Shapes of Floral Arrangements Compiled by: Mrs. Sheffield

Shapes of Arrangements 5th per. 10/31 Arrangements classified into geometric shape groups Exception: some oriental, abstract, and modern designs Silhouette is its basic shape Knowing a definite shape can help you before you begin Selecting container Selecting flowers & foliage

Factors Influencing Shape Placement or location Dictates shape and size of arrangement Determines if it will be all-sided (viewed from all sides) or one-sided (viewed from one side)

Factors Influencing Shape (cont.) Table size and shape Round table enhanced with round arrangement, rectangular table ideal for horizontal design

Factors Influencing Design (cont.) 2nd per. 10/31 3rd per. 10/31 Eye level The level at which the floral arrangement will be viewed Helps determine: Container, Flowers, Foliage, How arrangement is assembled Direction flowers/materials face Overall shape

Factors Influencing Design (cont.) Types of flowers foliage Client may want specific flowers for specific meaning Some work well in tall arrangements, others don’t

Factors Influencing Design (cont.) Container choice Tall vertical container = tall vertical arrangement Round basket usually means circular design

Factors Influencing Design (cont.) Occasion and purpose Formality of an occasion Symmetrical: formal (churches, funeral homes, auditoriums, hotel lobbies) Asymmetrical: informal (casual occasions)

Basic Shapes of Arrangements

Choosing Your Design Consider the factors that influence design then decide on a design shape Use this idea to set the framework for your design (basic structure)

Most Common Classification Triangular Circular Vertical Horizontal Based on their emphasis of shape or line Some are a blending of several forms

Framework Keep chosen shape in mind Can be constructed with flowers and/or foliage Skeleton flowers/foliage: first few stems that establish framework Create the main and essential outline for forming a specified design shape Set geometric limits Establish outer boundaries for a design including height, width, and depth

Framework (cont.) To increase depth in one-sided designs: 5th per. 11/3 To increase depth in one-sided designs: Add a skeleton flower or foliage stem in the front of the arrangement near the rim of the container and angle it downward To complete visual balance, angle the tallest stem slightly backwards After framework is established: Flowers may extend beyond framework edges, or stay within it Simple framework gives foundation for construction, eases arrangement process

Triangular Designs

1. Triangular Designs Popular Three distinct sides Three corners, angles, or tips Generally one-sided Some can be arranged as two-sided Many variations of height, width, size, and style exist All are symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical (informal)

Symmetrical Triangle Designs Formal When divided in half vertically, each side is a mirror image of the other Keep framework a mirror image Flowers within triangle do not need to be repeated exactly on both sides Basic symmetrical arrangements that offer a traditional formal look Equilateral triangle design Isosceles triangle design Cone design

Equilateral Triangle Design Three sides that form the triangle are all equal in length Usually one-sided, placed against wall or where people will see only one side Example: buffet table, front of a church

Equilateral Triangle Design (cont.) Generally has three skeleton flower or foliage stems to create three points of triangle Three sides are equal, not the three stems that form the corners! Materials forming the base line need combined length approximately the length of the stem forming the top center point of the triangle Results in three sides fairly equal to each other 5th per. 11/10?

Equilateral Triangle Design

Isosceles Triangle Design Symmetrical Two sides equal in length, third or base unequal Most common has two equal sides that form the height of the arrangement One-sided isosceles designs popular because they’re easily created from few flowers Small or large in scale, generally highly stylized and artistic

Isosceles Triangle Design

Cone Design Typical of Byzantine period of design 3rd per. 11/3 5th per. 11/10 Typical of Byzantine period of design Three-dimensional vertical isosceles triangle Require foam base for mass flower insertion In the past, would gather pieces of foam into chicken wire to form foundation Today, block of foam can be formed to a cone Manufactured floral foam cones also available Formal, generally all-sided

Cone Design

Asymmetrical Triangles Informal When divided vertically in half, one side heavier than other To balance, something on less visually heavy side must be compensated Color, texture, form, or length/angle of stem Appear more natural More planning necessary to achieve proper balance

2. Asymmetrical Triangles (cont.) Often one-sided, can be made all-sided Rely on use of focal point for visual success Height shifted to one side Width of triangle extends out on opposite side Basic designs: Right triangle Scalene triangle 2nd per. 11/3

Right Triangle Design Named for right angle of 90° that forms the design Generally vertical format Tall vertical line perpendicular to base line of arrangement Vertical emphasis or height usually seen on left side Reason why they’re often called ‘L-shape’ designs Can also be the right

Right Triangle Designs (cont.) Can point to the right or left, according to display location Can be made in pairs to give importance to a picture or object between the two Also placed in opposite manner to provide direction and length, with the horizontal base line extending outward in opposite directions

Right Triangle Designs

Scalene Triangle Design Unequal sides and angles Generally has vertical emphasis Apparent obtuse angle (greater than 90°, with height to one side) Baseline extends downward on the other side opposite to the height With flower stems facing downward, often necessary to use compote or taller container If using a lower container, place on mantle or other location for flowers to fall freely

