Floral design and text by Kat Castagnoli, AIFD 
Photos by Max Castagnoli 

Cupid called. He’s upgrading his arrows for wire! This fun and imaginative Valentine’s Day design takes wirework to heart—literally. With just a few simple materials and a splash of blush color, florist wire is transformed into a sculptural design that radiates modern romance. Whether creating for a client, a display or a class demo, this design is equal parts whimsy and sophistication—proving that all you need to spark a little romance is wire, flowers and imagination. 

Step 1 

Gather two bunches of florist wire, 10 wires each. Bind each bunch with stem wrap and then combine the two bunches into a single long piece. 

Step 2 

Form the single long piece into the shape of a heart. Secure the loose ends with stem wrap. 

Step 3 

Cut the remaining 20 pieces of florist wire in half. Beginning at the middle section, wrap a short wire around the heart four times, leaving both ends of the wire sticking out. Repeat this step at intervals around the structure.  

Step 4 

With wire cutters, trim every other wire shorter, following this pattern: one short, one long, one short, one long—all the way around the heart. 

Step 5 

Cut your single Torka stick in half. Add an adhesive dash near the end of each stick; position one on each side of the heart directly across from each other. Firmly secure both sticks to the heart with bind wire. Next, coat the entire structure with Colortool Spray—front and back—including all the wires. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. 

Step 6 

Add a few layers of chicken wire into your ceramic container. Add an adhesive dash just inside the lip on each side of the container. Insert the sticks of your heart structure firmly into the chicken wire, affixing them to the adhesive dashes for added stability. 

Step 7 

Remove all leaves from six stems of Hypericum and cut off the berries individually. Thread the berries onto the wires around the heart, alternating placement. Push every other one all the way down to the base of the wire. Continue until each wire has a berry at either the top or bottom. 

Step 8 

Fill your container with properly proportioned flower nutrient solution. Next, place your blooms. I designed my arrangement with seeded Eucalyptus (five stems), roses (10 stems), Alstroemeria (10 stems), Veronica (five stems), peonies (five stems) and carnations (10 stems)—taking care not to obscure the wire heart. 

MATERIALS:

BOTANICALS 

Hypericum androsaemum (tutsan, St. John’s wort), creamy pale pink 

Eucalyptus gunnii, seeded (seeded cider gum, seeded eucalypt) 

Rosa spp. ‘Mondial’ (garden rose) 

Alstroemeria aurea/A. aurantiaca (Peruvian lily, lily-of-the-Incas) 

Veronica longifolia ‘Skyler^™ Pink’ (long-leaf speedwell, garden speedwell) 

Paeonia hybrid (peony, garden peony), fuchsia 

Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Merletto Crimson’ (carnation) 

HARD GOODS 

Florist wire (20 gauge), 40 pieces 

Floratape^® Stem Wrap (Green) 

Torka stick, halved 

OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes 

OASIS^™ Bind Wire  

Design Master Colortool Spray, blush 

Chicken wire 

Ceramic pot (6 inch), pale pink 

Floral design and text by Robert Koene | Robert Koene Floral Art | The Hague, Netherlands
Photos and videography by Vasilis Kantarakis | Athens, Greece

A refined and lightweight composition, this bouquet features a base of Oroxylum indicum seeds—commonly known angel-wing seeds. I selected Oroxylum indicum for its airy and ethereal texture. This bouquet has a garden-like feel, but it’s very much structured. A modern bouquet for a modern bride. 

Step 1 
Build a sturdy bouquet holder to serve as your structural base. Begin with a pre-cut wooden disc in the shape of a donut or halo—a round mechanic with a precisely cut hole in the center. Next, form a circular frame with a malleable iron ring (or two), and allow a length of the metal to protrude downward. Adhere the iron ring to the wooden disc with hot glue to provide strength and stability. This will act as the foundation of the design and the bouquet handle.  

Design Tip: Your base must be well-balanced to support the decorative elements without tipping or twisting. 

Step 2 

Prepare the decorative surface. Carefully hot glue each angel-wing seed to the wooden frame in an evenly spaced, methodical pattern. Work slowly to maintain symmetry and a delicate, floating appearance.  

Design Tip: Aim to create an airy base layer—on both the front and back of the mechanic—that feels both organic and refined. 

