1. Selection of Wire and Wiring Techniques
Introduction to Floral Design

2. When should wire be used?
Rule #1:
Only wire when a flower cannot be used satisfactorily without it!

3. Why do we use florist wire?
Straighten crooked stems
Support weakened stems
Keep flowers upright and help prevent wilting
Hold flowers and foliage in a desired position

4. Why do we use florist wire?
Prevent flower heads from breaking off
Replace flower stems on corsages so the corsage stem is not bulky
Add accessories to corsages and arrangements

5. Selecting Wire Wire is sold in 12 pound boxes
Boxes contain straight wires 18 inches long
The number of wires per box varies according to the size of the wire…why?

6. Selecting Wire
Wires are coated with green enamel to help prevent rusting
The color makes it less noticeable in the design
Wire can also be purchased on spools

7. Sizes of wire
Florist wire comes in various weights and diameters called gauges
Sizes range from 18-thickest, to 32–thinnest
The LARGER the number the THINNER the wire!

8. Sizes of wire 20-26 gauge is most common
Choosing the proper size of is important: wire that is too large will damage the flower or if too thin, the flower will not be properly supported

9. Rules of Wiring:
Select the smallest wire that will support the flower and still hold it in place
Don’t use too much wire or it will detract from the arrangement—remember Rule #1

10. Methods of wiring:
Straight Wire
Hook
Piercing
Wrap
Stitch

11. Straight Wire Method Used when the stem remains attached to the flower
Often used when wiring flowers for vase arrangements
Wire should show as little as possible!

12. How to Straight wire:
Hold a piece of wire parallel to the flower’s stem
Insert into the calyx (fleshy part of the flower below petals)
Push wire up toward the top of the flower
Wrap the wire carefully around the stem going between the leaves

13. Hook Method:
Used on flat-headed flowers such as daisies, asters, chrysanthemums
The hook helps prevent flower from breaking off of stem
The stem may be removed or left intact (depends on use of flower)

14. How to Hook:
For corsage work, cut the stem so that only ½ inch is left below the calyx
Remove all remaining foliage
The wire is pushed up through the calyx and out the top of the flower

15. How to Hook: The wire may also be pushed in the center of the stem
Then, bend the end of the wire that sticks out top of flower into a small hook
Pull the wire downward so that the hook disappears into the flower head

16. How to Hook:
If using the flower in a corsage, it is now ready to be taped
If using the flower in an arrangement, bend the wire around the stem to support it

17. Piercing Method: Used on flowers that have an enlarged calyx…such as?
Only use this method if the flower is going into a corsage or the stem will not be visible

18. How to Pierce:
The stem is removed about 1 to ½ inch below the calyx if for corsage work
Insert a wire through the calyx at a point halfway between the calyx and the petals

19. How to Pierce:
If for a vase arrangement, push the wire until it sticks two inches beyond the calyx
Then, bend both ends of the wire down
Wrap the longest end around the stem

20. How to Pierce:
For a corsage, push the wire so that the flower is located on the midpoint of the wire
Then, bend both sides down parallel to the stem, wrap one length around the stem and other length of wire, and tape

21. Wrap Method: Used on foliage made of many small leaflets (leatherleaf)
Used on flowers composed of many small florets (baby’s breath)

22. How to Wrap: Cut the stem to what length?
Make a hairpin from gauge wire
Hang the hairpin over the lowest pair of leaflets so that the bend in the hairpin rests behind the stem

23. How to Wrap:
Wind one wire over both the other wire and the stem of the leaflet
Wrap the stem and wire with tape

24. Stitch Method: Used most commonly on broad, leathery skinned leaves
Foliages that have been wired are much easier to use because the wire creates an extended petiole

25. How to Stitch:
From the back side of the leaf, take a 26 gauge wire and pass the wire through the leaf along the midrib
A stitch is made about halfway up the leaf

26. How to stitch: Bend both ends of the wire down the back of the leaf
Wrap one half of the wire around the other half and the petiole several times
Tape the stem beginning at the base of the leaf

27. Always Remember!
Select the method that best suits the type of flower and its intended use
Keep all wire hidden as much as possible!