 Compiled by: Mrs. Sheffield

 Modern designs come from many traditions  Ancient Grecian garlands and head chaplets  Polynesian floral leis  Georgian period formal gown accents  Victorian-era hand-held tussie-mussies

 Infinite number of design patterns  Worn head to toe  Many special occasions associated with wearing flowers: o Weddings, proms, homecomings, Mother’s Day

 Worn by women on special occasions o Weddings, proms, other formal and semiformal events  Popular gift during holidays o Mother’s Day & Easter  Sets the wearer apart

 Show appreciation and distinguish wearer  Worn on shoulder or wrist  Smaller corsages worn in hair, at the waist, or pinned on an evening purse  Style, fabric of the dress, current fashion trends, occasion, and personal preference all dictate type of corsage preferred

 Floral piece worn by a man  Generally worn on lapel of a formal jacket or less formal suit coat  Most often worn on left lapel in or near buttonhole o Hence the name “boutonniere”  Original purpose of buttonhole was to fasten the top button on the opposite lapel to shield neck from wind and protect body from cold o Became an ideal flower holder

 Weddings, proms, banquets, other formal events  Special holiday or sentimental occasions o Father’s Day, anniversary, birthday  Single flower or small cluster of flowers

 Can be worn in hair, attached to hat, pinned to purse, worn as a lei, worn on the gown o Add beauty, perfume, accent  Special holders made throughout time to hold flowers and keep them fresh  Bosom bottles o Specially made holders o Keep flowers fresh when worn at décolletage of a gown

 Armbands: need to remain lightweight and designed with appropriate shape, size, and style for wearing around the upper arm  Pocket square: worn as alternative to boutonniere o Placed in pocket of suit coat instead of on lapel 5 th per. 4/20

 Many principles followed in arrangements in vases applied to corsages, boutonnieres, headwreaths and other floral pieces  Additional guidelines necessary for floral arrangements to be worn (personal flowers/body flowers)

 Color and style of gown, suit, hat, purse, or hair to which flowers will be attached is important in determining style and color of floral piece  Occasion or event must also be considered  Knowledge of environment helps select parts o Formal black-tie dinner-dance different than luncheon honoring volunteers at a hospital

 “Parts”: flowers, foliage, ribbon, other accessory fillers o Must be harmonious in color, texture, and style o Flowers and foliage must blend together o Ribbon and fabric materials should complement flowers  Textures, colors, patterns of ribbon should be considered when adding loops or bows to corsages o Delicate lace ribbon suggests different texture and style than shimmering metallic gold or silver ribbon 2 nd & 3 rd per. 4/20

 Filler accessories such as jewels, pearls, hearts, and other tiny novelties, when used, should be in harmony with flowers and fit style

 Size of completed design should be in proportion to person wearing it  Especially true with small children or petite women who can be smothered and frustrated by large floral pieces  Consider sizes and amounts of flowers, foliage, and accessories of corsage  All tangible parts must be in proportion to one another o Corsage with too much ribbon, netting, or other accessories does not allow flowers and foliage to be seen

 Sizes of corsages vary with trends and styles o Not always small/compact  Consider where it will be worn on the body o Example: hair style determines size of hair piece  Become a nuisance when wrong shape

 Should be designed securely  Well constructed to retain original shape throughout wear o Nothing should fall out of the design  When flower petals shed or parts drop off all together, it’s embarrassing for the wearer as well as designer and gift giver

 Must be lightweight and easy to wear  Heavy corsages put a strain on clothing  Bulky corsage results in discomfort and self- consciousness  Heavy wrist corsages undesirable, burden to wear  Minimum of stems, wires, tape, and other construction materials keep the design less weighty

 Visual and physical balance important  Choose asymmetrical or symmetrical before construction  For stability, heaviest portion should be at the point where stems are physically bound together o Also point of attachment to wristlet or barrette, or wherever the pins hold floral piece to clothing 5 th per. 4/22