Step 3 

To ensure maximum control and precision during assembly, wire each flower stem individually with appropriately sized gauge wire, and then tape it. (For the bigger blooms: 18-gauge wire;  for the mini orchids: 20-gauge; and for the grasses: 21-gauge.) For the Astilbe, create little bundles before wiring them. 

Design Tip: This technique allows for easy adjustments to positioning, angle and spacing, while also providing extra stability. Wiring also prevents delicate blooms from shifting during transport or display. 

Step 4 

Assemble the composition. Working from the center of the bouquet holder outward, insert the stems and secure them firmly by wrapping their wires around the metal bouquet handle. Layer blooms in a way that balances shape, texture and color. Adjust their angles to create a harmonious and refined design. Keep the overall feel light and delicate to complement the seed surface. 

Step 5 

Examine the bouquet from multiple angles. Make small adjustments to ensure perfect symmetry and visual flow. Trim excess wire or stems, reinforce any loose elements with additional glue and remove stray glue strings. In addition, hide the mechanics: Place leaves—and secure with existing wires—on the underside of the base to “close” it. Next, tape the bouquet handle and then wrap it with ribbon. 

Design Tip: The finished piece should feel cohesive, well-balanced and effortlessly elegant—with each element complementing the structural and textural beauty of the feather-like base. 

BOTANICALS 

Phalaenopsis amabilis ‘Baby Blush’, miniature (moth orchid) 

Rosa spp. ‘Westminster Abbey’ (garden rose) 

Astilbe ‘Europa’ (Europa Japanese Astilbe) 

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) 

Veronica spp. ‘Smart Iselle’ (speedwell, brooklime) 

Clematis integrifolia ‘Star River’ (virgin’s bower, leather flower, vase vine) 

Chasmanthium latifolium (wild oats, inland sea oats, northern sea oats, upland sea oats, upland oats, Indian wood oats, wood oats, river oats, flathead oats) 

Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Wicky’ (hybrid nonflowering sweet William) 

Galax urceolata (beetleweed, wand flower/plant, galaxy, coltsfoot) 

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ (Chinese peony, garden peony) 

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Verena Champagne’ (big-leaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, garden Hydrangea, florist’s Hydrangea) 

HARD GOODS 

Wooden disc, (such as flexible plywood), pre-cut in a donut or halo shape 

Iron ring (malleable metal loop), 1 or 2 

Oroxylum indicum seeds (a.k.a. angel-wing seeds, broken bones tree seed pods), 1 package 

Glue sticks 

Florist wire (18 gauge, 20 gauge and 21 gauge) 

Floral tape 

Ribbon 

Floral design, text and photos by Yeon Chung, Kawa Flowers, Portland, Ore. 

I find joy in the changing seasons, envisioning floral art that brings together wild mushrooms, vegetables and flowers. My goal here is to create a nature-inspired design that blends the graceful styling of ikebana with a dense, sculptural form—celebrating the unexpected harmony and beauty found in nature. 

While adding botanical elements and experimenting with shapes, textures and colors, I’m fully engaged in the design process. However, there are moments when I struggle with my design. I’ve learned to embrace that creative tension; it’s all part of the process. 

STEP BY STEP 

Step 1 

Build a base to create an unexpected natural foundation sourced from your local farmer’s market. They have the most interesting looking choices! I selected wild blue oyster mushrooms and purple bell peppers. Cut some small holes in the bell peppers. Arrange your mushrooms and bell peppers on a wooden slab or surface of your choosing. Insert a pin frog, so that it’s hidden in the base.  

Design Tip: Keep in mind that you will layer flowers into the mushrooms’ natural vase-like clusters, as well as the bell peppers and pin frog. This builds a cohesive, sculptural piece that showcases nature’s beauty. 

Step 2 

Place the blooms you’ve selected to enrich the color palette and bring new depth to the composition.  

Design Tip: No matter the struggles, I continue working on the piece until I reach that personal place of joy. Here, this is still very much a work in progress, revealing signs of my inner creative struggle. Stay committed! 

Step 3 

Step back to reassess and consider ways to enhance the design and the mood. For the final touch, add garlic bulbs to bring a dramatic vertical element. This creates an airy ikebana-inspired styling to contrast the dense sculptural base.  

