BASIC FLOWER ARRANGING SUPPLIES + THEIR USES
As I’ve gotten more and more into flower arranging it’s only natural that friends and acquaintances alike start asking questions about the process. One of the more common topics is what types of supplies you need to get started. Which got me thinking that other people might be asking themselves the same thing. So, I’ve made an easy list of flower arranging tools and supplies for anyone interested in taking their grocery store bought flowers to the next level. In addition to the list, I’ll also show you how to use these newly acquired supplies.
Name: Flower Frogs
Description: Ever wonder what those spiky, metal, round disks are that you see in antique and craft stores? They’re flower frogs! I was a little suspicious of them at first but now I’m a flower frog addict. Flower frogs can also be made of glass, plastic (I don’t recommend these), and come in flower cages too. They’re a green alternative to floral foam, which I won’t even discuss here.
Use: Place in the bottom of your vase or vessel and push flower stems into the spikes (or holes). The flower frog supports the centerpiece creating a sturdy base and a fuller look for your centerpiece.
Name: Waterproof Floral Tape
Description: A common misconception for first time flower arrangers (myself included) is that all floral tape is the same. WRONG. There’s a big difference between the waterproof floral tape and the decorative floral tape, mainly that the waterproof tape actually works when you need tape for a centerpiece.
Use: My favorite use for the waterproof floral tape is creating a grid on the top of a wide vase or vessel to support the stems and create a sturdier arrangement. The flowers and greens in your arrangement cover the tape so your secret weapon won’t be exposed.
Name: Floral Shears and/or Pruning Shears
Description: Extra-sharp, specially designed scissors that are better able to cut through the tough woody stems of some flowers. I use both Pruning Shears and Japanese Flower Scissors for different purposes described below. Bonus-You won’t ruin your kitchen shears or office scissors.
Use: You may have heard the tried-and-true tip to cut the stem of your flower at a 45 degree angle (it allows more water to be absorbed) and using super sharp floral scissors is the way to make these precise cut. I use the Japanese scissors for softer stems like those on tulips, mums, and daisies, and smaller fillers. Reserving the larger pruning scissors for flowers like peonies, hydrangea, and eucalyptus.
Name: Floral Wire
Description: Typically either dark green or covered in fabric, floral wire is a go to supply for any floral designer or wannabe designer.
Use(s): Pushed through a weak stem to hold a flower erect, scrunched in a ball for a makeshift flower frog, the base of your flower crown, wrapped around the handle of a bridal bouquet to hold it together, and wrapped around the base of your boutonnière to hold everything together. To name a few…
Name: Vases or Vessels
Description: This is a pretty obvious one, but it might surprise you to know that before I started taking flower arranging more seriously I did not own a single vase. I would use pitchers, and mason jars, and teacups and things from my kitchen to hold flowers but not a vase. There is nothing wrong with this method and in fact it can really add to the arrangement but I also suggest collecting vases and vessels in assorted shapes and sizes to round out your collection.
Use: Low, wide-mouthed vases are great for creating full, wild arrangement. Tall cylindrical vases are perfect for holding blooming branches, tall grasses, and bushy flowers like hydrangeas. Small bud vases are ideal for informal groupings on windowsills or for intimate dinner parties (people can see and talk over them easily). There’s a vase for every arrangement. Tip- thrift stores are a great place to find them.