 Center of interest  Draws attention, provides visual and physical area where all lines converge, like arrangements  Created in various ways  Larger or more unique flower easily creates focal point  Color also used for emphasis

 Placed at center of gravity  Never place focal point at design edges o Results in lopsided design (visually and physically) 2 nd per. 4/22

 Fresh flowers / foliage must be conditioned, fully hydrated, and made ready to go into design  Cut flowers short and wire and tape, or ready to glue into design  Make accessories such as ribbon loops, bows, and tulle fans  Makes you more efficient when constructing

 Conditioning: technique that allows flowers and foliage to fully hydrate with water and preservative before using in designs  Most newly cut flowers absorb maximum amount of preservative solution in 1-2 hours o Some need extended conditioning overnight

 Fully firm flowers/leaves hold up better in corsages and boutonnieres and other designs with no water supply  Important to condition blossoms/leaves harvested from blooming and green potted plants  Do not use at the last minute o Give time to fully hydrate before use 3 rd per. 4/22

 Replaces most of natural stems  If entire stem left on, would be too bulky/heavy  Wire allows more freedom in design o Easier to maneuver stems and keep flowers in position while worn  Wire strengthens and also provides new stems

 Not every addition to a floral piece must be wired and taped in  Many floral adhesives and low-temperature glues available for adding lightweight flowers, leaves, accents of ribbon, and other accessories  Saves time and effort o Must be glued firmly onto solid structure (secure bow foundation, firm tulle base, foliage “bed” structure

 Ribbon loops, bows, netting tufts, jewels, other novelties  Enhance theme  Create unified design  Not required, some look better without extras

 Main purpose – accent and give importance to flowers  Keep entire design lightweight, choose extras that are not heavy

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 Several techniques used in corsage work  Method used depends on shape of flower head or cluster of flowers  Thickness or gauge of wire used determined by weight of flower head and where in design it will be placed  Large/heavy flowers closer to binding area require thicker wires  Small, delicate flowers require thinner wire

 Most useful wire gauges are medium to fine  #22, #24, #26, and #28 most common gauges for corsage work  Use lightest possible to do the job  Trim out excess wire during construction to keep pieces lightweight and stems less bulky

 After individual pieces wired, taped for added security  Floral tape (aka green tape and stem wrap): used to hide wire and conceal mechanics o Paraffin-coated paper that clings to itself when stretched  Available in variety of hues and other colors  Choose floral tape similar to color of natural stem color or occasionally to match floret 5 th per. 4/24

 Most common method for roses, carnations, other similarly shaped flowers with rounded head and visible calyx  Straight wire is pierced/poked through stem 2 nd per. 4/24

 Individual rose petals may be used to form tiny rose buds for accents and contrast  Carnation petals used to make smaller flowers o New stems made using wire and tape for both

 Feathering: process of splitting a carnation apart  Feathering large, standard carnations takes time and effort o Allows for more versatility in design o Beneficial if miniature carnations needed and not available o Secure petals with tape, wrap wire around new “calyx” and tape like normal

 Usually used for chrysanthemums, asters, daisies, gerberas, and other flowers with flattened heads lacking a visible calyx  Hook or shepherd’s crook formed on one end of a wire  Straight end poked into center of the disc portion of the flower head  Pull downward through the top of the floret o Hook will catch itself inside flower to help support it and strengthen the stem

 Similar to hook-wiring  Uses fine wire to support fragile and tiny florets that cannot be wired with any other method  Straight wire shaped into a U-shape, like a hairpin  Both ends of U-shaped, fine wire inserted into top center of floret to support and make new stem  Also placed around Alstroemeria floret for gentle support

 Allows more versatility  Highly efficient in wiring other plant materials o Example: place around main stem portion of compound leaf (Leatherleaf) or placed through little stems of hypericum berry cluster  Method also used for flat-headed, delicate orchids

 Similar to hook, except no hook required  Also similar to pierce, except no wire pokes all the way out the other stem  Straight end of wire lined up parallel to stem and inserted directly into underside of flower  Used for single composite blossoms o Dahlias, gerberas, zinnias, ranunculus blossoms