Design Tip: I let calla lilies fall gracefully adding curvy lines to the composition creating positive and negative space. Allow nature to do its thing organically. For the floral artist, there’s a fine line between control and acceptance. While tweaking could continue endlessly, knowing when to let go is just as important as the commitment to the process. And here blooms Fungi Fusion—a quiet ode to nature’s gift. 

Materials 

BOTANICALS 

Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus (blue oyster mushroom)  

Capsicum annuum ‘Purple Beauty’ (bell pepper) 

Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Black Star’ (calla) 

Astrantia major (masterwort, great masterwort) 

Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercup) 

Anigozanthos flavidus (kangaroo paw) 

Allium nigrum (black garlic, broad-leaved onion/garlic) 

HARD GOODS 

Wooden slab 

Pin frog 

This wedding-style centerpiece features exquisite roses in pink as well as warm peach tones. For placement, the arrangement works well on a round table, long table or even on a bar. 

Footed vases are great for wedding work. To highlight the multiple pink blooms, I selected a white pedestal compote. I chose a few Hydrangea stems to create a romantic lacy base for the garden and spray roses. After incorporating all the gorgeous roses, I layered in a few wisps of smaller blooms to compete this beautiful design.

Floral design, text and photos by Paulina Nieliwocki, Blue Jasmine Floral, Berkeley Heights, N.J.

Presented by Alexandra Farms

Presented by Alexandra Farms

Floral design and text by Julia Prokhorova, CFD, TMF

Wild Veggie Bouquet, Corpus Christi, Texas

Photos and video by Cora Johnson Cora Johnson Photography, Corpus Christi, Texas

Presented by Dümmen Orange

Designing with a “surprise box” from Dümmen Orange was an enjoyable and exciting challenge. Inside the box, I discovered an assortment of roses, spray mums, Dianthus and callas, all in a sunny palette of yellows, greens and orange hues. This cheerful analogous color scheme showcases the warm spring energy these blooms radiate.

With several types and varieties of flowers to feature, I chose to design multiple “composite” arrangements and arrange them into a festive tablescape—perfect for a brunch for two. Add sliced fruit on salad plates and fill beverage glasses; then step back to take a moment to enjoy vibrant colors of this mouthwatering table setting.

PIECE BY PIECE

Piece 1

“Lemon-zest” Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage, and soak it in flower-food solution. Cut the lateral stems of ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mum blooms, and arrange the blooms in a densely clustered mound. Next, skewer fresh lemon halves, and place them into the design. Then, cut six or so thin strips from a sheet of thin yellow craft foam, fashion them into “lemon-zest” curls with wire, and incorporate two or three into the design (Save the remaining curls for Piece 3.) Finally, place the finished arrangement atop an inverted ceramic compote container, and secure the floral-foam cage to the bottom of compote with adhesive dashes (or adhesive floral clay or hot glue). Arrange more flowers around the bottom of the design, as needed, to cover all the mechanics.

Piece 2

Lush Green Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage; soak it in flower-food solution; and arrange fluffy Dianthus ‘Barberatus Fresh’ heads in a densely clustered mound, fully covering the cage. Arrange a few small Colocasia leaves among the Dianthus for textural contrast. To amplify the tropical mood and add more visual interest, place half of a freshly cut papaya, secured with wooden apple skewers, into the design.

Piece 3

Spilling Mums Design

Place a piece of saturated floral-foam snugly into a compote container, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Cover the floral foam with a chicken-wire “bubble,” and secure it in place with waterproof tape. Arrange spray mums in a densely clustered free-form mound. Use shorter stems at the base and gradually increase the height and length to produce a cascading effect. Insert a few wooden apple skewers into the design, at one side and at an angle, and place a compote container with a small piece of saturated floral foam affixed inside atop them. To suggest a whimsical “spill” of flowers, arrange a few spray mum blooms facing downward into the inverted compote. Finish by adding a few stems of ‘Spirit+’ and ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus, as well as a few small Colocasia leaves, fresh lemon halves on bamboo skewers and a few craft-foam “lemon-zest” curls.

