DIY Week: Flower How-To with Summer

Even though DIY Week is winding down, the projects certainly aren't losing any steam! On this last day, I'm ecstatic to have Summer, of {grey} likes weddings, let us in to her world of floral design! Summer also hosts the occasional workshop so if you're in the OC metro area, check out all the details here! Okay, I'm going to stop chatting so you can get to the good stuff! It's all yours, Summer:

For Beginners

If you are completely and totally afraid of flowers, don’t worry! Individual stems can look absolutely fabulous, particularly when you plop them into unique vessels (think out of the box!) and pair them with friends. Secret to success: be sure the opening of your vessel is fairly small, so the flower can stand upright on its own.

Arrangement How-to
Step One: For the vessel we’ve chosen (which is AFFORDABLY plastic…but when it is covered up with flowers, totally looks like it could be milk glass!) we have to use floral oasis. This isn’t too expensive and can be found at supply stores such as Michaels or your local florist. Be sure to get the “wet” version…the stuff used for dried flowers isn’t the same! If you have floral vitamins/life extender, put that in a bucket of water and then soak your oasis in it until it is heavy enough to sink below the water line. (Don’t force it down…it will cause air bubbles to get trapped and potentially neglect water to some of your stems).

Step Two: Treat all your flowers with a fresh cut. Then peel off all leaves or branches carefully and discard.

Step Three: Start with your larger stems. Don’t be afraid to choose unique pieces for your arrangement. We started with kale…seems crazy but worked really well in our pieces.

Step Four: Begin to create the shape of your arrangement by spreading out your next hardiest flowers. Keep the floppy fragile ones until the end…they’ll need to lean on the stronger stems! The number one pitfall to avoid: over crowding your arrangement. Keep things spread out…it will look ugly in the beginning, but you’ll have a chance to keep filling things in and by the end, you’ll fill all the holes in.

Step Five:
Add the more fragile flowers…give them something to lean on. Remember, your stems can be at varying heights. This creates an element of surprise and texture.
Step Six: Add your fun filler!
Step Seven: WATER & enjoy!

Bouquet How-to
Step One: Treat flowers by giving a fresh cut and peeling off leaves.
Step Two: Start by grouping three or four flowers together. These will serve as your center.
Step Three: Gradually add flowers around this center point at a very SUBTLE decline, so as to create the round look. Add the filler as you go. Secret to success: work in odd numbers!
Step Four: Tape the bottom with floral tape or secure with twine.
Step Five: Give the stems a fresh and even cut. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Summer! These how-tos are totally inspiring me to dabble in the art so I can have beautiful arrangements around the house all year long! And, of course, they'd be spectacular for a wedding!!!!! I love the idea of getting crafty with the vessels and using teapots or vintage vases!

PS. Make sure to head right back here later this afternoon for a BIG, BIG, BIG surprise! :o) xox.

{Images: Jasmine Star}

Tweet