 Used to strengthen many types of flowers  Efficient in giving the flower head support and lengthening the stem

 Also known as “clutch wiring” because newly formed cluster looks like miniature “clutch” bridal bouquet  Used for filler flowers and small clusters of tiny mass flowers  Group delicate stems and petite flowers together quickly for use in designs  Wire wrapped around all the tiny stems to secure them together and form a new single cluster

 Also called “cross-pierce wiring”  Uses two wires that are inserted into the stem just below the flower  Generally, one wire medium gauge (#24) and offers support for flower and stem  Second wire poked into stem perpendicular to first wire o Can be same gauge or finer to keep moistened cotton or tissue in place 5 th per. 4/27

 Cross-wiring with moistened cotton on stem end recommended for many types of orchids, lilies, and gardenias  When cross-wiring lilies, remove pollen-covered anthers to prevent staining  Gardenias are fragile and easily bruised o Keep your hands wet  When wiring, leave protective collar on gardenias o Keeps flowers positioned and protects petals o Use finer gauge wire

 Flower stem thickness and position of flower (in corsage / floral piece) will determine best method of wiring  “Stems” invented to save time and effort  Example: stephanotis stems manufactured specifically to provide stem and keep stephanotis flowers from wilting  Before using stephanotis, condition them in cool water to firm them up 2 nd per. 4/27 3 rd per. 4/27

 Corsage pins / jewel pins can be added down the throat of stephanotis florets to help support and add color/sparkle to flower and design

 Used to lengthen stems and provide support to individual leaves of camellia, ivy, salal, and other broad-leaf foliage  Similar to making a stich with a needle and thread, but instead fine wire is used

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 Corsages, boutonnieres, and other floral pieces to wear often rely on accessories to enhance theme and create unified design  Ribbon, jewels, or shiny wire used  Flowers/designs can be sprayed with colorful tints and shimmering glitter  Main purpose is to accent flowers, not overwhelm

 Multi-looped bows, ribbon loops popular  Size of bow or loops determined by design style, where it will be worn, preferred construction techniques, and popular trends  Large bow in corsage can be overpowering  multi-looped bow creates foundation for construction if flowers are glued/taped in

 Ribbon loops accent flowers and add color and texture throughout entire design  Unifies design  Loops and ribbon flags made in multiple ways

 Provides background  Creates fullness without adding weight  Sold on small bolts, usually 6” wide  Available in variety of colors, patterns, textures, and styles

 Choose ones that are not scratchy and stiff for corsages  Can cut into sections, forming fans, butterflies, or tufts  Several methods used to make net background  Smoother appearance: fold netting pieces to form tuft without cut edges  Can fold a piece, wire and tape o Gives softer, fluffier tuft of netting

 Many manufactured specifically for corsage use  Range in style o Cute, youthful such as butterflies and ladybugs or more elegant such as pearls and rhinestones  Lightweight holiday and seasonal novelties made as well  Generally have wire attached for ease of use  Not all need wire or tape  Low-temperature glues and liquid or spray adhesives may be used 5 th per. 4/28

 Also called “glamour leaves”  Added to corsages and boutonnieres in addition to fresh foliage  Available in variety of colors, sizes, textures, and cluster groupings  Add color and texture accents throughout design  Add touch of elegance 2 nd per. 4/28

 Bullion wire: finer gauge wire and crimped wire o Available on spools in rainbow of colors and variety of styles and gauges  Adds sparkle and shine  Useful in intricate design work with corsages  Decorative and showy  Fine wire also available with beads and pearls

 Thicker gauge and flat wire strong and malleable o Ideal for structural work (constructing wristlet foundation or creating arm band or cuff) o Adds artistic touches to designs to wear

 Spray paints and tints, specialty sprays  Manufactured specifically for flowers  Add color and sheen to flowers / designs  Follow directions on can or bottle  Don’t hold aerosol can too close to flowers while spraying  Tipping: technique where edges of carnations and other flowers can be lightly sprayed to add color 3 rd per. 4/28