Piece 4

Garden Rose Arrangement

Form a piece of chicken wire into a sphere that will fit snugly into a pedestal compote container. Secure the wire sphere into the container with waterproof tape, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange stems of Dianthus barbatus ‘Spirit+’ low into the container, to create a base and cover the chicken wire. Next, arrange ‘Silva Sunny+’ spray garden roses and ‘Bello+’ carnations, varying the stem lengths for depth and to create a slightly asymmetrical, organic feel. Let a few rose blooms gently drape over the rim of the container, to one side. Finally, incorporate a couple of small Colocasia leaves horizontally into the design.

Piece 5

‘Momentum+’ Rose Trees

Remove the lower foliage from several stems of high-end ‘Momentum+’ hybrid tea roses, cut each stem at an angle and immediately dip into an instant hydrating solution, and then place each stem into a large or extra-large water tube filled with flower-food solution. Attach the water-tubed roses to the branches of two Ficus benjamina (or similar) plants with paper-covered wire, and tuck a few into the plant pots.

Piece 6

Callas, Carnations and Chrysanthemums

Soak a large floral-foam cage in flower-food solution. Arrange ‘Bello+’ standard carnations, ‘Cheesy+’ spray carnations and ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies into the floral-foam cage, making sure the cage is completely camouflaged. Allow the curved stems of the calla lilies to express movement and create dimension.

Create a second smaller but coordinating arrangement for the tabletop in a ceramic compote container. Secure a flower frog/pin holder into the compote with adhesive dashes or adhesive floral clay, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange curving stems of ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies long and tall into the container, allowing one or two to drape over the edge of the table. Fill in the base of the design with ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mums.

Assembling the Tablescape

Cover the table with a non-patterned tablecloth or piece of fabric; I chose green velvet. Wrap the pots of the two “rose plants” in the same fabric (or a coordinating fabric) that covers the table, and then place the plants at the sides of the table. Next, artfully position the five tabletop arrangements on the table, with the calla-lily arrangement at the front right corner. “Garnish” the tabletop with papaya and lemon halves and Colocasia leaves—making sure to leave space for the table settings. Finally, place the larger calla-lily-and-carnation arrangement on the floor, at the front left corner of the table.

MATERIALS

Botanicals from Dümmen Orange

• ‘Champagne Yellow’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (cushion spray mum, decorative-flowered spray mum)

• ‘Sunny Day’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (daisy spray mum)

• ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Spirit+’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Bello+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (standard carnation)

•Cheesy+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (spray carnation)

• ‘Momentum+’ Rosa spp. (hybrid tea rose)

• ‘Silva Sunny+’ Rosa spp (spray garden rose)

• ‘Monte Carlo’ Zantedeschia rehmannii hybrid (calla lily, arum lily)

Other Botanicals

• Colocasia esculenta (taro leaf, elephant’s-ear leaf)

• Ficus benjamina, plants (weeping fig)

• Citrus limon (lemon)

• Carica papaya (papaya)

Hard Goods

• Sonata Compote (4.5”x 4.25”, Off-white) from Accent Decor

• Ceramic footed pedestal compote

• FLORACAGE^® Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• FLORACAGE^® Grande Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• OASIS^® Floral Foam Maxlife

• OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes

• OASIS^® Waterproof Tape

• OASIS^® Water Tubes (4”)

• OASIS^™ Bind Wire (Green)

• OASIS^™ Florist Netting

• OASIS^™ Florist Wire (22 gauge)

• FloraLife^® Quick Dip 100 from Smithers Oasis Company

• Round Flower frog/Pin holder/Kenzan (2.25” to 2.5” diameter)

• Wooden Apple Skewers

• Craft-foam sheet

Floral design and text by Ana Vivas

Aniska Creations, Miami, Florida

Photos by Simon Ruiz and Aniska Creations

Presented by Rosaprima

Welcome to a vibrant and joyful floral design inspired by the essence of spring! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a stunning color-blocked arrangement using premium roses, Ranunculus and Anemones from Rosaprima and Floraprima. I was inspired by the beautiful colors and quality of the flowers. By layering lighter blooms over bold clusters, we’ll achieve a seamless transition of color, bringing harmony and movement to the design. For the mechanics, I’ve chosen designer trays paired with sturdy wooden supports, floral foam for stability and zip ties to secure the structure. Let’s begin and bring this cheerful spring picnic vision to life.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

With waterproof tape, securely adhere the floral trays containing soaked floral foam to pieces of plywood that each have two pre-drilled holes on one end. Connect the plywood—which will serve as your base—by inserting and fastening zip ties into the drilled holes. The larger tray and its plywood base will rest on the table and support the weight of the smaller hanging tray and its base.

