Floral design and text by Julia Prokhorova, CFD, TMF

Wild Veggie Bouquet, Corpus Christi, Texas

Photos and video by Cora Johnson Cora Johnson Photography, Corpus Christi, Texas

Presented by Dümmen Orange

Designing with a “surprise box” from Dümmen Orange was an enjoyable and exciting challenge. Inside the box, I discovered an assortment of roses, spray mums, Dianthus and callas, all in a sunny palette of yellows, greens and orange hues. This cheerful analogous color scheme showcases the warm spring energy these blooms radiate.

With several types and varieties of flowers to feature, I chose to design multiple “composite” arrangements and arrange them into a festive tablescape—perfect for a brunch for two. Add sliced fruit on salad plates and fill beverage glasses; then step back to take a moment to enjoy vibrant colors of this mouthwatering table setting.

PIECE BY PIECE

Piece 1

“Lemon-zest” Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage, and soak it in flower-food solution. Cut the lateral stems of ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mum blooms, and arrange the blooms in a densely clustered mound. Next, skewer fresh lemon halves, and place them into the design. Then, cut six or so thin strips from a sheet of thin yellow craft foam, fashion them into “lemon-zest” curls with wire, and incorporate two or three into the design (Save the remaining curls for Piece 3.) Finally, place the finished arrangement atop an inverted ceramic compote container, and secure the floral-foam cage to the bottom of compote with adhesive dashes (or adhesive floral clay or hot glue). Arrange more flowers around the bottom of the design, as needed, to cover all the mechanics.

Piece 2

Lush Green Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage; soak it in flower-food solution; and arrange fluffy Dianthus ‘Barberatus Fresh’ heads in a densely clustered mound, fully covering the cage. Arrange a few small Colocasia leaves among the Dianthus for textural contrast. To amplify the tropical mood and add more visual interest, place half of a freshly cut papaya, secured with wooden apple skewers, into the design.

Piece 3

Spilling Mums Design

Place a piece of saturated floral-foam snugly into a compote container, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Cover the floral foam with a chicken-wire “bubble,” and secure it in place with waterproof tape. Arrange spray mums in a densely clustered free-form mound. Use shorter stems at the base and gradually increase the height and length to produce a cascading effect. Insert a few wooden apple skewers into the design, at one side and at an angle, and place a compote container with a small piece of saturated floral foam affixed inside atop them. To suggest a whimsical “spill” of flowers, arrange a few spray mum blooms facing downward into the inverted compote. Finish by adding a few stems of ‘Spirit+’ and ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus, as well as a few small Colocasia leaves, fresh lemon halves on bamboo skewers and a few craft-foam “lemon-zest” curls.

Piece 4

Garden Rose Arrangement

Form a piece of chicken wire into a sphere that will fit snugly into a pedestal compote container. Secure the wire sphere into the container with waterproof tape, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange stems of Dianthus barbatus ‘Spirit+’ low into the container, to create a base and cover the chicken wire. Next, arrange ‘Silva Sunny+’ spray garden roses and ‘Bello+’ carnations, varying the stem lengths for depth and to create a slightly asymmetrical, organic feel. Let a few rose blooms gently drape over the rim of the container, to one side. Finally, incorporate a couple of small Colocasia leaves horizontally into the design.

Piece 5

‘Momentum+’ Rose Trees

Remove the lower foliage from several stems of high-end ‘Momentum+’ hybrid tea roses, cut each stem at an angle and immediately dip into an instant hydrating solution, and then place each stem into a large or extra-large water tube filled with flower-food solution. Attach the water-tubed roses to the branches of two Ficus benjamina (or similar) plants with paper-covered wire, and tuck a few into the plant pots.

Piece 6

Callas, Carnations and Chrysanthemums

Soak a large floral-foam cage in flower-food solution. Arrange ‘Bello+’ standard carnations, ‘Cheesy+’ spray carnations and ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies into the floral-foam cage, making sure the cage is completely camouflaged. Allow the curved stems of the calla lilies to express movement and create dimension.

Create a second smaller but coordinating arrangement for the tabletop in a ceramic compote container. Secure a flower frog/pin holder into the compote with adhesive dashes or adhesive floral clay, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange curving stems of ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies long and tall into the container, allowing one or two to drape over the edge of the table. Fill in the base of the design with ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mums.

