Basic Dried Flower Arranging: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started

Introduction

Since ancient times, flowers have been used to celebrate, commemorate, and decorate for occasions both grand and small. Weddings, festivals, holidays, and other special occasions—flowers serve to beautify the most important and meaningful events in our lives. One of the unfortunate realities of decorating with live flowers, however, is that not long after they are cut, flowers wither and die. Despite being kept in ideal conditions, within a week or so even the most beautiful vase of roses will shrivel.

But there is one way that we are able to capture the ephemeral beauty of these floral creations. Through drying, flowers can be preserved and used to create long-lasting arrangements every bit as lovely as those made from fresh flowers. Dried flowers can be used in wreaths, wall hangings, centerpieces, swags and garlands, vases, and a multitude of other projects. The scope of designs is limited only by the designer’s creativity and imagination.

This book is intended to serve as an introduction to the art of dried flower arranging. The main focus is on the craft itself, and the 21 projects featured are intended to teach the basic skills that you will also be able to apply to other projects you may undertake. The designs were chosen for both their attractiveness and their relative simplicity: Each of them should be easily achievable by beginners to the craft.

We hope that you will be able to use this book to master the basic skills required for dried flower arranging and then put those skills into practice by trying the projects it includes. In the process you will create some lovely designs and acquire a solid base of knowledge that you can use as you progress in this unique and enjoyable craft.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR DRIED FLOWER ARRANGING

Most of the tools and equipment you will need can be purchased at your local craft shop or floral supply store. Check your local telephone directory for stores near you. The Resources section on page 86 also contains a listing of several of the larger national chain craft stores.

LOW-TEMPERATURE GLUE GUN AND GLUE STICKS

A dried flower arranging necessity. Low-temperature glue guns are used to affix floral material to wreaths, baskets, or other floral material. Although either low-temperature or high-temperature glue guns will work for dried flower arranging, the high-temperature version (380° Fahrenheit) can cause nasty burns.

PRUNING SHEARS

Used for cutting stems and heavy floral wires. Can also be used to cut cardboard.

FLORAL FOAM

Unless specified otherwise, use dry floral foam (such as Sahara brand) rather than Styrofoam in dried flower arrangements. Styrofoam can break delicate dried flower stems. Dry floral foam will grip stems firmly, cut cleanly, and resist crumbling when shaped.

NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS

Required for working with wire wreath forms. Also useful for cutting fine-gauge floral and paddle wire.

FLORAL WIRE

Used to wire flower stems. Usually come pre-cut and in varying colors and gauges (the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire).

PADDLE WIRE

Used to attach material to wreaths, swags, and other designs. Usually available in 22, 24, and 26 gauge.

FLORIST’S KNIFE

Perfect for cutting Styrofoam or floral foam. A sharp kitchen knife will also work well.

GREENING PINS

Available at most craft stores or floral supply shops, these U-shaped pins are used in dried flower arranging to affix dried material to Styrofoam or straw wreath or topiary forms.

FLORAL TAPE

Used in dried flower arranging to attach the wired stem, giving it the appearance of a real stem. The tape will adhere to itself when stretched, but it won’t stick to your fingers.

BASIC SKILLS

There are only a few basic skills that you need to master before beginning your first dried flower arranging project.

Wiring Stems

(used in Flower Pot Wreath, page 13, and Christmas Candle Centerpiece, page 41)

1. Attach a 3-inch piece of green floral tape to a pre-cut length of 18- or 20-gauge stem wire. Align the wire with the flower’s existing short stem.

2. Hold the wire and stem between thumb and forefinger of one hand and wrap the floral tape down the length of the stem with the other. Pull the tape taut as you move down the stem, overlapping the tape closely together.

Wiring Pinecones

(used in Christmas Candle Centerpiece, page 41)

1. Thread a pre-cut length of 18- or 20-gauge floral wire through a bottom row of the cone’s scales, pulling it around until it meets the longer tail of wire.

2. Twist the shorter end around the longer end to secure.

3. Trim the new stem to the desired length with wire cutters.

Steaming Flowers and Leaves

(used in Victorian Wall Plaque, page 23)