~In My Kitchen Window ~ Floral Design 101

I thought I'd share with you some basic tips for simple flower arranging. You can use this when you cut flowers from your own back yard & bring them in for your enjoyment.
This is from an article that was published in an online magazine last spring.



This type of arrangement can be made in a vase or some sort of wine or water goblet. I chose a water goblet & purple carnations from the "Florigene Moon Series" variety of carnations. They naturally grow in this dark shade of purple & come in 3 other natural shades from lilac to lavender.
I chose the carnation because of it's round shape & the ease of which it is to demonstrate with.
The rest of my supplies are water proof tape, a sharp knife, spray bottle of water & some embossing glitter (if a sparkle is desired). You can use all sorts of flowers from your yard to make this such as: peonies, lilacs, zinnias, roses, etc.



The first step is to choose your container. The length of the flower stems, when you cut them, will depend on this. Begin by filling your container with fresh water & add some floral preservative, if you have some. If you feel you would like a guideline, use the waterproof tape to tape a criss cross grid over the top of the container. This will aid in the arranging by keeping your flower stems in place.
Next you will cut the stems (on an angle) so that when you place it in the container, the head of the flower will rest on the rim of the container. By cutting the stems on an angle, it allows a surface for the water to be absorbed up the stem. If you cut them flat they might sit on the bottom of your container & not be able to absorb any water.



Continue to place the flowers all around the rim & then fill in the rest of the container, resting each flower head on top of the one below it till you have completed what looks similar to a scoop of ice cream.



I completed the simple look by tying a piece of ribbon around the stem of the goblet & filling it with clear marbles. To insert the marbles, simply push them gently between the flowers & around the sides. If you put the marbles in first, you may have trouble getting the flower stems pushed down into the container. You do not have to add anything to the container if it is a solid material. I just like the added affect that it gives to the clear glass.
The entire top of the flowers were then spritzed with water & sprinkled with embossing glitter for added sparkle. This is a nice accent if you are using your arrangements for a party or luncheon.
I choose to use embossing glitter because of the fine texture, it adds a subtle hint of sparkle. Just be careful not to over do it...it is very, very fine & comes out of the container extremely fast.

This is the type of little arrangements I love to place in my kitchen window all Spring, Summer, & Fall, using flowers from my yard. They are also great little arrangements to cluster together for centerpieces. Use different styles of vases or goblets for added interest.



Here is what found it's way into my kitchen window today....the very first 2 blooms of my peonies. Beautiful, vibrant, pink....lovely!