Step 2

Partially camouflage the floral foam with foliage and create a low base for the flowers. The foliage should be longer at the outer edges of the design and on the tray that hangs to create a cascading effect.

Step 3

Arrange the white roses (‘RP Helicopter’) on the first third of the upper tray. Cut each stem at a different length to create visual interest and depth in the arrangement. Place the light-yellow roses (‘Effie’) in that same area, making the end of that section fuller to help transition to the next color.

Step 4

Add the orange roses (‘Wild Spirit’) and pink coral roses (‘Romantic Antike’) to the second section of the upper tray. Keep placing the roses at different lengths and angles.

Step 5

Arrange the pink roses (‘RP Serendipity’) and purple roses (‘Cooldown’) in the third section of the upper tray and continue to do so on the hanging tray.

Step 6

After you’ve placed all your roses, begin placing the more delicate flowers—creating the effect that they’re dancing above and outward from the roses. In the first third of the arrangement, place the yellow Ranunculus. In the second third of the arrangement, place the orange Ranunculus. Finally, place the pink Anemones in the final third of the arrangement. These flowers will serve as blenders between the color blocks you’ve created with the roses.

Step 7

Cover the foam and mechanics with foliage. Place most of the greenery low, below the flowers, but create some points with taller greenery to make the arrangement more dynamic.

Step 8

Always save some blooms and greenery for the set-up location. Be sure to cover all the mechanics, including the plywood.

Materials

BOTANICALS

Flowers from Rosaprima

Rosa spp. ‘RP Serendipity’ (RP Exclusive Roses medium pink garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Effie‘ (Ausgray) (yellow-amber-apricot-tangerine-cream blend David Austin Wedding & Event Roses garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Romantic Antike’ (medium pink/peach blend garden rose)

Rosa spp. ‘RP Helicopter’ (RP Exclusive Roses white garden-like rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Wild Spirit’ (orange/apricot garden-like rose)

Rosa spp. ‘Cooldown’ (lavender garden-like rose)

Flowers from Floraprima

Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Giallo’ (yellow Italian Ranunculus, Persian buttercup)

Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Elegance Clementine’ (tangerine/orange Italian Ranunculus, Persian buttercup)

Anemone coronaria ‘Levante Fucsia’ (red-violet/reddish purple windflower, poppy Anemone)

Foliages

Asparagus setaceus/A. plumosus (plumosa fern, lace fern, Asparagus fern)

Pistacia spp. (pistachio)

HARD GOODS

OASIS^® Brick Tray, Triple

OASIS^® Brick Tray, Single

OASIS^® Floral Foam Maxlife

OASIS^® Waterproof Tape (½” Green)

Plywood, particle board, MDF/HDF, OSB (2 pieces)

Cable/Zip ties

Floral design, text and photography by Nita Robertson, AIFD

Floral design is more than arranging flowers; it’s an opportunity to tell a story, evoke emotion and create a lasting impression. On these pages, I have crafted a composition that blends natural materials, vivid blooms and whimsical details. Be inspired to transform simple elements into a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and creativity.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Soak a brick of floral foam in properly proportioned flower nutrient solution until it is fully saturated and place it into the center of an OASIS^® Event Saddle. Secure the foam with waterproof tape.

DESIGN TIP: Leave space between the floral foam and two sides of the container to create a reservoir for flower nutrient solution and for placing small orchid plants into the design (Step 5).

Step 2

Place a piece of grapewood or driftwood on top of the floral foam. Secure the wood atop the floral foam with paper-covered wire by wrapping the wire around the wood in a couple of places and then threading it through the holes in the base of the container.

Step 3

Glue bits and pieces of reindeer moss to the areas of the grapewood to cover any showing mechanics.

Step 4

Arrange Gerbera low into the container, on the right half of the design and from the front to the back. This will serve as the focal point of the design.

