Floral Foam round centerpiece

General Floral Design Rules Proper dimensions for floral designs are 1 1/2 to 2 times the greatest dimension of the container (height or width, whichever is greater) Buds and smaller flowers should be at the top and outer edge of the arrangement. Larger flowers should be placed lower and more toward the center. Lighter colors should be placed towards the top and darker colors toward the base. When using 12 flowers or less, use an uneven number of flowers to achieve visual balance (not including filler material). The ultimate size of an arrangement is limited by the size of stems, flowers, and surroundings. Never let the mechanical aids of the arrangement show (wires, tape, foam, or any other supports). Begin an arrangement with the shape in mind. Place outer perimeter flowers to establish shape. Fill in center. Be sure to use horizontal, diagonal and vertical stems for fuller and natural- looking arrangements.

Rules for Use of Floral Foam When soaking floral foam place in plugged, clean sink and then fill with water do not put foam directly beneath the stream of water avoid air bubbles Once foam dries out it cannot be reused Make sure foam is secured to base Insert stems about 1 to 1.5 inches into foam no small leaves or knobs on stems inserted stem should be the same width (trim carnation stems) can be inserted deeper if heavier, taller products; these products should most often be used vertically

Rules for Use of Floral Foam con’t Do not over handle foam can get rubbery or break apart Once a stem is inserted it can be pushed in farther but it cannot be pulled out for relocation creates an air hole and the product can wilt remove stem and reposition if longer stem length is needed You can only reuse holes in the foam if a stem will be inserted father than the original hole created Foam should not be visible when viewing arrangement

Greening up: Can shave corners of foam to round foam more

Addition of flowers: placement

Fall Centerpiece examples

Using stem length For all the previous arrangements you saw there was stem length used. This allows you to use fewer flowers (keep the cost down) but end up with a larger arrangement This also allows for height to your designation without having to build foam to a specific height

Pave’ Method one of the most commonly used basing techniques, as simply defined as "paving" the surface of the foam with flowers. The blooms are tucked closely together leaving no negative space in between. Height across the design should stay constant with little or no undulation. (Raising the height leads to "pillowing", yet another basing technique)