Assembling the Tablescape

Cover the table with a non-patterned tablecloth or piece of fabric; I chose green velvet. Wrap the pots of the two “rose plants” in the same fabric (or a coordinating fabric) that covers the table, and then place the plants at the sides of the table. Next, artfully position the five tabletop arrangements on the table, with the calla-lily arrangement at the front right corner. “Garnish” the tabletop with papaya and lemon halves and Colocasia leaves—making sure to leave space for the table settings. Finally, place the larger calla-lily-and-carnation arrangement on the floor, at the front left corner of the table.

MATERIALS

Botanicals from Dümmen Orange

• ‘Champagne Yellow’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (cushion spray mum, decorative-flowered spray mum)

• ‘Sunny Day’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (daisy spray mum)

• ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Spirit+’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Bello+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (standard carnation)

•Cheesy+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (spray carnation)

• ‘Momentum+’ Rosa spp. (hybrid tea rose)

• ‘Silva Sunny+’ Rosa spp (spray garden rose)

• ‘Monte Carlo’ Zantedeschia rehmannii hybrid (calla lily, arum lily)

Other Botanicals

• Colocasia esculenta (taro leaf, elephant’s-ear leaf)

• Ficus benjamina, plants (weeping fig)

• Citrus limon (lemon)

• Carica papaya (papaya)

Hard Goods

• Sonata Compote (4.5”x 4.25”, Off-white) from Accent Decor

• Ceramic footed pedestal compote

• FLORACAGE^® Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• FLORACAGE^® Grande Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• OASIS^® Floral Foam Maxlife

• OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes

• OASIS^® Waterproof Tape

• OASIS^® Water Tubes (4”)

• OASIS^™ Bind Wire (Green)

• OASIS^™ Florist Netting

• OASIS^™ Florist Wire (22 gauge)

• FloraLife^® Quick Dip 100 from Smithers Oasis Company

• Round Flower frog/Pin holder/Kenzan (2.25” to 2.5” diameter)

• Wooden Apple Skewers

• Craft-foam sheet

Floral design and text by Ana Vivas

Aniska Creations, Miami, Florida

Photos by Simon Ruiz and Aniska Creations

Presented by Rosaprima

Welcome to a vibrant and joyful floral design inspired by the essence of spring! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a stunning color-blocked arrangement using premium roses, Ranunculus and Anemones from Rosaprima and Floraprima. I was inspired by the beautiful colors and quality of the flowers. By layering lighter blooms over bold clusters, we’ll achieve a seamless transition of color, bringing harmony and movement to the design. For the mechanics, I’ve chosen designer trays paired with sturdy wooden supports, floral foam for stability and zip ties to secure the structure. Let’s begin and bring this cheerful spring picnic vision to life.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

With waterproof tape, securely adhere the floral trays containing soaked floral foam to pieces of plywood that each have two pre-drilled holes on one end. Connect the plywood—which will serve as your base—by inserting and fastening zip ties into the drilled holes. The larger tray and its plywood base will rest on the table and support the weight of the smaller hanging tray and its base.

Step 2

Partially camouflage the floral foam with foliage and create a low base for the flowers. The foliage should be longer at the outer edges of the design and on the tray that hangs to create a cascading effect.

Step 3

Arrange the white roses (‘RP Helicopter’) on the first third of the upper tray. Cut each stem at a different length to create visual interest and depth in the arrangement. Place the light-yellow roses (‘Effie’) in that same area, making the end of that section fuller to help transition to the next color.

Step 4

Add the orange roses (‘Wild Spirit’) and pink coral roses (‘Romantic Antike’) to the second section of the upper tray. Keep placing the roses at different lengths and angles.

Step 5

Arrange the pink roses (‘RP Serendipity’) and purple roses (‘Cooldown’) in the third section of the upper tray and continue to do so on the hanging tray.

Step 6

After you’ve placed all your roses, begin placing the more delicate flowers—creating the effect that they’re dancing above and outward from the roses. In the first third of the arrangement, place the yellow Ranunculus. In the second third of the arrangement, place the orange Ranunculus. Finally, place the pink Anemones in the final third of the arrangement. These flowers will serve as blenders between the color blocks you’ve created with the roses.