Step 5

Place two small 2-inch potted orchid plants into the container, in the open spaces between the floral foam and the sides of the container. Secure the plants into the container by binding them to the grapewood with paper-covered wire. Place pieces of reindeer moss to cover any exposed mechanics and the orchid pots, as well as to wedge the pots into the container.

Step 6

Arrange spray roses and disbud mums in groupings.

Step 7

Arrange vines of ‘Neon’ pothos into the design, and then strategically place artificial monarch butterflies throughout the arrangement. Finally, if desired, hot-glue pieces of reindeer moss to the exterior of the container, to camouflage it and give it a natural look.

DESIGN TIP: I drilled small holes into the grapewood in which to insert the butterfly wires, which I secured with hot-glue. Alternatively, you could attach the butterfly wires to small wood picks or toothpicks and then insert the picks into the floral foam.

Materials

BOTANICALS

Rosa spp. (spray rose)

Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Antenna’ (disbud decorative-flowered mum)

Gerbera jamesonii (Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy, African daisy, Veldt daisy)

Phalaenopsis amabilis (moth orchid) (miniature, 2” pot)

Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ (pothos, devil’s ivy)

Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer moss, reindeer lichen, caribou moss)

Vitis spp. (grapewood)

HARD GOODS

OASIS^® Event Saddle

OASIS^® Midnight Floral Foam Maxlife

OASIS^® Midnight Waterproof Tape

OASIS^™ Bind Wire

OASIS^® All-temperature Glue Sticks

Artificial monarch butterflies

Floral design, text and photos by Lea Romanowski, AIFD, CAFA, CFD

Designing on the Edge

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Presented by Oasis Floral Products

My inspiration: my best friend, while lying in a meadow and looking outward, envisions spring arriving. Bright, vibrant flowers wondrously emerge after a long winter’s nap. For this design, I visualize five or more colors—polychromatic harmony. I think the new OASIS^™ Petite Tray, which has a smaller profile, best suits this creation. I see this narrow, multi-based tablescape used at events, weddings, church alters and celebrations of life.

You can sell this as:

• An S-Curve on a table using four small trays
• Multiple pieces around an urn
• Designs at the base of wedding arches
• Multiple pieces down a wedding aisle, and then transferred to tables
• Buffet table or credenza pieces
• Coffee table designs
• Narrow washroom counter designs

DESIGN TIP:

When designing more than one tray, layer in two or three botanicals at a time. Gently cover your base, and then design tallest to shortest placements. Water with a turkey baster or water tube bottle.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1

Saturate the foam, and then cut in a wave pattern, writing facing up. Flip the top piece over so the two pieces make one long wave when the ends touch. Gently push the foam writing facing forward into the long tray. Repeat this step using only half of the wave cut block. This will fill the small tray. No need to secure with tape as the foam is a very tight fit in the petite tray.

Step 2

Place foam filled trays on a towel. With a glove on, rub all the surface and edges of foam until they are smooth and rounded. Make sure to rub off all the stamped writing and rinse bases with water. This technique gives the foam base a clean finished look that does not need to be fully covered. Design with the two trays touching end to end. This will create a larger seamless finished design.

Step 3

Insert clear water tubes in the foam, where very thirsty flowers will be positioned. Moderately cover the wave of foam with jasmine vine, extending some trailing vines past the container ends. Secure with OASIS^® Naturals Bamboo Greening Pins, and then cover any mechanics with Dianthus.

Step 4

Insert all the taller and longer line flowers in groupings or a pattern. Choose your look.

Step 5

Next start basing with remaining flowers to ground the design, creating more depth.

Step 6

Finally, weave kiwi vine through the design for an interesting root-like dynamic line.  Add more jasmine vine, if desired.

