Discover the purpose of wiring and taping flowers. Determine the process of wiring and taping flowers. Differentiate between the piercing and hair pinning wiring methods.

The purpose of wiring and taping a component is to replace the stem with an artificial one of wire and tape. This new “stem” can be manipulated, bent, and bound with others like it.

The real stem is cut off leaving ½ to ¾ of an inch below the calyx. Leaving more of the stem adds bulk & resistance to the newly attached wire. The real stem and wire are taped to become one unit.

Two types of wiring: Piercing and Hair pinning. Both methods utilize floral wire. Most flowers should be wired with a 26 gauge wire or less– make sure the floral wire is strong enough to support the material.

The piercing method is used for single flower heads and broad leaves. Pierce the calyx horizontally and completely through just below the petals. Pierce a leaf approximately 1/3 of the distance from the stem. Fold both ends of the wire down to form a new stem.

Named for the shape of a bobby pin Used for branching foliage or flowers that have lateral branches coming off the main stem. Place the wire 1/3 of the way up the stem and crossed over the main mid rib of the leaf and secured in the junction of a lateral branch coming off the main stem.

Holds the calyx, stem, and wire together. Floral tape comes in ½” or ¾” widths and has a unique sticky property. Floral tape only sticks to itself when it is pulled and stretched. Tape should be applied sparingly but with enough overlap to stick to itself and hold. Roll and squeeze the wire covered in tape between your thumb and index finger to make a clean, smooth “stem”.

Practice proper taping techniques by taping a artificial flower to a pen. Materials needed: Pen Floral Tape Scissors Artificial flower Cotton-tails.com

What is the purpose of wiring and taping flowers? How long do you leave the real stem? What are the two wiring methods? What makes floral tape sticky?

Discovered the purpose of wiring and taping flowers. Determined the process of wiring and taping flowers. Differentiated between the piercing and hair pinning wiring methods.