Step 7

Cover the foam and mechanics with foliage. Place most of the greenery low, below the flowers, but create some points with taller greenery to make the arrangement more dynamic.

Step 8

Always save some blooms and greenery for the set-up location. Be sure to cover all the mechanics, including the plywood.

Materials

BOTANICALS

Flowers from Rosaprima

Rosa spp. ‘RP Serendipity’ (RP Exclusive Roses medium pink garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Effie‘ (Ausgray) (yellow-amber-apricot-tangerine-cream blend David Austin Wedding & Event Roses garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Romantic Antike’ (medium pink/peach blend garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘RP Helicopter’ (RP Exclusive Roses white garden-like rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Wild Spirit’ (orange/apricot garden-like rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Cooldown’ (lavender garden-like rose)

Flowers from Floraprima

Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Giallo’ (yellow Italian Ranunculus, Persian buttercup)

Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Clementine’ (tangerine/orange Italian Ranunculus, Persian buttercup)

Anemone coronaria ‘Levante Fucsia’ (red-violet/reddish purple windflower, poppy Anemone)

Foliages

Asparagus setaceus/A. plumosus (plumosa fern, lace fern, Asparagus fern)

Pistacia spp. (pistachio)

HARD GOODS

OASIS^® Brick Tray, Triple

OASIS^® Brick Tray, Single

OASIS^® Floral Foam Maxlife

OASIS^® Waterproof Tape (½” Green)

Plywood, particle board, MDF/HDF, OSB (2 pieces)

Cable/Zip ties

Floral design, text and photography by Nita Robertson, AIFD

Floral design is more than arranging flowers; it’s an opportunity to tell a story, evoke emotion and create a lasting impression. On these pages, I have crafted a composition that blends natural materials, vivid blooms and whimsical details. Be inspired to transform simple elements into a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and creativity.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Soak a brick of floral foam in properly proportioned flower nutrient solution until it is fully saturated and place it into the center of an OASIS^® Event Saddle. Secure the foam with waterproof tape.

DESIGN TIP: Leave space between the floral foam and two sides of the container to create a reservoir for flower nutrient solution and for placing small orchid plants into the design (Step 5).

Step 2

Place a piece of grapewood or driftwood on top of the floral foam. Secure the wood atop the floral foam with paper-covered wire by wrapping the wire around the wood in a couple of places and then threading it through the holes in the base of the container.

Step 3

Glue bits and pieces of reindeer moss to the areas of the grapewood to cover any showing mechanics.

Step 4

Arrange Gerbera low into the container, on the right half of the design and from the front to the back. This will serve as the focal point of the design.

Step 5

Place two small 2-inch potted orchid plants into the container, in the open spaces between the floral foam and the sides of the container. Secure the plants into the container by binding them to the grapewood with paper-covered wire. Place pieces of reindeer moss to cover any exposed mechanics and the orchid pots, as well as to wedge the pots into the container.

Step 6

Arrange spray roses and disbud mums in groupings.

Step 7

Arrange vines of ‘Neon’ pothos into the design, and then strategically place artificial monarch butterflies throughout the arrangement. Finally, if desired, hot-glue pieces of reindeer moss to the exterior of the container, to camouflage it and give it a natural look.

DESIGN TIP: I drilled small holes into the grapewood in which to insert the butterfly wires, which I secured with hot-glue. Alternatively, you could attach the butterfly wires to small wood picks or toothpicks and then insert the picks into the floral foam.

Materials

BOTANICALS

Rosa spp. (spray rose)

Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Antenna’ (disbud decorative-flowered mum)

Gerbera jamesonii (Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy, African daisy, Veldt daisy)

Phalaenopsis amabilis (moth orchid) (miniature, 2” pot)

Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ (pothos, devil’s ivy)

Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer moss, reindeer lichen, caribou moss)

Vitis spp. (grapewood)

HARD GOODS

OASIS^® Event Saddle

OASIS^® Midnight Floral Foam Maxlife

OASIS^® Midnight Waterproof Tape

OASIS^™ Bind Wire

OASIS^® All-temperature Glue Sticks

Artificial monarch butterflies

Floral design, text and photos by Lea Romanowski, AIFD, CAFA, CFD

Designing on the Edge

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Presented by Oasis Floral Products

My inspiration: my best friend, while lying in a meadow and looking outward, envisions spring arriving. Bright, vibrant flowers wondrously emerge after a long winter’s nap. For this design, I visualize five or more colors—polychromatic harmony. I think the new OASIS^™ Petite Tray, which has a smaller profile, best suits this creation. I see this narrow, multi-based tablescape used at events, weddings, church alters and celebrations of life.

