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The Power of Flower Arranging

May 12, 2023

My dear reader, flower arranging is a skill that has been practiced for centuries and has evolved into a beautiful art form. A well-arranged bouquet not only brings beauty to a room but also has the power to convey messages and emotions through the language of flowers.

The history of flower arranging dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where flower garlands and wreaths were used in religious ceremonies and as symbols of honor and victory. In Japan, the art of flower arranging, or Ikebana, developed as a form of meditation and spiritual practice. Each culture has its own unique style and techniques of flower arranging that reflect their values and traditions.

The key to successful flower arranging is understanding the language of flowers. Each flower and color has its own symbolic meaning and can convey different emotions and messages. For example, a bouquet of red roses traditionally signifies love and passion, while yellow roses can symbolize friendship and joy. White lilies are often associated with purity and innocence, while bluebells represent humility and gratitude.

There are many different styles and techniques of flower arranging, including traditional European styles, such as the Dutch and English styles, as well as modern styles, like contemporary or minimalist arrangements. Each style has its own unique characteristics and techniques, but they all share the same goal of creating a beautiful and harmonious arrangement that captures the essence of the flowers and their meanings.

When arranging flowers, it is important to consider the colors, textures, and shapes of the flowers and how they will complement each other. A well-designed bouquet should have a balance of colors and textures, with each flower and element contributing to the overall harmony of the arrangement.

In addition to being a beautiful art form, flower arranging also has many therapeutic benefits. The act of arranging flowers can be a calming and meditative experience, reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have also shown that having flowers in the home or workplace can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. (Next up, read: The Health Benefits of Fresh Flowers)

Flower arranging is a beautiful and meaningful art form that requires a deep understanding of the language of flowers. Whether you are arranging a bouquet for a special occasion or simply for your own enjoyment, taking the time to carefully select and arrange the flowers can have a powerful impact on your mood and overall well-being. So go ahead and indulge in the beauty of flowers, and let their language speak to your soul.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally

Create a Harvest Vase from a Pumpkin, Apple, or Gourd

October 23, 2019

As we celebrate the harvest season, we look for ways to incorporate autumnal touches into our decor. A fun way to do this is by crafting floral arrangements that use seasonal fruits as a natural vase. We can use the abundance of apples, pumpkins, and gourds to create festive containers for cheerful bouquets.

The first step is to find fruits that are firm and unblemished. These will last the longest once they are cut. Be sure to keep in mind the size of your desired flowers when choosing a potential container.

Next you will hollow out your selected produce. Apples tend to be a little softer and can easily be scooped out with everyday utensils. Pumpkins and gourds are generally tough, so use caution when cutting into them. Use whatever tools you would use if you were hollowing a jack-o-lantern. Be sure to save the pumpkin seeds for toasting and snacking.

The goal is to have a cleaned out cavity that can hold water. To extend the life of your pumpkin or gourd, you can place a glass vase inside it to contain the water and flowers. This will slow down the process of the fruit getting soft and soggy.

Once your pumpkin or gourd is hollow, it’s ready to be filled with seasonal flowers. We love chrysanthemums and roses in autumnal colors such as peach, yellow, and burgundy. Hydrangeas in shades of ivory and dusty pink are a great option too.

Apples that feature variegated reds and greens, such as Lady apples, make a beautiful choice for your harvest table. These petite vases can be used to hold a single flower stem or a cluster of berries. Look for vibrant berries from the pyracantha bush, or colorful St. Johns wort.

These fresh vases are also ideal for use with dried flowers, leaves, and acorns. This will allow you to display them even longer than if you use live flowers. You may be able to enjoy your arrangement for a week or more.

Decorated small gourds and apples can also be used as place card holders for your Thanksgiving meal. Many craft stores sell the metal inserts that hold place cards, as well as the cards themselves. Nestle the place card in among the blooms. Guests may even like to take these favors home with them.

Once you see how cute these little vases are, you may want to carry on with this theme. Hollowed out apples and small pumpkins or gourds will also make fun tea light holders. You can use either flameless candles or real tea lights or votives to brighten up your holiday decor.