Materials

BOTANICALS

• Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi vine, tara vine, bower vine)

• Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercup)

• Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Trick’ (hybrid nonflowering sweet William)

• Iris × hollandica ‘Blue Magic’ (Dutch Iris, fleur-de-lis)

• Gentiana spp. (gentian)

• Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Atlantic’ (hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth)

• Scabiosa atropurpurea × caucasica ‘Dark Cherry SCOOP’ (pincushion flower, scabious)

• Veronica acinifolia (French speedwell)

• Tulipa spp. ‘Columbus’ (peony-flowered tulip, Double Late tulip)

• Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘BluOcean Jade’ (spray mum)

• Jasminum officinale, vine (common jasmine, white jasmine, poet’s jasmine)

HARD GOODS

• OASIS^® Midnight Floral Foam Maxlife

• OASIS^™ Petite Tray (10” and 19”)

• OASIS^® Naturals Bamboo Greening Pins

Floral design, photos and text by Nita Robertson, AIFD

Presented by Reliant Ribbon company

Prom season brings an exciting opportunity to showcase both timeless traditions and modern trends in flower design. While traditional wrist corsages remain a popular choice for many, prom bouquets offer a fresh, contemporary alternative, allowing teens to make bold fashion statements while perfectly complementing their attire. The versatility of products from Reliant Ribbon is key to these creations, offering a stunning array of colors, textures and patterns that elevate each design. Ribbon serves as the perfect medium for matching and enhancing prom attire. Whether your clients prefer the classic charm of a corsage or the sophisticated allure of a handheld bouquet (or, possibly, both!), you can provide options that reflect every personality and trend. This is your time to shine, creating memorable designs that help make prom night unforgettable.

STEP BY STEP

BOUQUET

Step 1

Use the circular cardboard flange from a bolt of ribbon or cut a similar shape from sturdy cardboard.

Ensure the center is hollow, forming a doughnut-like shape. Wrap the cardboard circle completely with No. 9 double-faced satin ribbon.

Secure with adhesive dashes to ensure it stays in place. This will form the foundation of the bouquet.

Step 2

Build the design directly through the ribbon-wrapped base.

I chose miniature callas, spray roses and spray Veronica. I also glued a disbud cremon Chrysanthemum bloom to the circular ribbon-covered base with liquid floral adhesive.

Step 3

Enhance the design with sparkling accents to make the bouquet prom-ready.

Consider adding rhinestones, jewel picks, decorative wire and/or beads, positioning the embellishments strategically to highlight the flowers.

Step 4

Add custom ribbon rosettes to tie the ribbon colors into the design. Roll the ribbon tightly to form the center of the “bloom.” Fold the ribbon back and twist to create the petals, repeating until the rosette reaches the desired size. Secure with floral wire and position the rosettes within the bouquet for a cohesive look.

Step 5

Gather the exposed stems below the bouquet base, and neatly wrap them with stem wrap, self-fusing binding tape or waterproof tape. Cover the binding material with No. 9 double-faced satin ribbon, to give the bouquet a professional finished appearance.

Step 6

Allow the ribbon to cascade down in flowing streamers. Loop additional ribbon into the bouquet base to create visual interest and varied levels within the design.

CORSAGE

Step 1

Start with a premade wrist corsage base. I chose Reliant Ribbon’s black Graceful Lady Deluxe Sophisticate Jewel Premade Corsage Wristlet. This versatile base features a premade bow and rhinestone sprays, leaving you to simply add the flowers. To enhance the design, I glued additional ribbon loops into the premade base with liquid floral adhesive. This added visual interest and provided a cohesive way to tie the corsage into the wearer’s outfit, ensuring a polished and personalized look.

Materials

BOTANICALS

• Zantedeschia rehmannii hybrid (miniature calla)

• Rosa spp. (spray rose)

• Veronica spicata (spray spike speedwell)

• Chrysanthemum × morifolium (disbud cremon mum)

• Ruscus hypoglossum (Israeli Ruscus, Holland Ruscus, Florida Ruscus)

HARD GOODS FROM RELIANT RIBBON

• #9 Antique Mauve Double Face Satin (4951-172-09)

• #3 Antique Mauve Double Face Satin (4951-172-03)

• #3 Icy Pink Double Face Satin (4951-301-03)

• #3 Light Pink Luxe Velvet Double Face (4660-117-03)

• #3 Rose Quartz Charlize Sheer Satin Wired Edge (25771W-225-03)

• Black Graceful Lady Deluxe Sophisticate Jewel Premade Corsage Wristlet (67306-031-03)

• Gem Pin Flower (67341-001-02Z)

• Rhinestone Quintet (FT-KK45-11-Q#8)

OTHER HARD GOODS

• OASIS^® Floral Adhesive

• OASIS^™ Florist Wire

• OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes

• Floratape^® Stem Wrap from OASIS Floral Products