Tips for Flower Arranging
There is an art to flower arranging. However, by following some basic rules you will soon be able to produce stunning displays. Remember to place the darkest and largest flowers nearest to the base of your design and the smallest and lightest flowers at the outer edge. If the arrangement is to be symmetrical, flowers must be spaced evenly.
What is the purpose of the arrangement? Is it to be a centrepiece on a table? If so, remember not to make it too high so that people have to strain to look over the top. Is it to go in a dark corner for instance? If so, use bright flowers and the arrangement can be taller. You can stand the arrangement on a piece of mirror glass for extra light and reflection.
As a general guide, there are four categories which provide the basic materials for flower arranging. Firstly there are the materials which are used to form the general direction of flow. These include small flowers, twigs and foliage and should be the first things you use when making your arrangement. Then there are the dominant materials. These are the largest and most important items in the arrangement and should be used next. Thirdly come the secondary materials. These are used to achieve form and shape and are to be used after the dominant items. Finally there are the fillers. These consist of small flowers or foliage which are used to fill any gaps in the arrangement.
Scale and proportion are vital in flower arranging. The arrangement needs to fit correctly into its setting and make good sense in relation to the container used. It needs to be balanced and pleasing to the eye. In other words, the arrangement with its container should not be too small or too large for the area where it will sit. As a general rule of thumb, the container or vase used should be roughly one third the height of the total arrangement.
If you are using an oasis for your arrangement, let it soak in water until saturated. Do not force the oasis into the water because this will just mean that only the outer edges become wet and the inside will remain dry. If you are using a glass vase filled with water remember that the flower stems will be on show. A simple trick is to line the vase with large, attractively veined leaves and these will hide any stems.
You can have a great deal of fun in choosing containers for your arrangement as they are an integral part of the design. The container should compliment the surroundings in which it will be placed. There is virtually nothing that cannot be used for an arrangement. For a country style, baskets, watering cans and terracotta pots look simply charming. Sleek slim contemporary vases create a minimalist look and even lines. Elegant traditional containers made of porcelain or even silver look simply stunning in a period setting. You can experiment and if you feel unsure simply start again. You will find as time goes on you will become more confident.