When your natural vase starts to get soft, be sure to put it outside for the furry friends in your neighborhood. Apples and small pumpkins make an excellent meal for squirrels and chipmunks. Check with local farms to see if they accept donations of larger pumpkins – they make a healthy, tasty treat for the animals.

By using your imagination, apples and pumpkins can be so much more than pie filling. From harvest decor, to your Thanksgiving buffet, and a feast for barnyard critters, this versatile produce will help you celebrate the gathering season in style.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Occasions, Seasonal

Celebrate the Harvest Season with a Floral Cornucopia

October 17, 2019

The cornucopia is a traditional symbol of a bountiful harvest. This beloved hallmark of the harvest season has long been associated with a plentiful yield. Filled with flowers and produce, the cornucopia proudly displays the best of the year’s crops.

The name cornucopia comes from the Latin word that translates as “horn of plenty”. The tradition dates back thousands of years to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The tale originated with the god Zeus and his nanny, a beloved goat whose charmed horn was said to bring riches to those possessed it.

In the modern world, the cornucopia has come to represent an abundant harvest. In the United States, the cornucopia is commonly used as decor to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. It is often filled to overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and seasonal flowers.

Making a cornucopia centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table is a fun and simple project. The horn-shaped baskets, usually made of wicker, are sold at craft stores everywhere. Depending on the size of your table, you can choose from an array of sizes suitable for every home.

Because the cornucopia is a symbol of the harvest season, it is appropriate to display it throughout the autumn months. Not just for Thanksgiving, the cornucopia makes a beautiful decoration from September through the start of the holiday season.

When choosing flowers for your cornucopia, traditional fall colors are the most popular. Look for chrysanthemums in shades of yellow, orange, and rust. Roses in yellow, deep red, and peach hues are also festive this time of year. Cheery sunflowers make a bold display and are found in yellow, orange, and burgundy colors. After you have placed your flowers, fill in small spaces with bright bunches of berries.

If you wish to use your cornucopia for longer than just the Thanksgiving holiday, you will need to periodically add water to your flowers. Place them in small vessels that are easily hidden by the basket. Floral foam designed to hold water is a great way to arrange the stems and cut down on the frequency of waterings. Floral foam is readily available at craft stores and may also be sold by your local florist.

Another option for a long-lasting cornucopia is to use dried flowers in the display. This eliminates the need for watering and ensures that the flowers will last throughout the season. Dried leaves from local trees also exhibit brilliant colors in the fall. They would make a striking addition to your basket.

Because the horn of plenty is associated with a rich harvest, be sure to include fruits and vegetables in your display. Bright red and green apples are a colorful choice and will remain firm for several weeks. Other long-lived options include whole pomegranates, small pumpkins or gourds, and dried decorative corn cobs.

For a short-term display, tender fruits and vegetables will work well. Heirloom tomatoes, with their unique colors and shapes, would be beautiful here. If you are only using your cornucopia for a day or two, try bunches of grapes draped artfully in the curves of the basket.

Whether you display your harvest decor for a few days or a few months, you can easily create your own show-stopping centerpiece. Choose flowers and fruits that coordinate with your Thanksgiving plates and napkins, or customize a cornucopia to celebrate all season long. Either way, your one-of-a-kind cornucopia will wow your family and friends!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Chrysanthemum, Roses, Seasonal, Sunflowers

Make Your Own Potpourri with Dried Flowers

October 10, 2019

Gifts from the garden make wonderful gestures because they’re personal and unique. If you’re searching for the perfect present for a flower lover, consider making potpourri with your own dried flowers.

Choose potpourri materials that will be absorbent or porous when dried. You want them to slowly release the fragrance oils into the air over time. Dried flowers are often utilized for this purpose, as their delicate leaves and petals hold just the right amount of essential oils.

Dried seeds and pine cones are a common addition to potpourri. You can collect items from your garden for use in this project. Rinse pine cones before using, as they can be slightly sticky from sap. If you’re feeling exotic, check your local craft store for lotus pods and other types of unusual-looking seed pods.

