Silk Flower Arranging Tips

Over the years, I have attended a couple of flower arranging classes-- nothing very intense. I really enjoyed them and have had fun arranging both fresh and artificial flowers. I have done the flowers for all of my girls' weddings and many other things. I buy flowers from warehouse stores. The cost is not great, so I am willing to try different things. Have some fun with flowers. It is very satisfying.

I wanted to have some pretty silk flower arrangements in my home, but didn't like how much a single stem costs. Nice flowers, such as hydrangeas and calla lillies can cost $7-10 a stem. So... one day when I was at a craft shop, I saw that all of their seasonal flowers were on sale for 90% off. I purchased lots of them. I can't remember whether it was spring or fall, but whichever one it was had many flowers whose colors worked well with my decor. Also, when you are paying less than $1 a stem, you are free to experiment an try unusual flowers and shapes. Don't forget to pick up lots of greenery and small flowers to fill in. Now I always look for the sales which occur at least 2x a year so I can stock up on flowers.*

Once you have your flowers, get some good wire cutting pliers and have get to cutting. You will want to cut some stems apart. I often pluck the bloom off and put it back on a stem I like better. I add leaves to flowers as needed. Sometimes I have to tape stems, greenery and/or blooms together with wire, floral tape, and toothpicks. I just like to experiment.

I use containers that I have around the house, or ones that I get at thrift shops (you can find very interesting things to use there. Think out of the box.) or at places like Big Lots.

Secure floral foam and the bottom of your container and create. Here is a link to some basic shapes of floral arranging.
*These sales are also a great time to stock up on flowers for the floral accessories and hair bows that are so popular now.

Here are a few of my arrangements: