Girls and boys, young and old, ladies and fellows with young souls... here's to another year filled with lessons learned, and lots of love.
Happy Thanksgiving.
We all have something to be thankful for after all.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A touch of sass to baskets and thank-you for the holidays
Dear Flourgal,
I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but the tunes in Michael's say it's almost Christmastime! I'm getting ready for Black Friday and expect to be a gift wrapping queen bee next weekend. I'd like to make some gift baskets or something cute to add. Also, our company is going to be handing out small thank you presents (watches, paperweights, and candles) to our best clients. Can you tell me how I can add flowers to these things so that they won't die by the time they are delivered? Thanks Flourgal!
Yours truly,
Betty Homemaker, Scottsdale, AZ
_____________________________
Dear Betty H,
I love DIY projects because they are cheap and fun! Especially with a cup of hot-cocoa or spiked cider and some friends around. Gift baskets are nice because they can be shared and can also appear bigger;) For your gift baskets you can do a few things:
-Make a small nosegay bouquet the day of by gathering up some wildflowers or buy a premade bouquet, remove any unsightly flowers, and cut the stems short (about 6 inches long). Tie together using a small clear hairband, or floral tape and the base of the flowers. Using raffia (bought at a craft store), leftover ribbon, or vintage hankerchiefs (bought cheap at thrift stores/vintage shops), make a bow, and place the small bouquet inside a small plastic cup of water, carefully snuggled inside the basket.
-Insert a (recycyled preferably) paper mache container. Take a small block of floral foam, soaked in water, and insert. Using any available flowers in coordinating colors of the basket (plums, greens, a dash of dark yellow, or sunset colors of orange, blush pinks, with some sage greens) cut the stems about 4-5 inches and insert into the foam creating a patter by checkering the flowers or making rows. You can stick to one flower too- all tulips look beautiful or peonies stuck closely together.
-You can sugar fruit with eggs whites, and raw sugar, letting them dry. Add some pinecones (unscented), small pumpkins, and pomegrantes with the sugared fruit.
-Dress up a bottle of wine, liquor, or champagne by draping beads around the top, add cut orchids in between, or beautiful satin ribbon tied up like a corset.
For the gift boxes, I would just insert a flower into the bow of whatever ribbon you use, the day that you give it. Orchids will last a while out of water, and you can get about 7-10 buds off one stem. Go for singapore or dendrobiam orchids, as they come in about 10 stems to a bunch- prices vary depending on location and region, from $10-$20/bunch wholesale. Stay away from costly cymbidiums or phaleonopsis if you're on a budget.
Hope this helps!
From,
Flourgal
I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but the tunes in Michael's say it's almost Christmastime! I'm getting ready for Black Friday and expect to be a gift wrapping queen bee next weekend. I'd like to make some gift baskets or something cute to add. Also, our company is going to be handing out small thank you presents (watches, paperweights, and candles) to our best clients. Can you tell me how I can add flowers to these things so that they won't die by the time they are delivered? Thanks Flourgal!
Yours truly,
Betty Homemaker, Scottsdale, AZ
_____________________________
Dear Betty H,
I love DIY projects because they are cheap and fun! Especially with a cup of hot-cocoa or spiked cider and some friends around. Gift baskets are nice because they can be shared and can also appear bigger;) For your gift baskets you can do a few things:
-Make a small nosegay bouquet the day of by gathering up some wildflowers or buy a premade bouquet, remove any unsightly flowers, and cut the stems short (about 6 inches long). Tie together using a small clear hairband, or floral tape and the base of the flowers. Using raffia (bought at a craft store), leftover ribbon, or vintage hankerchiefs (bought cheap at thrift stores/vintage shops), make a bow, and place the small bouquet inside a small plastic cup of water, carefully snuggled inside the basket.
-Insert a (recycyled preferably) paper mache container. Take a small block of floral foam, soaked in water, and insert. Using any available flowers in coordinating colors of the basket (plums, greens, a dash of dark yellow, or sunset colors of orange, blush pinks, with some sage greens) cut the stems about 4-5 inches and insert into the foam creating a patter by checkering the flowers or making rows. You can stick to one flower too- all tulips look beautiful or peonies stuck closely together.
