How to Make Flower Arangements

Choose the type of flower or flowers you wish to use in your arrangement. The flowers can come from your garden or be store bought. Use only one type of flower or mix and match. Consider adding some greenery or baby's breath. Be sure the flowers you choose are firm and strong; do not use spent flowers that will quickly wilt and die.

Remove all the leaves and foliage on the flower stems that would be below the water line in the container. Any leaves and foliage that sit in the water will decay and turn the water a mucky color.

When cutting the stems keep them underwater; this helps to keep the flowers fresh. Be sure cut the stems at a diagonal which helps the flowers to take in more water in the container. Store cut flowers in a vase of water until you are ready to put together your arrangement.

Choose the type of container you want to use for your arrangement. Be creative and choose containers that have a uniqueness to them such as watering cans, old coffee tins, soda bottles or beach pails. Depending on the container, you may need to line the bottom with a piece of foil or plastic wrap so there are no drips. Also consider decorating the outside of your container with silk bows, raffia or even using double-sided tape to stick on tall leaves. Use different sized containers or several glass bottles with single flowers in each bottle.

Use floral foam fitted into the bottom of the containers. Be sure the foam fits snugly so it will not move. This helps to hold the flowers in place in the container. When making floating flower arrangements a great object to use is called an anchor pin or a "frog." This helps to hold the flower down into the water and can also be used to anchor a single flower in a regular vase.

Make a grid at the opening of the container with waterproof tape. This is the secret to a great flower arrangement that most florists use. Place strips of waterproof tape about 1/2 to 1 inch apart going one direction across the opening of the container. Then place strips going across the other way to create a grid-type pattern. The flowers are then placed into the spaces created which help to hold them in place.

Fill the container with water. Warm water encourages buds and closed flowers to open, while cool water helps to keep open flowers longer. Add a flower preservative to the water and let dissolve; this will help to preserve the life of the flowers longer. When changing the water, set the container in a sink under a faucet and run fresh water into the container letting the container overflow. This gets the old water out and replaces it with fresh water, and this does not require you to take the flowers out of the water. If needed, add more preservative to the water.

Arrange your flowers in the container with the taller flowers in the middle and shorter flowers around the sides. This graduated appearance is very professional looking. Add greenery, baby's breath or berries among the flowers, not just on the outside. If using clear containers add glass stones, seashells or small river rocks to the bottom for a fun look.