You can sell this as:

• An S-Curve on a table using four small trays
• Multiple pieces around an urn
• Designs at the base of wedding arches
• Multiple pieces down a wedding aisle, and then transferred to tables
• Buffet table or credenza pieces
• Coffee table designs
• Narrow washroom counter designs

DESIGN TIP:

When designing more than one tray, layer in two or three botanicals at a time. Gently cover your base, and then design tallest to shortest placements. Water with a turkey baster or water tube bottle.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Saturate the foam, and then cut in a wave pattern, writing facing up. Flip the top piece over so the two pieces make one long wave when the ends touch. Gently push the foam writing facing forward into the long tray. Repeat this step using only half of the wave cut block. This will fill the small tray. No need to secure with tape as the foam is a very tight fit in the petite tray.

Step 2

Place foam filled trays on a towel. With a glove on, rub all the surface and edges of foam until they are smooth and rounded. Make sure to rub off all the stamped writing and rinse bases with water. This technique gives the foam base a clean finished look that does not need to be fully covered. Design with the two trays touching end to end. This will create a larger seamless finished design.

Step 3

Insert clear water tubes in the foam, where very thirsty flowers will be positioned. Moderately cover the wave of foam with jasmine vine, extending some trailing vines past the container ends. Secure with OASIS^® Naturals Bamboo Greening Pins, and then cover any mechanics with Dianthus.

Step 4

Insert all the taller and longer line flowers in groupings or a pattern. Choose your look.

Step 5

Next start basing with remaining flowers to ground the design, creating more depth.

Step 6

Finally, weave kiwi vine through the design for an interesting root-like dynamic line.  Add more jasmine vine, if desired.

Materials

BOTANICALS

• Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi vine, tara vine, bower vine)

• Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercup)

• Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Trick’ (hybrid nonflowering sweet William)

• Iris × hollandica ‘Blue Magic’ (Dutch Iris, fleur-de-lis)

• Gentiana spp. (gentian)

• Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Atlantic’ (hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth)

• Scabiosa atropurpurea × caucasica ‘Dark Cherry SCOOP’ (pincushion flower, scabious)

• Veronica acinifolia (French speedwell)

• Tulipa spp. ‘Columbus’ (peony-flowered tulip, Double Late tulip)

• Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘BluOcean Jade’ (spray mum)

• Jasminum officinale, vine (common jasmine, white jasmine, poet’s jasmine)

HARD GOODS

• OASIS^® Midnight Floral Foam Maxlife

• OASIS^™ Petite Tray (10” and 19”)

• OASIS^® Naturals Bamboo Greening Pins

Floral design, photos and text by Nita Robertson, AIFD

Presented by Reliant Ribbon company

Prom season brings an exciting opportunity to showcase both timeless traditions and modern trends in flower design. While traditional wrist corsages remain a popular choice for many, prom bouquets offer a fresh, contemporary alternative, allowing teens to make bold fashion statements while perfectly complementing their attire. The versatility of products from Reliant Ribbon is key to these creations, offering a stunning array of colors, textures and patterns that elevate each design. Ribbon serves as the perfect medium for matching and enhancing prom attire. Whether your clients prefer the classic charm of a corsage or the sophisticated allure of a handheld bouquet (or, possibly, both!), you can provide options that reflect every personality and trend. This is your time to shine, creating memorable designs that help make prom night unforgettable.

STEP BY STEP

BOUQUET

Step 1

Use the circular cardboard flange from a bolt of ribbon or cut a similar shape from sturdy cardboard.

Ensure the center is hollow, forming a doughnut-like shape. Wrap the cardboard circle completely with No. 9 double-faced satin ribbon.

Secure with adhesive dashes to ensure it stays in place. This will form the foundation of the bouquet.

Step 2

Build the design directly through the ribbon-wrapped base.

I chose miniature callas, spray roses and spray Veronica. I also glued a disbud cremon Chrysanthemum bloom to the circular ribbon-covered base with liquid floral adhesive.

Step 3

Enhance the design with sparkling accents to make the bouquet prom-ready.

Consider adding rhinestones, jewel picks, decorative wire and/or beads, positioning the embellishments strategically to highlight the flowers.

Step 4

Add custom ribbon rosettes to tie the ribbon colors into the design. Roll the ribbon tightly to form the center of the “bloom.” Fold the ribbon back and twist to create the petals, repeating until the rosette reaches the desired size. Secure with floral wire and position the rosettes within the bouquet for a cohesive look.

Step 5

Gather the exposed stems below the bouquet base, and neatly wrap them with stem wrap, self-fusing binding tape or waterproof tape. Cover the binding material with No. 9 double-faced satin ribbon, to give the bouquet a professional finished appearance.

Step 6

Allow the ribbon to cascade down in flowing streamers. Loop additional ribbon into the bouquet base to create visual interest and varied levels within the design.

CORSAGE

Step 1

Start with a premade wrist corsage base. I chose Reliant Ribbon’s black Graceful Lady Deluxe Sophisticate Jewel Premade Corsage Wristlet. This versatile base features a premade bow and rhinestone sprays, leaving you to simply add the flowers. To enhance the design, I glued additional ribbon loops into the premade base with liquid floral adhesive. This added visual interest and provided a cohesive way to tie the corsage into the wearer’s outfit, ensuring a polished and personalized look.

Materials

BOTANICALS

• Zantedeschia rehmannii hybrid (miniature calla)

• Rosa spp. (spray rose)

• Veronica spicata (spray spike speedwell)

• Chrysanthemum × morifolium (disbud cremon mum)

• Ruscus hypoglossum (Israeli Ruscus, Holland Ruscus, Florida Ruscus)

HARD GOODS FROM RELIANT RIBBON

• #9 Antique Mauve Double Face Satin (4951-172-09)

• #3 Antique Mauve Double Face Satin (4951-172-03)

• #3 Icy Pink Double Face Satin (4951-301-03)

• #3 Light Pink Luxe Velvet Double Face (4660-117-03)

• #3 Rose Quartz Charlize Sheer Satin Wired Edge (25771W-225-03)

• Black Graceful Lady Deluxe Sophisticate Jewel Premade Corsage Wristlet (67306-031-03)

• Gem Pin Flower (67341-001-02Z)

• Rhinestone Quintet (FT-KK45-11-Q#8)

OTHER HARD GOODS

• OASIS^® Floral Adhesive

• OASIS^™ Florist Wire

• OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes

• Floratape^® Stem Wrap from OASIS Floral Products

Floral design, photos and text by Paulina Nieliwocki

Blue Jasmine Floral

Berkeley Heights, N.J.

The soft curves and blended textures in this suspended floral design celebrate the autumn season’s bounty and beauty. Comprising some of fall’s dominant blooms, primarily marigolds and Chrysanthemum, this fanciful design evokes the season’s duality of saturated and muted golden hues. For the coming seasonal holidays, occasions and events, it offers myriad applications, particularly as décor above dining and buffet tables, in foyers and entrance spaces, and anywhere a dramatic floral statement is desired.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Cut a length of chicken wire to the desired length, and lay it on a long work surface. Place piles of dried organics, such as moss, twigs, leaves, grasses, raffia fiber and the like, in the center of the chicken wire, spanning the entire length. Tightly roll the chicken wire into a “tube,” encasing the dried materials within, and bind the tube closed with short zip/cable ties. Shape the design mechanic into the desired form.

Step 2

Hang the structure from a sturdy source, such as a hook anchored into a ceiling, a celling beam, etc.

Step 3

Arrange marigolds, in groups, into the structure. Surround the tubular mechanic to create equal weight distribution.

DESIGN TIP: Marigolds are hardy enough to last throughout an event without a water source; however, you can insert stems into anchor-pointed or spiked water picks filled with properly proportioned flower nutrient solution, if desired.

Step 4

Arrange stems of spray Chrysanthemum, Freesia and Limonium into the structure, fully covering the structure and creating additional dimension and depth.

DESIGN TIP: I recommend placing the stems of spray Chrysanthemum and Freesia into water picks.

Step 5

Pepper in some stems of dried grasses for an additional seasonal touch and to create additional movement and dimension.