-You can sugar fruit with eggs whites, and raw sugar, letting them dry. Add some pinecones (unscented), small pumpkins, and pomegrantes with the sugared fruit.
-Dress up a bottle of wine, liquor, or champagne by draping beads around the top, add cut orchids in between, or beautiful satin ribbon tied up like a corset.
For the gift boxes, I would just insert a flower into the bow of whatever ribbon you use, the day that you give it. Orchids will last a while out of water, and you can get about 7-10 buds off one stem. Go for singapore or dendrobiam orchids, as they come in about 10 stems to a bunch- prices vary depending on location and region, from $10-$20/bunch wholesale. Stay away from costly cymbidiums or phaleonopsis if you're on a budget.
Hope this helps!
From,
Flourgal
Friday, November 12, 2010
Macho Macho Man
Dear Flourgal,
I was thinking about sending my boyfriend flowers for a just because. He has done so much for me recently, and I'd thought it would be a nice thing, but I think he may think it's a little girly, or be embarrassed at the office. He works in a stressful office, and I'm unsure if it would be appropriate or not. Please help!
Sincerely,
Love Guru, San Francisco, CA
____________________________
Hi Love Guru,
That's so sweet that you want to surprise your man, and guess what? They love getting flowers too! In fact, I'd say that about 1/3 of all of my flower deliveries are to men from their loved ones, and colleagues for any occasion- from saying thank you for that referral to happy anniversary. Men enjoy all the same things that we do; massages and flowers and candles, these are universal pleasures.
One option would be to send a potted orchid, which is nice because it will last for a couple of months. When ordering flowers, tell them you want something masculine. What this means to the florist may be interpreted many ways however.
Go for "jewel tones" of deep reds, burgundy, deep yellows, greens, and dark purples. Nice flowers to match that scheme would be caspadia, Bells of Ireland, sunflowers, roses, orchids, lisianthus, statice, eucalyptus pods, and coxcomb. Ask for something in a square vase with either stems showing or lined with leaves.
Another fun option would be to do a mix of blues, whites, and yellows (also appropriate for a baby boy) in a vase lined with sliced lemons or limes.
My personal preference is for a wood box filled with sections of jewel tones or all whites and greens, a touch of moss, and very low. A pave of all black bacarra (as close to black as you can get) roses in a simple black ceramic vase would be beautiful as well.
From,
Flourgal
I was thinking about sending my boyfriend flowers for a just because. He has done so much for me recently, and I'd thought it would be a nice thing, but I think he may think it's a little girly, or be embarrassed at the office. He works in a stressful office, and I'm unsure if it would be appropriate or not. Please help!
Sincerely,
Love Guru, San Francisco, CA
____________________________
Hi Love Guru,
That's so sweet that you want to surprise your man, and guess what? They love getting flowers too! In fact, I'd say that about 1/3 of all of my flower deliveries are to men from their loved ones, and colleagues for any occasion- from saying thank you for that referral to happy anniversary. Men enjoy all the same things that we do; massages and flowers and candles, these are universal pleasures.
One option would be to send a potted orchid, which is nice because it will last for a couple of months. When ordering flowers, tell them you want something masculine. What this means to the florist may be interpreted many ways however.
Go for "jewel tones" of deep reds, burgundy, deep yellows, greens, and dark purples. Nice flowers to match that scheme would be caspadia, Bells of Ireland, sunflowers, roses, orchids, lisianthus, statice, eucalyptus pods, and coxcomb. Ask for something in a square vase with either stems showing or lined with leaves.
Another fun option would be to do a mix of blues, whites, and yellows (also appropriate for a baby boy) in a vase lined with sliced lemons or limes.
My personal preference is for a wood box filled with sections of jewel tones or all whites and greens, a touch of moss, and very low. A pave of all black bacarra (as close to black as you can get) roses in a simple black ceramic vase would be beautiful as well.
From,
Flourgal
I get by with a little help from my...succulents
Dear Flourgal,
I've been seeing succulents everywhere, and want to get on board. Do you have any tips for how to incorporate them in my house? Mostly I find them on wedding blogs, and like the style.
