How to Make Flower Arrangements for Sconces

Measure one of the sconces. Subtract 2 inches if the sconces have pointed tips. Double the measurement to arrive at the longest stem lengths for the arrangement. For example, if the sconces are 8 inches from top to bottom, cut the stems 16 inches or shorter to start with. This will make the flowers easier to work with -- and keep the arrangements from being top-heavy or out of proportion with the sconces. Cut the stems 50 percent taller than the sconces for compact bouquet arrangements.

Create an arrangement for a small sconce with one or three stems of flowers and one or three ferns or stems of foliage. For example, pair a heart-shaped scarlet anthurium with three fern fronds, a spray of orchids on a single stem with magnolia leaves -- or three calla lilies with a single large calla leaf. Cut the stems so that the flowers and foliage show above the sconce's rim with a minimum of visible stem.

Arrange miniature bouquets for the sconces with one to three dominant flowers, depending on the size of the sconce. Add three to five accent flowers and three sprays of filler flowers, such as St. Anne's Lace. For example, pair yellow or white roses as the dominant flower with tiger lilies or irises and surround them with the filler flowers. Put the dominant flower or flowers in the center, insert the accent flowers around the dominant flowers, and cut the stems of the filler flowers at least 2 inches shorter than the other flowers so the filler flowers create a border without hiding the colorful flowers in the bouquet.

Gather several flowers of any kind and adjust them so a few are taller than the others in an informal rounded bouquet. Wrap the stems with ribbon or raffia -- a natural binding material. Wrap the binding in an overlapping spiral for 3 to 4 inches and tie it in a knot or small bow. Cut each stem at a 45-degree angle, all the same length. This creates sconce arrangements with a decorative ribbon wrapping that show through glass sconces and are convenient to transport for use in sconces at a public building.