Materials

Floral design, text and photography Nita Robertson, AIFD

Presented by Ragon House

Decorating with faux flowers and foliages has become wildly popular again, due largely to their versatility, longevity and, most important, newly crafted realism. They can effortlessly infuse elegance and charm into any space or for any event, occasion or holiday—especially high-end permanent botanicals such as these from Ragon House, to which great attention has been given to the replication of lifelike textures and realistic colors. Furthermore, the versatility, durability, flexibility and color ranges of today’s faux flowers and foliages, combined with the option of incorporating fresh blooms, offer endless possibilities for customization for any décor or theme.

This tall and stately “tree” design would be lovely for a wide range of placements in homes and offices, as well as for celebratory occasions such as weddings, parties and other events—anywhere a dramatic statement is needed. It can be created for any season or holiday and would be a beautiful styling to add to your rental offerings.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Shape the branches of a permanent olive tree to create a natural, lifelike growth pattern. Place the black pot of the olive tree into an aged white planter urn.

Step 2

Crumple a length of chicken wire, and snugly position it into the planter urn, atop the tree pot and around the tree trunk. Tape the chicken wire into the planter urn with waterproof tape if additional sturdiness and stability are needed. The chicken wire will serve as the mechanic into which you will arrange the other stems of permanent botanicals.

Step 3

Shape stems and branches of apple blossom and plum blossom sprays, as well as tea-leaf branches and burgundy foliage sprays, to give each a natural, lifelike growth pattern. Arrange the long stems of these materials into the chicken wire so that they rise through the branches of the olive tree and create a full, balanced design. Ensure that all stems are securely and permanently positioned. You can create a “one-sided” or an “all-sided” arrangement, depending on its intended use and placement.

Design Tip: For a fuller, more natural look, gently bend and shape your faux flowers before adding them to your arrangement. This allows you to create more dimension and realism in your design.

Step 4

Arrange stems of permanent Hydrangea, onion bush and tea-leaf branches into the base of the design, atop the lip/rim of the planter urn. Ensure that the flowers and foliage fully conceal the mechanics and create a full, lush base that visually balances the upper portion of the design.

Materials

Permanent BOTANICALS from Ragon House

• 14.5” Pink Onion Bush (OR215497)

• 20.5” Light Pink Hydrangea Stem (OR215448)

• 40” Pale Pink Apple Blossom Spray (OR224651)

• 42.75” White Plum Blossom Spray (OR224647)

• 39” Soft Green Tea Leaf Branch (G228123)

• 40.25” Burgundy Foliage Spray (OR215384)

• 4’ Olive Tree in Black Pot (G228319)

HARD GOODS

• 22.25” Aged White Planter Urn (H214040) from Ragon House

• OASIS^™ Florist Netting

• OASIS^® Waterproof Tape (optional)

Presented by Boutstix

Creating stunning wrist corsages has never been easier than now, with the introduction of “Wristix^™” by BoutStix^™. The innovative new Wristix^™ wrist corsage base features a round coated-metal base and a sturdy yet silky soft elastic band with a long hook-and-loop closure that provides for an adjustable and snugly comfortable fit. Wristix^™ is designed to streamline the creation process for professional florists. The wrist corsage bases are available in “Combo Packs,” which include three original BoutStix^™ (three magnet sticks with three backing magnets) and three new Wristix^™ (three wristband/bases with six magnet sticks—two for each wristband/base).

The Wristix^™ is a wrist corsage band and coated-metal base.

One Wristix^™ “unit” comprises one wristband and two BoutStix^™ magnet sticks; however, rather than Wristix^™ using backing magnets, the two sticks are placed onto the wristband’s metal base.

The Wristix^™ band features a long hook-and-loop closure that is adjustable and provides for a perfect fit.

The silky soft elastic Wristix^™ band is comfortable to wear, and the minimalist color works with any design style and skin tone.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Wire and tape flower stems, and then tape them together to form two sections of a corsage. Tape each section to a magnet stick with stem wrap.

DESIGN TIP: Use one magnet stick for central flowers and a second magnet stick for complementary flowers.

Step 2

For the greatest amount of design surface, create floral pieces to be positioned on the Wristix^™ base with the magnet sticks in opposing directions.

Step 3

Place the two sections of the corsage onto the Wristix^™ base.