From,
Lost in Translation, Los Angeles, CA
__________________________________
Dear Lost in Translation,
Succulents are exotic, and put a twist on flower arrangements, which is why there is such a huge trend right now. Even though I've killed ivy (yes, it's true!), I have never killed a succulent. Okay, that's a lie, but they usually last at least 5-6 months for me before they die. They require very little water, and like the sun as opposed to the lovely orchid.
There are many ways to incorporate these little gems. First off, if you live by a flower mart, I'd say scour the place as they are very cheap. Even at nursery's you will find them to be fairly inexpensive, depending on the region. Tiny 1'' pots should cost about $0.99-$1.99 depending on variety, smalls about $4.95 and so on.
For your home, a mock-atrium arrangement is nice for something modern. Take a glass vase in an usual shape (martini, brandy, round bowl, etc) and fill the bottom with sand- you can buy packages at Michael's in any color, but I prefer white or beige. Place the various sized succulents in terra cota pots or hot glue sheet moss to the outside of the container to conceal it, and fit snugly inside the vase. Accent it with curly willow or moss balls, sea shells, or large river rocks. Voila! I also like to put tiny succulents in very small ceramic vases and place them in my bathroom and kitchen. Hope that helps!
From,
Flourgal
I've been seeing succulents everywhere, and want to get on board. Do you have any tips for how to incorporate them in my house? Mostly I find them on wedding blogs, and like the style.
From,
Lost in Translation, Los Angeles, CA
__________________________________
Dear Lost in Translation,
Succulents are exotic, and put a twist on flower arrangements, which is why there is such a huge trend right now. Even though I've killed ivy (yes, it's true!), I have never killed a succulent. Okay, that's a lie, but they usually last at least 5-6 months for me before they die. They require very little water, and like the sun as opposed to the lovely orchid.
There are many ways to incorporate these little gems. First off, if you live by a flower mart, I'd say scour the place as they are very cheap. Even at nursery's you will find them to be fairly inexpensive, depending on the region. Tiny 1'' pots should cost about $0.99-$1.99 depending on variety, smalls about $4.95 and so on.
For your home, a mock-atrium arrangement is nice for something modern. Take a glass vase in an usual shape (martini, brandy, round bowl, etc) and fill the bottom with sand- you can buy packages at Michael's in any color, but I prefer white or beige. Place the various sized succulents in terra cota pots or hot glue sheet moss to the outside of the container to conceal it, and fit snugly inside the vase. Accent it with curly willow or moss balls, sea shells, or large river rocks. Voila! I also like to put tiny succulents in very small ceramic vases and place them in my bathroom and kitchen. Hope that helps!
From,
Flourgal
Friday, November 5, 2010
Buffet Table dilemna
Dear Flourgal,
I'm trying to decide between a buffet table or regular sit down dinner for an upcoming event. The cost difference is vast, yet a buffet can seem tacky. We are on a budget, and the party will be hosted at our home. We are transforming the backyard with a white tent, dance floor and dj. It is for our 10th anniversary and we want to make it amazing, yet economical. Can you suggest a way for me to decorate the buffet or should I forego it all together?
From,
Distressed in Detroit, Detroit, MI
______________________________
Dear Distressed,
Congrats on celebrating your long-lasting nuptials with friends and family. It sounds like a wonderful time. How about breaking up the traditional buffet table(s) with smaller square tables that can be formed along a wall, in an L-shape, or spaced a few feet apart which will allow for people to easily navigate and spread out. You can cover each table with shades of monochromatic linens (e.g. dark and lighter beiges or tans, shades of teal, jade, sky blue, variations of plum and burgandy) with a black lace topper for something vintage or extra big scarfs for something eclectic.
For flowers I'd suggest complimentary monochromatic shades of one color that contrasts the linens (e.g. burnt oranges on the beige, or whites on the blue, deep green and sage on the plum).
For a vintage look, shop at thrift stores for canisters, jars, and pitchers. For modern, go for all glass with the stems showing through in various sizes. For eclectic find old ceramic vases in solid colors or various bowls.
With linens, an accent on top, one color and style of vases, and one color of flowers in different varieties (you can use cheap flowers as the presentation will look superb), you are guaranteed to have something unique while saving money.
