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
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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 On there you can learn the basics, but I would avoid learning how to make a proper bow as that is outdated as well.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