Dried fruits are also a fun choice for adding to potpourri. Thinly slice red apples or your favorite citrus fruit. Arrange the slices in a single layer on lined baking sheets. Bake at 250 degrees for several hours, until the slices are totally dry and translucent. The slices will begin to turn a light golden brown. The fruit will add visual interest to your potpourri, and is excellent at dispersing fragrance.

Essential oils can be purchased at craft stores, health food stores, and many online retailers.
Choose at least 3-5 complementary fragrance oils. You don’t need to use only floral notes for your potpourri. Don’t be afraid to mix food notes (like vanilla) with florals for a more complex finished scent. Choose an unexpected note to make the scent more interesting. For example, pink or black peppercorn oil pairs well with floral notes and adds a subtle hint of spice.

If you wish, you can coordinate your fragrance oil to match your dried flowers. A popular choice is roses, using the dried petals as well as dried buds and rose hips. There are several types of rose essential oils, each offering a different scent. If you prefer a classic, sweet rose fragrance, look for oils that are labeled “old-fashioned rose”.

Rose potpourri would be a lovely present for a loved one’s birthday. If you’re looking for a special Mother’s Day or Easter gift, use dried violets or violas from your spring garden. The violet fragrance has been beloved for hundreds of years and will make a excellent top note in your potpourri.

When giving the gift of potpourri, include a small dropper bottle of the mixed essential oils that you have used. A few drops of the oil can be used to refresh the fragrance of the potpourri throughout the year.

There are hundreds of combinations of dried flowers and essential oils that will make beautiful and fragrant potpourri. Let your harvest and your imagination guide you, and the final result will be a treasured gift from your garden.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Any Time

Create a Harvest Wreath from Your Garden

October 9, 2019

As the days get shorter and the nights grow cooler, a beautiful transformation happens in our gardens. Plants put on a brilliant show as they prepare for their winter dormancy. The autumn garden is full of vibrant colors that can be preserved by crafting a harvest wreath.

A harvest wreath makes a lovely gift for friends and family that love the autumn season. Thanks to its rich, warm colors it can be displayed from September through Thanksgiving. If it is carefully packed away, a harvest wreath can be used from year to year.

To begin your project, you will need a wreath form. This is the base or foundation of the wreath. Most wreath forms are round, but other shapes such as ovals and squares have become popular in recent years.

Some common materials for wreath forms are styrofoam, grapevine, and metal hoops. Styrofoam is lightweight and easy to work with. It is used when the wreath materials will completely cover the base, as this type of base is not intended to be visible.

Grapevine wreaths are woodsy and rustic, and are designed to be seen in the finished product. Similarly, hoop wreaths are metal circles that are often left partially exposed. In both instances, the wreath form itself is part of the final design.

The next step in creating a harvest wreath is to put down a foundation layer such as dried evergreen branches or brightly colored pressed leaves. Attach floral elements with flexible craft wire, which is available at craft stores and home improvement stores.

A simple method for pressing leaves is to sandwich them between two layers of waxed paper (wax side facing in!) and iron them. This process flattens the leaves and removes moisture at the same time. The thin layer of wax left on the leaves helps protect them as well.

Next, attach your larger dried flowers. There are many gorgeous blooms to choose from in the fall. Sedum flowers and hydrangea blooms offer wonderful options, and may even dry naturally on the plant. Roses are another late-blooming choice that would make a fine addition to your harvest wreath.

After the larger flowers have been attached to the frame, tuck in smaller flowers such as stems of baby’s breath. A few clusters of dried berries, such as bright orange pyracantha, will finish the wreath. If you wish to attach a bow or ribbon, that is the final step in decorating your harvest wreath.