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 Can be made with single flower or multiple flowers and various combinations and styles  Learn how to make a single flower design then build from there  Can cluster smaller flowers together to form a boutonniere  Avoid making boutonnieres that are large and excessive  Corsages/boutonnieres are secured to clothing with pins o Pins available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors

 Corsages and boutonnieres usually have several small flowers grouped together, accented with filler flowers and foliage  Corsages differ from boutonnieres with the addition of bows and other accessories

 Constructing corsages is similar to making several boutonnieres and putting them together  Boutonnieres often made with single flower such as a rose  Multiple flowers can be used to form a larger or more elegant boutonniere that gives additional color and styling

 Boutonnieres with multiple flowers and leaves can have decorative ribbon or wire added o Gives visual weight and visual balance  Large, single flowers used to create simple, elegant corsages  Most common corsage design made with multiple small flowers or tiny clusters of flowers in infinite combinations and styles

 Settled into position that seems comfortable and safe within a cushion of another flower  Smaller flowers (sweetheart roses, carnation buds, tiny clusters) inserted into center of carnation or other similar type of flower 2 nd per. 4/29

 Cover all wires with floral tape on stem ends since they are visible  Some twist or turn taped stems  Can wrap with decorative fine metallic wire or crimped bullion wire in spiral pattern, winding down the stem and back up

 Also called epaulet corsages  Worn on top of shoulder and cascade down  Constructed similar to other multiple-flower corsages  Smallest flowers on ends wired with fine gauge wire to let them move freely o Should be more widely spaced 5 th per. 4/29

 Flower made up of detached petals, leaves, and other plant parts  “fantasy flowers”  Petals from roses, lilies, gladiolus, and dendrobrium orchids used  Petals and plant parts wired and taped to one another or glued together with floral adhesive o Speeds construction time

 Glamellia corsage – made of various gladiolus florets arranged to resemble camellia  Once constructed, accessories added

 Must be lightweight, small, unobstrusive  Made similar to shoulder corsage, but must have wristlet of some kind  Can be elaborate

 Commercial wristlets/wristbands available o Shimmering fabric and elastic, faux-jewel bands, cuffs, bracelets, latch-type, Velcro  Wristbands attached to corsage in several ways o Metal clamps, wire, ribbon, floral adhesives  To speed construction, flowers, foliage, and accessories can be glued directly onto band or glued into bow, netting, or foliage foundation 3 rd per. 4/29

 Can include live mums instead of artificial  Be sure to have backing behind mum to protect it  Can wire in several ways  Spray with clear glue and attach  Be sure to not crush petals or touch them a lot, as they can brown

 Tiny flowers or filler flower clusters secured in hair with hairpins  Small designs similar to boutonniere can be attached to barrette, comb, or hair clip with wire or glue

 Also called a chaplet  Floral wreath or garland for the head  Popular for festive occasions and weddings o Flower girls  Take head measurement before designing  Made with wire, tape, glue, and flower clusters

 Originates in Hawaii  Garland or wreath of flowers and leaves  Generally worn around shoulders about the neck  Vary greatly according to flowers, foliage, and manner of assembly  Simple lei made with carnations

 Handheld flowers and bouquets for young ladies at special events  Sentimental tradition since English Georgian and Victorian times  Flowers inserted into wet foam holder or tied together (hand-tied bouquet)

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 Also known as finishing spray  Used prior to packaging  Seals porous surfaces of flowers and foliage  Inhibit water loss  Help flowers and leaves in corsages, boutonnieres, and other floral pieces to remain firm for a long period of time 2 nd per. 4/30

 Only apply to firm, healthy flowers and foliage o Will not help flowers/leaves that are wilted Allow sealer to dry before packaging

 Package carefully to prevent moisture loss, protect floral design, provide attractive presentation for receiver  Several types and sizes of boxes, bags, and packaging materials available  Floral piece placed on layer of shredded wax paper or orchid grass o Cushions and protects design