Scalene Triangle Design

Circular Emphasis Designs

2. Circular Emphasis Popular Many diverse styles exist, including: symmetrical, mass, asymmetrical, curvilinear, all-sided, and one-sided

Mass Styles Circular or rounded silhouette Symmetrical Can be made in a variety of sizes & styles Most categorized as: Round Cube Oval Fan Topiary ball

Round Design Appears the same on all sides and from all viewing angles Also called: circular, round mound, roundy- moundy, nosegay, and tussie-mussie No front or back Can be placed virtually anywhere Arranging in circular manner adds interesting element of repetition that’s pleasing and harmonious Avoid feeling of monotony by using foliage that offers pleasant contrast to dominant flower forms

Round Design (cont.) 5th per. 11/11 If one-sided, appears unfinished and lacks balance Consider another design if wanting a one- sided arrangement

Cube Design Not actually in the shape of a cube Round, circular mass design made in a glass cube or other cube-shaped container Container may be elongated into a tall rectangle Versatile, variety of sizes and styles Usually made without floral foam To prevent tipping, stems must be angled and interlocked within the container to form a tight grid

Cube Design

Oval Design Symmetrical 2nd per. 11/10 3rd per. 11/10 Symmetrical Commonly made in both all-sided and one- sided arrangements Offer extension of round form, with circular shape elongated vertically All flowers/foliage placed to radiate out from central location similar to round designs Stem lengths more varied to form the oval

Oval Design

Fan-Shaped Design Also called radiating design One-sided, similar in shape to fan or half-circle Line flowers/foliage often used to set framework Stems should appear to radiate from a central location Symmetrically balanced with formal, planned appearance Voids or negative spaces between stems give importance to radiating lines, emphasizing fan appearance

Fan-Shaped Design

Topiary Ball Design Perfectly round sphere Shape appears the same from any viewing angle Round topiaries are symmetrical and offer formal decorating in a variety of styles, sizes, and applications Can be hung if attached properly Floral pomander: small topiary that can be carried Ribbon or string must be inserted into the ball before the arrangement is completed

Topiary Ball Design

Curvilinear Styles Gives emphasis to curving lines of the design, rather than mass Generally highly-stylized, one-sided, may be all-sided Curved lines create unique and sophisticated appearance and display graceful rhythm Require curving stems to form important rhythmic lines Some naturally curved, others are not

Curvilinear Styles (cont.) Main types of curvilinear designs: Crescent design Hogarth design

Crescent Design Portion of a circle with one concave edge and one convex edge Similar to shape of the moon just before first quarter or after last quarter phases May be used in pairs Requires skill and experience Also referred to as a C-shape design Variety of sizes, heights, widths, and styles Requires a lot of negative space Focal point near container rim for visual balance

Crescent Design (cont.) When inverted, use upright container and flowing plant material to create downward curve

Hogarth Design Also called S-curve or Hogarth curve design Sophisticated asymmetrical appearance Must be constructed in a compote or tall vase Rhythmic line easiest to achieve with vines, pliable branches, and naturally curving flower stems Formal type of design Only design shape named for a person rather than geometric shape

Hogarth Design (cont.) 1697-1764 Shape comes from self-portrait Portrait of a Painter and His Pug(1745) “all beauty based on serpentine s-line” “Line of Grace” 3D s-line William Hogarth

Hogarth Design (cont.) Not as popular as other designs 2nd per. 11/11 Not as popular as other designs More difficult to construct Requires curving stems Requires taller/heavier container (adds expense) May tip easily during delivery

Vertical Emphasis Designs

3. Vertical Line Emphasis 5th per. 11/14 Height emphasized by exaggerating vertical emphasis Creates dynamic appearance of strength Vertical container enhances/strengthens vertical line Space-saving Variety of sizes, heights, and styles Bud vase designs: small Stylized vertical designs: larger

Bud Vase Design Simplest vertical design Single flower or limited grouping Flowers repeat shape of tall slender vase in which they’re placed Generally one-sided, can be made all-sided Placed on small table or in small room or area Containers are tall and narrow Holds flowers in place

Bud Vase Design Some containers may be too narrow for number and thickness of stems Rule of thumb If you cannot fit your thumb down the neck of the vase, it is probably not suitable for more than 1-2 stems of plant material Forcing flowers can crush stems

Stylized Vertical Design Constructed in vertical containers with or without floral foam Generally one-sided, may be all-sided May have narrow line of plant material To achieve visual interest and balance, often require focal point near rim of container or at upper edges

Horizontal Emphasis Designs

Horizontal Designs Parallel with tabletop or other surface Restful, peaceful feeling Generally symmetrical, can be asymmetrical All-sided, can be one-sided Can be combined with triangular or circular shape to give slight height Made in low, long containers Candles commonly used Keep low so they don’t interfere with conversation across a dinner table

Horizontal Designs