Day 7 ~ Flower Arranging 101 {14 Days of Fluffy Stuff}

If you're like me, fresh flowers are a special occasion thing. They are given to me for three reasons:

a) Valentine's Day
b) my birthday
c) when my husband does something really stupid (like losing his wedding ring in the river on our anniversary or smashing into a deer at 55 mph ... in MY car)

When I do get flowers, I like to take a few extra steps to make them last and arrange them all pretty-like.

And today I am sharing those steps with you for V-Day (or a major "oops" by your significant other ... whichever comes first :)

Sooo, here's what I do to ensure that my blooms blossom brilliantly. Boo ya.

you'll need ...

Materials:
flowers ... duh
a vase (make sure the opening is large enough to accommodate all the flowers without squishing them)
scotch tape
ribbons and other lovelies (optional)

Floral tape, wire and needle nose pliers can also come in handy, but they are not necessary.

Here's whatcha do:
1. Remove all the wrapping stuff.
2. Pull off all the leaves that will end up below the water line.
Why?
Because if you don't, they will rot and cause an explosion of bacteria that will murder your flowers.
3. Cut 1-2 inches off each stem. It's best to cut them at a 45 degree angle because it increases surface area and also keeps the stems from sitting flat against the bottom of the vase.

4. Check your flower height against your vase. Does it look good to you? Trim if needed, remembering 45 degrees.

flower food and CLEAN water

5. Fill your (clean) vase with (clean) water. Some people use distilled, but I haven't noticed a difference.
6. Add flower food if it came with the arrangement. If not, you can make your own with this recipe:

• 2 T lemon juice
• 1 T granulated sugar
• 1/4 t bleach 

these are flower frogs

7. Grab your scotch tape and use it to create a grid across the opening of your vase. Depending on the size of your arrangement/flowers/vase, you might want to cut the strips in half so they're thinner.

 This is a cheap-o version of a flower frog and it really helps arrangements keep their shape.

it's inveeesible ...

8. Now for the actual arranging!

This step differs based on flower type you have and the effect you're going for. There are literally hundreds of ways to arrange flowers, so have fun with it! For a classic arrangement with one type of flower, place them one at a time in the vase at differing angles for a nice rounded effect like this:

If you have a mixed bouquet, start with "fillers" - flowers with more than one bud on each stem (like baby's breath) and any greenery (like ferns).

fillers

Then add single stem flowers and any lovelies you may have in bare spots.

Voila! A classic and simple flower arrangement for V-Day (or any day)!

Remember, flower arranging is an ART. Trust yourself and you'll end up with something you love :)

Now go fluff some flowers!