From,
Flourgal
I'm trying to decide between a buffet table or regular sit down dinner for an upcoming event. The cost difference is vast, yet a buffet can seem tacky. We are on a budget, and the party will be hosted at our home. We are transforming the backyard with a white tent, dance floor and dj. It is for our 10th anniversary and we want to make it amazing, yet economical. Can you suggest a way for me to decorate the buffet or should I forego it all together?
From,
Distressed in Detroit, Detroit, MI
______________________________
Dear Distressed,
Congrats on celebrating your long-lasting nuptials with friends and family. It sounds like a wonderful time. How about breaking up the traditional buffet table(s) with smaller square tables that can be formed along a wall, in an L-shape, or spaced a few feet apart which will allow for people to easily navigate and spread out. You can cover each table with shades of monochromatic linens (e.g. dark and lighter beiges or tans, shades of teal, jade, sky blue, variations of plum and burgandy) with a black lace topper for something vintage or extra big scarfs for something eclectic.
For flowers I'd suggest complimentary monochromatic shades of one color that contrasts the linens (e.g. burnt oranges on the beige, or whites on the blue, deep green and sage on the plum).
For a vintage look, shop at thrift stores for canisters, jars, and pitchers. For modern, go for all glass with the stems showing through in various sizes. For eclectic find old ceramic vases in solid colors or various bowls.
With linens, an accent on top, one color and style of vases, and one color of flowers in different varieties (you can use cheap flowers as the presentation will look superb), you are guaranteed to have something unique while saving money.
From,
Flourgal
Friday, October 29, 2010
Trick Pumpkin
Dear Flourgal,
How did you make the Trick Pumpkin? I'd like to make one for Thanksgiving.
Thanks,
Curious Cat, New Orleans, LA
___________________________
Dear Curious Cat,
I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. Just kidding, sorta. Seeing how we don't deliver outside of L.A. I will share my secrets... :)
It's super simple actually. I found this on e-how to help you:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4543895_design-fresh-flower-pumpkin-arrangement.html
Major thing they forget to add is to place a plastic liner inside the pumpkin! These pretty arrangements look great and festive, but when they do go bad the pumpkin will soften and start to collapse, which can be pretty unsightly and icky to handle. There isn't anything you can do to prevent that- just giving you a heads up.
You can buy a plastic liner (found in wicker baskets) from a nursery, florist, or garden center. I would buy a premixed arrangement from Trader Joe's (they have eco-friendly flowers) or Whole Foods "Whole Trade" or "Fair Trade" flowers and cut the stems to varying lengths, then insert into floral foam. I have not yet found a replacement for floral foam as it is pretty toxic to the environment, but am on a search. Until then, use as little as possible for each arrangement.
Best of luck!
Flourgal
How did you make the Trick Pumpkin? I'd like to make one for Thanksgiving.
Thanks,
Curious Cat, New Orleans, LA
___________________________
Dear Curious Cat,
I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. Just kidding, sorta. Seeing how we don't deliver outside of L.A. I will share my secrets... :)
It's super simple actually. I found this on e-how to help you:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4543895_design-fresh-flower-pumpkin-arrangement.html
Major thing they forget to add is to place a plastic liner inside the pumpkin! These pretty arrangements look great and festive, but when they do go bad the pumpkin will soften and start to collapse, which can be pretty unsightly and icky to handle. There isn't anything you can do to prevent that- just giving you a heads up.
You can buy a plastic liner (found in wicker baskets) from a nursery, florist, or garden center. I would buy a premixed arrangement from Trader Joe's (they have eco-friendly flowers) or Whole Foods "Whole Trade" or "Fair Trade" flowers and cut the stems to varying lengths, then insert into floral foam. I have not yet found a replacement for floral foam as it is pretty toxic to the environment, but am on a search. Until then, use as little as possible for each arrangement.
Best of luck!
Flourgal
Monday, October 25, 2010
Fun ideas for vases?
Hi Flourgal,
I've recently gotten really into crafts after I got laid off last year. Most of the time I put flowers in whatever I have laying around, like a pitcher or vase, but I'm bored with that. Can you make some suggestions for fun vases? You're the best!