The meaningful gesture of a hand-crafted gift will be appreciated for any special occasion. A harvest wreath would be a thoughtful housewarming or hostess gift. If you know someone who loves all things autumnal, this would be a perfect “just because” gift. A harvest wreath will bring season-long enjoyment to all who see it.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Seasonal

Use Floral Photographs to Create Unique Gifts

October 7, 2019

Do you need a unique gift for a flower lover or gardening aficionado? You can easily create custom items using your own photos of beloved flowers and plants. Whether it’s a bloom in your own garden or a picture taken during a trip or special occasion, these photo creations allow you to give a gift that will stay beautiful long after a fresh flower would have faded.

There are dozens of websites that allow you to make custom photo items. Some sites store all of your photos at no charge. Other websites allow you to upload just the photos you need for your project. There are hundreds of photo gifts to choose from, allowing you to showcase both your photography and your gardening skills.

Greeting cards are a common choice for custom photo items. There are cards available for any type of celebration or holiday. Use photos of blooms from your garden to say “thank you” or “I’m thinking of you”. Or create a set of floral note cards to give as a gift. Accompanied by some stamps and a nice pen set, this will make a thoughtful present for someone who enjoys hand-writing letters.

Also made with custom photos, one of a kind keepsake boxes can be used to store treasured trinkets or jewelry. Create a box using a photo of a loved one’s favorite flower and fill the box with the same type of dried flowers or homemade potpourri.

Custom dishes (paper or melamine) and napkins are a fun way to use your own floral photos as festive party decor. These tabletop items often include custom text for a birthday, anniversary or graduation. Use photos of the guest of honor’s favorite flowers, along with fresh bunches of the same flowers to complete the party’s theme.

Photo pillows and blankets are a popular gift because the recipient can use them every day. Fleece, quilted, or woven fabrics are printed with the photos of your choice. Try creating a winter theme by photographing evergreens, pine cones and holly berries. You can make a thoughtful gift that will keep someone cozy all winter long.

For a gift that will be used year-round, create a custom photo calendar. Show off the highlights of your garden through every season. From cheerful daffodils in the spring to sparkling snow-covered branches in the winter, there are countless opportunities to share nature’s beauty throughout the year.

Someone special to you will certainly appreciate receiving an uncommon, personalized gift. And there are custom photo items suitable for absolutely every occasion. By creating gifts using your own pictures of special flowers, you can give blooms in a way that will never wilt or fade.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Crafts, Occasions

Pressed Flower Jewelry Makes Treasured Blooms Last for Years

October 2, 2019

Flowers make a wonderful gift for any special occasion. But many people feel bad when the blossoms begin to fade. By preserving some of the blooms, you can create a piece of jewelry that keeps meaningful flowers looking beautiful for years to come.

You can make dried floral jewelry for yourself using flowers you received as a gift. Drying the flowers is a way to extend their life so that you can enjoy their beauty and remember the special person who gave them to you.

Pressed floral jewelry is also a thoughtful gift for someone who loves flowers or gardening. Floral jewelry is an excellent choice for birthdays, Christmas or Hanukkah. It also makes a lovely gift for Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or to say “congratulations”. A handcrafted piece of floral jewelry will be appropriate for any celebration or just to say “I love you”.

The process for creating floral jewelry begins with pressing the flowers. Choose blooms that are vibrant and unblemished. Flowers from your own garden would make an especially personal and meaningful gift.

There are several methods for pressing flowers. Special presses that are designed for the microwave flatten the blossoms and remove moisture at the same time. Depending on the type of flower, this process may take only a few minutes.

There are also traditional manual presses that slowly wick away moisture from blooms using pressure and weight. One time-tested example of this type of pressing is to place flowers between the pages of a heavy book. Other types of presses require tightening a handle or screw to increase the pressure. This process can take several weeks but yields reliable results.

Once you have dried your flowers, there are many options for creating jewelry. Craft stores and large retailers usually carry all the supplies you will need. There are a variety of kits available with glass or acrylic pieces and bezel wire. Bezel wire is a narrow, pliable strip of metal that is used to hold the glass or acrylic together by binding the edges tightly.

You can often find kits with either transparent front and back pieces (glass or acrylic) or a solid metal backing in which to place the flowers. The preserved flowers are sandwiched between two layers to protect them and give them a framework for attaching to jewelry findings. These kits commonly feature metal in a silver or copper color and many have attached hardware through which a chain or ear wire can pass.

