If you dream of becoming an expert flower arranger, then taking lessons online is a great way to start. Floral design programs cover the basic design theories for floral crafts and the more upscale courses go as far as to teach advanced techniques. For example, online courses such as Floral Design Classes | Online & Offline Program by IWED Global offer foundational classes that focus on getting your career started whereas other classes that are tailored for experts, reveal industry design secrets, marketing tactics, and business development tricks. The following floral design tips for beginners will help give you a good foundation on floral design. You can build upon this foundation once you start taking formal lessons.
1. Choose the Right Container
Through the years, floral designers have used various types of containers apart from the traditional flower vase. These containers included old tires, small wood boxes, watering cans and Mason jars. Choosing a unique container for your floral arrangement will add character to your design. Let your imagination lead you to the right container. Remember to choose something that is appropriate for the occasion and one that does not take the thunder away from the main attraction.
2. Picking Your Flowers
Before settling on the type of flowers for your design, decide if you are going with a monochromatic or a multicolored arrangement. If you want to use a single color, choose flowers in the same shade in varying intensities. Flowers with different textures will be helpful in adding more life to the arrangement. If you are going with a multicolored arrangement, choose several types of flowers in different shapes, sizes and textures.
3. Conditioning the Flowers
You’ll need to prepare the flowers before you arrange them in your chosen container. Place the flowers inside the container to see how much of the stem you’ll need to cut off. Cut off the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle and then remove all the leaves on the stem that will be submerged the waterline inside the vase. Remove thorns if there are any. Some floral designers prefer to condition the flowers by letting them sit in slightly warm water for a few days before arranging them.
4. Arranging the Flowers
There is no single school of thought when it comes to floral design. While the craft follows a basic set of principles, much of the design and visual aspects rely on your creativity and imagination. Larger flowers usually go to the center of the arrangement, and the smaller ones serve both to complement the design and form a perimeter around your arrangement. Flowers that go along the edges should have shorter stems than the larger flowers. It is important to examine your design from different angles to examine its shape and to see if there are any loose or empty spots. You may also use small filler flowers or greenery to fill up spaces in between your flowers.
5. Securing the Flowers and Finishing Up
Securing the flowers can get a little tricky and may take you a few practice sessions to give your arrangement the right density and fullness. Use a floral tape or a rubber band to secure the arrangement that you want. Wrap the tape or the rubber band in the middle of the stems. If you are using a transparent glass jar, use a clear band.
Take one final look at your arrangement. It is important to keep in mind that your arrangement should be one and a half times the height of your container. You may use a flower preserve on the water to make your arrangement last longer. Change the water daily, adding flower preserve each time.