DIY Mama, Newark, NJ
post-dated 10.22.10
Dear DIY Mama,
Good for you for getting into new hobbies, especially flowers;) I scavenge thrift stores for frugal finds. It is so much fun seeing how any type of container can be transformed into a vase. From hard baseball hats to fruit bowls to lunch boxes, you will be surprised at what can become a vessel. I don't go as often as I should, and it's definitely hit or miss, but these treasures are unique and creative. My other favorite thing to do is fill a vase with candy and then add flowers. To do this, buy bulk candy (candy corn for Halloween, green and red jelly beans for Christmas, colorful dots for a birthday, etc) and buy a glass vase, and a smaller plastic liner (from a florist, nursery, or craft store). If you can't find a plastic vase, then try to find a cheap smaller glass vase. Fill the smaller vase with water, and place it inside of the larger one then fill the space with candy to the top. Place the flowers inside of the smaller vase, and voila! Beautiful and fun. Here's my list of other options- enjoy!
Fill the vase with potpourri, marbles, beans, lentils, sand.
Cover with fabric or wallpaper, using hot glue
Spray paint
Using double-side tape, tape leaves onto outside (lemon leaves, magnolia leaves, or horsetail)
Fill vase with sliced fruit
Cover with moss, or twigs, using hot glue
Spray paint branches silver or gold for the holidays
From,
Flourgal
I've recently gotten really into crafts after I got laid off last year. Most of the time I put flowers in whatever I have laying around, like a pitcher or vase, but I'm bored with that. Can you make some suggestions for fun vases? You're the best!
DIY Mama, Newark, NJ
post-dated 10.22.10
Dear DIY Mama,
Good for you for getting into new hobbies, especially flowers;) I scavenge thrift stores for frugal finds. It is so much fun seeing how any type of container can be transformed into a vase. From hard baseball hats to fruit bowls to lunch boxes, you will be surprised at what can become a vessel. I don't go as often as I should, and it's definitely hit or miss, but these treasures are unique and creative. My other favorite thing to do is fill a vase with candy and then add flowers. To do this, buy bulk candy (candy corn for Halloween, green and red jelly beans for Christmas, colorful dots for a birthday, etc) and buy a glass vase, and a smaller plastic liner (from a florist, nursery, or craft store). If you can't find a plastic vase, then try to find a cheap smaller glass vase. Fill the smaller vase with water, and place it inside of the larger one then fill the space with candy to the top. Place the flowers inside of the smaller vase, and voila! Beautiful and fun. Here's my list of other options- enjoy!
Fill the vase with potpourri, marbles, beans, lentils, sand.
Cover with fabric or wallpaper, using hot glue
Spray paint
Using double-side tape, tape leaves onto outside (lemon leaves, magnolia leaves, or horsetail)
Fill vase with sliced fruit
Cover with moss, or twigs, using hot glue
Spray paint branches silver or gold for the holidays
From,
Flourgal
Flowers for Winter Wonderland
Dear Flourgal,
I'm planning my wedding for this winter. We are getting married in January, and I'm going for all-white elegance. We are still looking for the right florist, as our town is very small, and there are limited choices. We may even do all of the flowers ourselves since it's a small 50 person wedding. I love simple, elegant flowers. The entire wedding is going to be all white, and the two bridesmaids will be wearing taupe. Can you suggest some flowers in season? Thank you!
From,
Last-Minute Bride, Balsam Lake, WI
post-dated 10.15.10
Dear LMB,
Congrats on the upcoming nuptuals! What an exciting time in your life! Here's a list of my favorite white flowers that are in season during the winter months, and year-round. The one's I've starred are top choice for elegance and class. Be sure to ask your florist for availability asap, so that they can pre-order and give you an estimate. Prices on flowers are like any other commodity- you don't want to be shocked at the price after you see the proposal. Also, make sure to ask your florist for alternatives if a flower isn't available. They should always write about substitutions in the flower contract.
Amaryllis*
Anemone
Calla Lily
Casa Blanca Lily*
Freesia
Gardenias
Lily of the Valley*
Magnolia
Orchids
Paperwhite Narcissus
Ranunculus
Roses
Star-Of-Bethlehem
Stephanotis
Tulips
From,
Flourgal
I'm planning my wedding for this winter. We are getting married in January, and I'm going for all-white elegance. We are still looking for the right florist, as our town is very small, and there are limited choices. We may even do all of the flowers ourselves since it's a small 50 person wedding. I love simple, elegant flowers. The entire wedding is going to be all white, and the two bridesmaids will be wearing taupe. Can you suggest some flowers in season? Thank you!
