fraying and insert the bow to the right of the glass balls and arrange the ends to sit attractively.
Floral Design and Floristry Tips and Techniques
These are general tips and techniques that are often used in floristry.
Different flower shapes
Floral designs usually have more interest when you use different shape materials together.
Line Flowers. These are tall slim flowers that are often used around the edges of a design. Examples include gladioli, stock, snapdragons, delphinium and bells of Ireland.
Form or Mass flowers. These are used to make up the main part of an arrangement. Examples include roses, carnations, gerberas, dahlias and tulips.
Filler Flowers. These clusters of smaller flowers are used to fill in and to give lightness to a design. Examples are waxflower, misty, Queen Anne's lace and gypsophila.
The exception to this is when you use just the one type of flowers in a design. For example a tall arrangement of gladioli, lilies or liliumscan look very elegant just used on their own with some long sprays of attractive foliage placed between the flowers. An arrangement of all roses can look stunning.
Florist Foam
If using florist foam, soak it in a container of water for a few minutes until it floats to the surface and turns a dark green colour.
Never hold the foam by forcing it under the water as it will not take up water properly and air bubbles can form leaving dry spots in the centre of the foam and the flowers will not take up water properly.
Well that's it.
Take care and have a wonderful day!
Warm Regards,
Fay Chamoun, Principal
Floral Art School of Australia and
International Floral Design School
About the Author and Publisher
This newsletter is written by Fay Chamoun who is the principal of Floral Art School of Australia and International floral Design School. The school was established in 1972. We have had thousands of students enrolled in our Floral Design Diploma Courses.
For full information on our courses please visit our website on http://www.floral-art-school.com.au or contact us on info@floral-art-school.com.au.
You can print this newsletter in its entirety as long as you include our web address and contact details.
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