Christmas Floral Designs

Sharp tools are a necessity in floral design. A knife used for cutting flower stems will clean cut without crushing the stems. A clean cut is essential to help the absorption of water by the flower stem. A folding pocket knife with a blade is the best quality, longest lasting knife. cheaper knives with plastic handles will not last as long or heavy cut their stems.

sharp scissors are needed to cut tape cleanly and carefully. scissors tape should be used to cut a ribbon and fabric. cut only one wire with scissors tape ruin. Serrated scissors are versatile heavy scissors can be used to cut woody stems and son.

Wire cutters with spring are easier to use when the cutting wire and corsage pins. Wire Cutters have a short blade and is ideal for cutting heavy materials.

waxed paper strip Floral pancake will stick to its self when stretched. It is used to cover the son for use in floral corsages and bouquets. waterproof tape is used to secure the floral foam in a container. It is available in green, white and clear colors in ¼ or ½ inch widths.

florist wire is usually green and is precut into 18 inches long. Sizes vary from # 16 (the heaviest gauge) to # 30 (the lightest gauge). Several indicators are needed for design work to make corsages and bouquets, the strength of stems and bind materials together. The gauge most commonly used in floral design # 18, 20, 22 and 24. Paddle wire is a coil in a continuous strand that can be used to make garlands and wreaths and bind heavy materials. It is also available in a variety of gauges.

pins green wire is U-shaped, like a hairpin, and are used to hold the foam and the foam. peaks have a wooden wire attached at one end and are used for drying materials cluster as well as in the foam, tied arches plants and extend the length of the rod. Chenille stems come in a variety of colors and are used to secure the arches. Chenille stems look like pipe cleaners great.

floral foam comes in light or heavy depending on flowers used. Soak the foam in place it in a sink full of water does not soak in water. Allow the foam to float and fill naturally, thus ensuring you will not dryland in the middle of the foam. It will sink down as it absorbs water.

Tape comes in a rainbow of colors and different widths. The higher the number the wider the ribbon will be. # 3 tape is generally used in bodices and bud vases. Plants are usually dressed with # 9 as are most of the arcs bench. Funeral work requires a greater width as a # 40. The most commonly used is satin ribbon, however, there is a wide variety of tapes available today. Wired ribbon keeps its shape for use in decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees. printed ribbon has a wide range of uses in decoration. Lacey, silky ribbon is available for use in wedding bouquets and corsages.

Tools and supplies can be purchased at craft stores, fabric shops and department stores and your local florist. With the variety of tools and supplies readily available today, you're limited only by your imagination. Just imagine it!