From,
Last-Minute Bride, Balsam Lake, WI
post-dated 10.15.10
Dear LMB,
Congrats on the upcoming nuptuals! What an exciting time in your life! Here's a list of my favorite white flowers that are in season during the winter months, and year-round. The one's I've starred are top choice for elegance and class. Be sure to ask your florist for availability asap, so that they can pre-order and give you an estimate. Prices on flowers are like any other commodity- you don't want to be shocked at the price after you see the proposal. Also, make sure to ask your florist for alternatives if a flower isn't available. They should always write about substitutions in the flower contract.
Amaryllis*
Anemone
Calla Lily
Casa Blanca Lily*
Freesia
Gardenias
Lily of the Valley*
Magnolia
Orchids
Paperwhite Narcissus
Ranunculus
Roses
Star-Of-Bethlehem
Stephanotis
Tulips
From,
Flourgal
How to make 'em last?
Dear Flourgal,
I received a beautiful bouquet from my boyfriend. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I wanted to know how to make it last as long as possible. Any tips?
Lucky Lady, Phoenix, AZ
post dated 10.08.10
Hi Lucky Lady,
He sounds like a keeper! If you received a wrapped bouquet from the store, then you are going to want to cut the stems on a slant (to create more surface space for the flowers to drink), and place them in fresh water. If they are a nice mix, place the vase in the fridge for an hour or so. If the arrangement is in a vase, flush out the water the next day. A bouquet will last anywhere from 5-7 days depending on the types of flowers used, and how fresh they were when bought. Flower heads, especially roses, should be very firm. You can place your palm on top of the flowers and see how sturdy they are to get an idea. The best way to keep flowers pristine, is to cut the stems every day and change the water. Most people don't do that, but it really does make all the difference! Enjoy your flowers:)
From,
Flourgal
I received a beautiful bouquet from my boyfriend. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I wanted to know how to make it last as long as possible. Any tips?
Lucky Lady, Phoenix, AZ
post dated 10.08.10
Hi Lucky Lady,
He sounds like a keeper! If you received a wrapped bouquet from the store, then you are going to want to cut the stems on a slant (to create more surface space for the flowers to drink), and place them in fresh water. If they are a nice mix, place the vase in the fridge for an hour or so. If the arrangement is in a vase, flush out the water the next day. A bouquet will last anywhere from 5-7 days depending on the types of flowers used, and how fresh they were when bought. Flower heads, especially roses, should be very firm. You can place your palm on top of the flowers and see how sturdy they are to get an idea. The best way to keep flowers pristine, is to cut the stems every day and change the water. Most people don't do that, but it really does make all the difference! Enjoy your flowers:)
From,
Flourgal
-From the Editors
We know you've been checking back, and haven't seen any news posts, but we're back!!! After a crazy busy two weeks, we are excited to answer your questions. Our apologies for the delay.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Flowers for home
Dear Flourgal,
I've always been interested in flowers, but not enough to pay for design school. I'm a stay-at-home mom would two children under 4, and would like to make my home cheerier. Any tips on how I can learn?
From,
Mom in MD
___________________
Dear Mom in MD,
Kudos to you for picking up a new hobby! In order to learn the basics, I would pick up how-to books from the library, but make sure they are published after 2000 as designs have drastically changed since the 1990's. My favorite authors are Paula Pryke and David Stark. On youtube there is a "floral design school" that can be found under a search. On there you can learn the basics, but I would avoid learning how to make a proper bow as that is outdated as well.
The best thing you can do is just start experimenting! Go to your local store and deconstruct pre-made bouquets. Say there is one with a mix of roses, lilies, gerbers, and alstromeria. Take a short rectangle vase and using tape, make a grid. Separate the flowers by type and place each into four square sections. To make a traditional rose arrangement, buy 2-3 bunches of roses from the store. Trim off the leaves and take off any browned petals, pulling them gently from the base of the head. Using a vase filled with floral foam (ask your florist for a few blocks, about $1.50 each retail) cut the roses short and place four in each corner then another row on top, placing the roses in between the others. Cut another rose stem and place in the center, which will be the highest point. Continue cutting the roses and inserting in an angle until a dome forms. Play around with it and press the stems in deeper to fill out blank spaces. Also blow on the roses to open them up and create a fuller look.
