01/06/09

Flowers transform plain rooms. They give just the right finishing touch needed to complete any décor. And whether the flowers are fresh, dried, or silk, they still bring nature indoors with their subtle beauty.

The latest trend in floral design is tightly arranged flowers in monochromatic tones. From bridal bouquets to home décor accent pieces, arrangements are usually designed using only one flower such as a rose, to bring uniformity and simplicity to the overall look. You can create your own arrangement of similar style to add to your décor.

So, you don’t know how to arrange flowers? No problem! This arrangement, with its simple lines and geometric patterns, is easy and quick to do. The basic foam shape (a Styrofoam® ball) gives you the form you need so you don’t have to worry about trying to get a symmetrical shape. All you need is a few minutes, a few materials and your set.

Time to complete: 20 minutes

You’ll Need:

1 Clear Glass Vase

1 pkg. Polished River Stones

1 pkg. Spanish Moss

1 pkg. Green Decorator Moss

1 12” floral pick

1 5” Styrofoam ball

5 pkg.s Burgundy Regent Roses (these are paper, but you can use preserved or silk blooms)

Tools:

Newsprint to protect work surface, wire cutters

Step 1

Cut Roses

Cover your work surface with newsprint to protect surfaces. Using wire cutters, cut stems approx. 2” from base of flower.

Step 2

Layer Vase

Begin by placing a layer of polished river stones in the bottom of the vase. Place enough so that the vase is weighted well to prevent tipping.

Start layering mosses alternating Spanish moss with green moss.

Step 3

Arrange Flowers

Poke the floral pick through the center of the mosses to the bottom of the vase. Break off tip to desired height then insert foam ball onto pick.

Beginning at the center top of the sphere, poke one stem to begin your arrangement. Continue inserting stems of flowers close together in a circular pattern (think of a bulls-eye target pattern), using the top flower as the anchor, until sphere is completely covered.

Designer Notes:

Tips & Variations

· Try doing this arrangement in mini-calla lilies, gerbera daisies, or other blooms for a refreshing change. Once you have the base done, you can exchange the sphere of flowers in an instant to suit your tastes.

· Try using flowers that represent each season, then simply change out spheres each holiday or event.

· If you are in need of an easy, natural looking candle holders, simply place a candle cup (easily found at craft stores) in the center top, then start inserting circles of flowers, fruit, nuts, or berries around it. You are only limited to your own imagination!

· Try fresh flowers! If there is a special on fresh roses at your local florist, green grocer, or grocery store simply soak a floral oasis (available at any craft store or floral supply) for approximately an hour in fresh water with some floral preservative. Carve the soaked foam down with a knife into the desired shape you want and place it on the floral pick, then begin placing your cut stems (cut at an angle) into the foam. Don’t worry about getting the moss wet; it will dry. However, if you prefer, you can always place a sheet of plastic wrap, cut to size, over the floral pick prior to inserting your foam shape.