Perhaps you have a locket with special meaning and would like to place pressed flowers inside. You can coat the flowers with glue to hold them in place as well as to strengthen the fragile blooms. When choosing a glue for this project, read the label to be sure it is suitable for use on metal.

For experienced crafters, encasing dried flowers in resin is a popular way to preserve them. This involves pouring a two-part epoxy into a mold with preserved flowers. Resin can accommodate flowers that are more three-dimensional than pressed flowers. The finished resin baubles can be used as a pendant, drop earrings, or on a charm bracelet.

An advantage to using resin is that it allows the flowers to be seen from every angle. You may also see tiny bubbles in the resin as part of the design. This gives an ethereal look to transparent or lacy flowers.

There are many options for making dried floral jewelry, whether you are new to crafting or an experienced artisan. Whichever method you choose, the final result will be a unique piece of jewelry that will remind the recipient of someone special whenever they wear it.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally, Occasions

Thoughtful DIY Gifts Made with Dried Flowers

October 1, 2019

As the growing season winds down and the holiday season approaches, our minds turn to gift-giving. What could be more thoughtful than a gift from your garden? Using dried and pressed flowers, you can craft unique floral-themed items for the special people in your life.

One of the simplest ways to create a gift with pressed flowers is to make a vignette in a frame. Any frame will work for this project, so choose one that suits your gift recipient’s tastes. Arrange the dried flowers and leaves in an artful design, using a contrasting piece of cardstock for the background. Depending on your choice of flowers, this framed arrangement can be suitable for seasonal or year-round display.

Decoupage is another great choice for creating decor with pressed flowers. Use a decoupage medium, available at any craft store, to adhere the flowers to clean, flat surfaces. Then top with additional decoupage glue to seal the flowers in place. You can use this technique to decorate a custom box, serving tray, side table, or mirror frame. Any of these would make a cheerful addition to a young girl’s room or a treasured gift for a gardener.

Another fun project using pressed flowers is adding them to the outside of a candle. This can be done with a pillar candle of any color or scent. Soy wax is a good choice here, as it burns cleaner than other waxes. There are many methods for creating floral candles, but we like the simpler techniques.

One option is to use the back of a hot spoon to melt the wax a little at a time so you can lay the flowers on the softened wax. Heat the spoon by holding it over the flame of another lit candle. Work in small sections to adhere the flowers and leaves to the tacky wax. Larger flowers may require heating the wax several times. After the arrangement is in place on the candle, go over it again with the hot spoon back to seal the flowers in their final positions.

Another option for adhering pressed flowers to a candle uses wax paper and a heat gun (available at craft stores). Again, this process will work with any pillar candle. Cut the wax paper to the height of the candle and 1.5 times the length around the candle. Arrange your dried blooms directly on the wax paper. Then roll the candle so that the wax paper with the flowers is tightly wrapped around it.

You will use the heat gun to warm the wax paper so that the flowers and a coating of wax transfer from the paper to the candle. Keep the heat gun moving at all times to avoid melting the candle underneath, and be cautious of your fingertips getting near the end of the heat gun. When you unroll the wax paper, the flowers will have transferred to the candle and will be coated with a fine layer of wax from the paper.

Perhaps you’ve received flowers as a gift and you’d like to use the dried blooms to say “thank you”. You can use pressed flowers to create a one of a kind greeting card with a personal touch. Blank greeting cards can be purchased at any craft store and are a blank canvas for your creativity. Use other decorative elements such as ribbon or buttons to embellish the card as well.

Floral greeting cards would also be thoughtful for a birthday or Mother’s Day. Dried evergreen or holly would make a festive Christmas card. Use flowers from your own garden, or the favorite flower of your recipient, to personalize the card even more.

There are countless ways to create meaningful gifts with pressed flowers. These gifts are suitable for any occasion and are limited only by your imagination. Try one of these projects, and create a keepsake that will be treasured for years.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally
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