1. Material Selection and Design Mechanics for Arranging Cut Flowers.

2. Container Selection Four Functions:
Hold flowers
Hold foliage
Hold water
Hold decorative material
A container should add to the appearance of the arrangement, not distract from the design.

3. Containers Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors
Generally made from:
glazed pottery
glass
porcelain
plastic
wood
metal
paper mache

4. Containers Select containers based on: Function Style Texture Color
Price

5. Types of Containers Vases-height is greater than the width.
Bowls-width is greater than the height.
Pedestals-elevated on a base that is short or long-stemmed.
Baskets-styles and materials vary, they are mostly used for informal arrangements.
Novelty-limitless in possibilities; something that normally has an alternative use.

6. Cutting Tools Florist knife-short sharp blade made of steel.
Florist shears-used for cutting herbaceous and woody plant materials.
Pruning shears-used to cut thick, woody materials.
Ribbon shears/Scissors
Wire cutters

7. Stem Support Material
A firm steady foundation is important in holding the plant materials in place.
Select support material based on the container type and the design of the arrangement.

8. Types of Support Materials
Floral Foam-holds stems in place while providing them with a supply of water.
Thoroughly saturate a block. May add preservatives.
Cut to fit container
Leave 1/2 to 1 inch of the block above the container
Secure the foam in the container with anchor tape

9. Types of Support Materials
Chicken Wire-may be used solely or to reinforce floral foam.
Needle point or pin holders-used more commonly by home flower arrangers; expensive and not as secure.
Dry Foam or Styrofoam-used for dried/silk arrangements

10. Adhesive Material
Anchor tape-sticky, duct tape like tape used to hold support material in the container
Floral tape-a flexible, stretchy adhesive material that is used to bind flowers together.
Floral clay-waterproof material used to secure needlepoint holders to the container
Hot glue

11. Wiring Materials
Wire-used to support weak stems. Measured by gauges. The larger the number gauge, the smaller diameter wire.
Metal Picks-dispensed from a picking machine, used to make short stems for flowers Wood Picks may be attached by hand.
Chenille Stems (pipe cleaners)-decorative purposes

12. Accessories Used to supplement the theme of a design.
An object included in the arrangement but separate from the plant material.
Candles, pine cones, figurines are all examples