From,
Flourgal
I've always been interested in flowers, but not enough to pay for design school. I'm a stay-at-home mom would two children under 4, and would like to make my home cheerier. Any tips on how I can learn?
From,
Mom in MD
___________________
Dear Mom in MD,
Kudos to you for picking up a new hobby! In order to learn the basics, I would pick up how-to books from the library, but make sure they are published after 2000 as designs have drastically changed since the 1990's. My favorite authors are Paula Pryke and David Stark. On youtube there is a "floral design school" that can be found under a search. On there you can learn the basics, but I would avoid learning how to make a proper bow as that is outdated as well.
The best thing you can do is just start experimenting! Go to your local store and deconstruct pre-made bouquets. Say there is one with a mix of roses, lilies, gerbers, and alstromeria. Take a short rectangle vase and using tape, make a grid. Separate the flowers by type and place each into four square sections. To make a traditional rose arrangement, buy 2-3 bunches of roses from the store. Trim off the leaves and take off any browned petals, pulling them gently from the base of the head. Using a vase filled with floral foam (ask your florist for a few blocks, about $1.50 each retail) cut the roses short and place four in each corner then another row on top, placing the roses in between the others. Cut another rose stem and place in the center, which will be the highest point. Continue cutting the roses and inserting in an angle until a dome forms. Play around with it and press the stems in deeper to fill out blank spaces. Also blow on the roses to open them up and create a fuller look.
From,
Flourgal
Friday, October 1, 2010
Having a party....Help!
Dear Flourgal,
I want a certain type of flower for an upcoming event- do I have to have my event in a certain month in order to get the flowers I want? How do I keep flowers alive after my party?
From,
Confused, San Diego, CA
_______________________
Dear Confused,
Welp, that was pretty vague, so I'll try my best to answer! I'm guessing if you are planning an event you have pretty much set a time frame of when it will occur, so this time the flowers have to work for you, not the other way around. Certain flowers, and most you find in grocery stores and as a staple at florists are year-round, such as roses, tulips, hydrangea, lilies and stock. You can use single bunches of one variety in matching glass vases as a backup. Throw some rocks or twist branches inside the vase, and voila! Good to go. If you are set on say peonies or sweet peas and it's Fall, you're outta luck, and going to have to accept using a substitution such as lisianthus or garden roses. Weddings are a whole new ball game, and those should be discussed with a florist who has knowledge of the vast varieties out there for each season.
If you plan on doing the arrangements yourself, and live in a big city, chances are there is a flower mart. Look it up online to see when the public hours are and talk to vendors about ordering particular varieties. One week should suffice. If you work with a local florist, ask them about the prices of your top choices as most non-seasonal flowers can be imported from South America or Holland, however the price goes up by about three times.
To keep your flowers alive after your party, make sure to change the water. Chances are that the flowers are perfectly arranged in floral foam or a grid, so place the vase under running water and allow the faucet to flush out the dirty water. It's always best to give the stems a fresh trim, however that may be impossible. If you see leaves below the water line, remove immediately, as this is an instant killer.
Another option is to deconstruct the arrangements. Lots of times you will notice that some flowers seem to die the next day while others last for what seems like an eternity. This could happen because when different varieties are placed in the same vase, one type may create a certain bacteria that kills off the other flowers faster (that's one reason why flowers are separated at florists in individual buckets, it's not just for aesthetics), or some flowers simply just don't live as long. To deconstruct, separate the flowers, give them a cut, and place in smaller vases throughout your home or give out as gifts.
From,
Flourgal
_______________________
Dear Confused,
Welp, that was pretty vague, so I'll try my best to answer! I'm guessing if you are planning an event you have pretty much set a time frame of when it will occur, so this time the flowers have to work for you, not the other way around. Certain flowers, and most you find in grocery stores and as a staple at florists are year-round, such as roses, tulips, hydrangea, lilies and stock. You can use single bunches of one variety in matching glass vases as a backup. Throw some rocks or twist branches inside the vase, and voila! Good to go. If you are set on say peonies or sweet peas and it's Fall, you're outta luck, and going to have to accept using a substitution such as lisianthus or garden roses. Weddings are a whole new ball game, and those should be discussed with a florist who has knowledge of the vast varieties out there for each season.
