Have you ever stopped to think about how you can express ourselves in a creative way with flower arranging? Welcome to this guide on how to make stunning flower arrangements.
What is Flower Arranging?
Flower arranging, also known as floristry or floral design, is the craft of creating floral designs using flowers and other plant materials. It is an art that has passed through the centuries, and now its practice is used by every culture around the world. It’s not just putting flowers in a vase, but rather creating artistic designs, enhancing the surroundings and moments celebrated through life.
History and Origin of Flower Arranging
Flower arranging is an ancient art that has been practiced for thousands of years across different cultures. Here’s a brief history:
Ancient Egypt
The earliest records of flower arranging date back to ancient Egypt around 2,500 BC. Egyptians used flowers for decorative purposes in vases and during religious ceremonies. They favoured flowers like the lotus, which was sacred to the goddess Isis.
Ancient Greece and Rome
The Greeks and Romans also embraced floral decorations, using them for adornment and during festivities. They preferred wreaths and garlands over vase arrangements and chose plants like laurel and ivy for their symbolic meanings.
China
In China, flower arranging has been a respected art since at least 207 BC. The practice was deeply intertwined with philosophy and aesthetics, emphasising harmony and balance.
Japan
Ikebana, an ancient Japanese art form, originated in the 7th century. This disciplined practice combines nature and humanity, emphasising the lines of the floral arrangement.
Europe
The Art of Flower arranging reached Europe around 476 AD. Over time, it became a significant part of social events and was influenced by the Victorian era’s language of flowers, where different flowers represented different sentiments.
Flower Arranging Today
Today, flower arranging is a global art form, with influences from all the historical styles blending into modern designs. It can be on a professional level or a popular hobby, celebrated for its ability to express personal creativity and bring beauty into everyday life.
This rich history shows how flower arranging has been a significant part of human culture, evolving over time but always serving an artistic way incorporating the natural beauty of flowers.
Why Flower Arranging?
Creative Expression
Flower arranging is like using flowers to paint a picture. You get to choose different flowers, colours and shapes and arrange them to make something unique.
Therapeutic Benefits
Tests have shown arranging flowers can be relaxing that can help eliminate stress and bring a little peace to your busy day.
Enhancing Surroundings
Flowers arranged in an artistic way can make any place more welcoming. They can brighten up a room, welcome people into a foyer, shop or office or create something with the wow factor for a special event.
Connection to Nature
Flower arranging is a way to bring a piece of the outdoors inside where you can enjoy the beauty of flowers from every season.
Development Your Skills
Like anything worthwhile in life – arranging flowers is a skill you can learn just like cooking or gardening. You’ll learn about the different varieties of flowers, how to take care of them, and how to arrange them into a design to suit the occasion.
Social Interaction
As well as creating arrangements for your own home you can create flower arrangements for family or friends to show you care.
Personal Satisfaction
There’s something special about making a beautiful flower arrangement. You will get a real sense of achievement when you can create stunning floral designs and can say “I made it myself.” Flower arranging is a simple way to add beauty to your life, and it’s something anyone can enjoy.
Steps to Create a Flower Arrangement
Step 1: Select Your Flowers
Think of your flower selection. Look for a variety of shapes and sizes that will go well together. Think about the colour scheme and how they will work together—do they tell a bright vibrant story, or do they create a soothing effect.
Step 2: Find the Right Container
Choose a suitable container for the floral design you are going to create. A slim container is often used when creating a design with just a few flowers, a low container is suitable for a centrepiece, a clear glass vase allows the stems to show, and a large sturdy container gives the support needed for a big flower arrangement.
Step 3: Prepare the Water
Water is like the lifeblood for your flowers. You can add flower food or add a capful of household bleach to cut down on bacteria in the water. This step can extend the life of your arrangement significantly.
Step 4: Trim the Stems
Trim the ends of the stems by cutting the ends of the stems on a slant. Use sharp scissors or floral cutters for a clean cut. This will allow the stems to take up the water more readily.
Step 5: Remove Excess Leaves
Remove excess leaves or thorns from the lower part of the stems. Any left under the water line can pollute the water, create bacteria and the flowers will not last nearly as long. Place the stems in water and give them a good drink in a cool place before arranging them.
Step 6: Structural Techniques
Flower arranging often involves structural techniques to help support the stems and arrange the flowers effectively. You can use floral foam, tape placed in a grid shape or wire netting placed over the top of the container.
Step 6: Using Foliage
Foliage is the backdrop for your floral arrangement. It can form the outline shape and fill in between the flowers.
Step 7: Focal Flowers
Your focal flowers are the main attraction. They should be the biggest flowers in the arrangement. Place them in the centre of your arrangement. Leave spaces in between so the outline of each one shows.
Step 8: Secondary Flowers
Secondary flowers play a supporting role. They fill in the gaps and add depth to your arrangement. They should complement and not compete with your focal flowers.
Step 9: Filling Flowers
Filling flowers can be used to give a light touch to your designs.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
The final adjustments are where you fine-tune your arrangement. Step back and look at it from different angles. Adjust the height and position of the flowers if needed. Place your arrangement in a cool spot away from heat and drafts.
Step 10: Top Up with Water
Top up your flower arrangement with water every few days and the flowers will live longer.
And there you have it! By following these instructions, you can easily create stunning flower arrangements in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy the process and let your love of flowers flourish!
Learn Flower Arranging at Home
Flower arranging is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature into our homes and hearts. It’s a simple yet profound way to express creativity and add a finishing touch to your surroundings. If you’re eager to learn more and create your own floral designs, the Floral Art School of Australia offers a great starting point.
