How to create floral arrangements with bud vases

Purchase a vase or vases. If you don't have any bud vases in the house, you can buy them in many department stores, houseware stores, and garden shops. Bud vases come in many materials, including glass, porcelain, and crystal. Bud vases also vary in price. Some vases are mass produced and available at little cost. Other bud vases are crafted by glassblowers and considered works of art in their own right. Look for a vase that suits the overall theme you are trying to create. If you are aiming for a southwestern feel, a bud vase in shades of peach and turquoise may be ideal.

Fill the vase with water halfway. A small amount of water will help keep your flowers fresh longer. Water will also help create contrast between the flower and the vase if you are using glass vases. Any leaves you use should not be covered with water.

Gather the flowers you want to use. The term bud vase comes from the idea that such vases should be used to hold smaller flowers. However bud vases can be used for any kind of flower. Use only a single flower or two in a small vase. Look for flowers that have perfect shapes, as the smaller vases will draw close attention to any flower you use. The smaller shape will also help the vase and flower work together harmoniously. Larger vases are fine for larger flowers. Look for flowers that can help serve as a focal point in the room. A single thick flower with many petals such as hydrangeas and chrysanthemums can fill an entire vase.

Prepare the flowers for display. Prune any withered or brown leaves. Cut the edges of the bottom of the flower at a sharp angle to help preserve them. The shorter bud vase will leave little room for long stems.

Add additional material. Add in leaves, greens, and foliage filler. The material should add delicate touches of green to the overall look. Avoid material that competes visually with the flowers you've chosen. Consider the color of the material you are using, as well. Bright red beads can add additional color to a Christmas holiday arrangement. A thin twig can spike upward from the vase and create a striking effect.

Use additional vases to create a display. If you have a large space to fill, use multiple bud vases to help bring it to life. Arrange large bud vases in the middle with thicker flowers. Surround the flowers with smaller vases with a single flower inside.