Flower Arranging Tutorial

Decide whether to make your arrangement from fresh, dried or silk flowers. Fresh flowers add a wonderful aroma but are short-lived. Dried flowers are long lasting but they require gentle care. Silk flowers are easy to wash and a good choice for people with active children, allergies or asthma.

Choose the colors that you want in the arrangement. The supporting colors should be complementary to the main color. A color wheel will be helpful in choosing a color scheme.

Select a container for the flowers. Just about anything can become a container. Fresh flowers will need something in which water can be held such as a brass or ceramic vase.

Glue the floral foam to the bottom of the container. Soak it with water if using fresh flowers (after the glue is completely dry).

Trim the stems of fresh flowers at a diagonal so more of their surface area can absorb water. Remove the lower leaves and all thorns.

Arrange taller flowers in the back of the vase and shorter ones in the front. Blend the colors throughout the vase to avoid having patches of red roses or yellow daisies.

Insert greenery, such as leaves or ivy, among the taller flowers.

Use a very small flower, such as sprigs of Baby's Breath, for a final addition. Insert the sprigs throughout the vase.

Add a tapered candle for a centerpiece or a stick balloon for a birthday or anniversary. You may also want to insert a plastic cardholder with a small note for the recipient. If you will be adding a candle, be certain that the flowers and greenery near it are shorter than the flame.

Attach a color-coordinated ribbon and bow to the floral container, if desired. This looks especially nice if you will be using a basket for the flower arrangement.