If you plan on doing the arrangements yourself, and live in a big city, chances are there is a flower mart. Look it up online to see when the public hours are and talk to vendors about ordering particular varieties. One week should suffice. If you work with a local florist, ask them about the prices of your top choices as most non-seasonal flowers can be imported from South America or Holland, however the price goes up by about three times.
To keep your flowers alive after your party, make sure to change the water. Chances are that the flowers are perfectly arranged in floral foam or a grid, so place the vase under running water and allow the faucet to flush out the dirty water. It's always best to give the stems a fresh trim, however that may be impossible. If you see leaves below the water line, remove immediately, as this is an instant killer.
Another option is to deconstruct the arrangements. Lots of times you will notice that some flowers seem to die the next day while others last for what seems like an eternity. This could happen because when different varieties are placed in the same vase, one type may create a certain bacteria that kills off the other flowers faster (that's one reason why flowers are separated at florists in individual buckets, it's not just for aesthetics), or some flowers simply just don't live as long. To deconstruct, separate the flowers, give them a cut, and place in smaller vases throughout your home or give out as gifts.
From,
Flourgal
Dyed tulips for my wedding! Oh no!
Dear Flourgal,
I am in love with tulips, they are simple and elegant! I want to use them in my bouquet for my upcoming nuptials. I need to know if I can dye them for my attendants bouquets? Any advice on how to make my day more colorful?
Sincerely,
Painting the tulips red!, Scottsdale, AZ
________________________________
________________________________
Dear Painting the tulips red!,
I had to reread your question twice, making sure that I read dye right. Technically, you could spray them (there is specific flower dye in spray paint cans, but those generally make red redder, purples bluer, etc.) or do the elementary school trick of placing white flowers in a cup of food dye. That being said, please don't! It looks as unnatural as it is, however you're in luck! Tulips are amazing for many reasons- they are super elegant and come in the colors of the rainbow (except blue).
Dutch tulips are the short variety found everywhere. You can order any color (plain or bi-color, e.g. reds with a touch of yellow, or orange with yellow) a few days in advance. For a bride's bouquet I would use about 3-4 bunches (10 stems to a bunch). These tulips will have a lot of dirt inside the stems, so peel off any wilting greens, and run under water to remove dirt (or use a wet paper towel) and then cut stems on an angle. Place in the fridge for an hour (they are fine overnight too) in cool water to allow them to rehydrate and stand back up tall. Remember, heat expands and cool tightens.
Parrot tulips, which are the same size as Dutch, have ruffly ends and come in lovely warm and cool colors (think whites with a touch of sage, mauve and pinks with green). They would be appropriate for something more fun and whimsical. French tulips are double the cost for a good reason. They are a bit more unusual and the flower heads are large and smooth. To me they resemble wax. They could be used in a cascading bouquet, just like large calla lilies are, and are found in large, tall centerpieces as well.
To make your day more colorful, have each bridesmaid hold a different color bouquet of tulips, or if you want them to be monochromatic, change the color of the ribbon on the handle.
From,
Flourgal
Our friend the protea
Dear Flourgal,
I love the variety of protea. How long do they last in an arrangement and what's the best way to care for them?
From,
Exotic Traveler, Philadelphia, PA
________________________
Dear Exotic Traveler,
I love protea too- you have good taste in flowers;) Proteas instantly add pizazz to any arrangement for their truly exotic and funky look. Like beer, for most people, it's a required taste. There are many varieties in the wild, however on the marketplace you will usually find 3-4 varieties- the most popular being the aptly named pin-cushion. They are super easy to care for. Without doing much to them, they should last for a week. As with all flowers, cutting the bottom on a angle and changing the water daily will extend their life. The stems are woody, but not a thick as hydrangea stems, so using regular scissors should do the trick. I would keep them out of direct sunlight and in a relatively warm to cool spot.
From,
Flourgal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)