DESIGN TIP: Glue additional filler flowers and bits of foliage into the corsage with liquid floral adhesive, if desired, as well as to the Wristix^™ base, for additional security.

Alternative Design Method

Glue all botanical and other materials directly onto the Wristix^™ magnet sticks with liquid floral adhesive, and then attach the magnet sticks to the Wristix^™ base.

Materials

HARD GOODS

• Wristix^™ by BoutStix^™    (each Wristix^™ “unit” includes one wristband and two magnet sticks)

• Stem wrap

• Enamel florist wire

• Liquid floral adhesive (optional)

BOTANICALS

Purple Corsage

• Dianthus caryophyllus (spray carnation)

• Chrysanthemum × morifolium (spray mum)

• Pycnosorus globosus [formerly Craspedia globosa] (billy button, drumstick)

• Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Ball’ (hybrid sweet William)

• Limonium spp. (sea lavender, statice)

• Liriope muscari (lily grass)

• Ruscus aculeatus (butcher’s broom, box holly, Italian Ruscus)

Pink Corsage

• Cymbidium spp. (miniature boat orchid, miniature Cymbidium orchid)

• Rosa spp. (rose)

• Asparagus setaceus (plumosa fern, lace fern, Asparagus fern)

Yellow Corsage

• Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercup)

• Eryngium planum (sea holly, sea star thistle, plains eryngo)

• Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Ball’ (hybrid sweet William)

Farm-fresh cut flowers from Budzi inspire a vibrant floral designs ideal for fall nuptials.

Floral design and photos by Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMF

Presented by Budzi

BUDZI is a grower, importer and wholesale distributor of fresh cut flowers, such as the stunning specimens featured in this bouquet.  The company also sources product from more than 60 top quality flower growers in multiple countries and rapidly serves its customers from its refrigerated facilities in Miami, the major point of entry for fresh cut flowers for the US and Canadian markets. BUDZI handles the crucial logistics for shipment via air or truck to assure timely deliveries to its retail florists and events planner customers’ doorsteps throughout the US and Canada.

“For this bouquet, my inspiration came from creative problem solving and thinking outside the box, such as crafting a unique botanical-art armature from cardboard, duct tape and Leucadendron leaves,” shares designer Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMF. “I’m always challenging myself to find creative ways to use everyday botanicals in different and unexpected ways.”

STEP BY STEP – Bouquet

Step 2

Wrap the cardboard pieces with duct tape, with the adhesive side of the tape facing outward. This technique makes it easier to adhere floral materials to the armature, saving time over gluing each individual leaf.

Step 3

Adhere the side pieces of tape-wrapped cardboard to the bottom piece. With the adhesive side of the tape facing outward, the pieces will stick together.

Step 4

Press individual leaves of Leucadendron “Safari Sunset’ onto the all surfaces of the tape-wrapped armature. Cover the cut ends of the leaves with the tips of successive leaves. Create either a formal fish-scale pattern or a more free-form pattern of your choice.

DESIGN TIP: For extra security, spray the backsides of the Leucadendron leaves with adhesive before positioning them on the armature.

Step 5

Tape six individual 18-inch lengths of 18-gauge florist wire with stem wrap. Bundle the six pieces of wrapped wire, and bind approximately 5 inches of one end of the wires together with stem wrap, to create a “handle” for the bouquet. Next, just above the top of the wrapped section of wires, bend each wire 90 degrees, forming a “spoke” of wires. Cut the wires to fit inside the armature, and glue them in place with liquid floral adhesive.

Step 6

Using the spiral hand-tied method, arrange carnations inside the armature to create a fluffy base through which you will arrange all other flower and foliage stems.

Step 7

Continuing with the spiral hand-tied method, arrange stems of all other flowers and foliage through the armature. Be sure to not completely cover the carnation base.

Step 8

Bind the bouquet stems at their binding point with stem wrap, waterproof tape, self-fusing binding tape, raffia, ribbon, a taped chenille stem or other binding material of your choice. Be sure all mechanics on the underside of the bouquet are completely camouflaged.

STEP BY STEP – Pocket Boutonnière

Step 1

Apply liquid floral adhesive to a ready-made pocket square with satin leaves. Allow the adhesive to become tacky.

Step 2

Press flower heads and bits of foliage—the same as in the bouquet—into the tacky adhesive, and allow the adhesive to dry completely.

Materials