Tools, Containers,

1
Tools, Containers, Mechanics of Floral Design
Modified by the GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office July
2002
2
Types of Hand Tools
3
Knives

• One of the most important floral design tools
  because flowers must be cut before arranging
• Pocket knives and paring knives are the most
  commonly used types.

4
Clippers

• Also called floral shears
• Used for cutting and trimming thicker flower and
  foliage stems

5
Wire cutters

• Several types of wire cutters are available
• Wire Snips have a spring action handle and
  short blades can be used to cut thick items
  easily
• Utility Wire Scissors serrated used to cut
  wire and plastic often have longer blades

6
Strippers

• Also called rose strippers or dethorners
• Used for removing thorns and leaves from stems

7
Scissors

• Ribbon scissors have long slender blades, and
  they should only be used on ribbon, netting, and
  fabric.
• Utility scissors are used to cut thicker
  materials.

8
How to Choose a Container
9
Function

• Containers are the foundation of a design.
• Containers that house fresh flowers must hold
  water and provide a deep reservoir.
• The opening in a container should be big enough
  to hold all the stems of a design.
• The container should be heavy enough to support
  the actual weight of the design.

10
Shape and Size

• The shape of the container should flow visually
  with the arrangement.
• The shape of the container will often dictate the
  form of the finished design.
• Container size should be proportional to the
  flowers -- not too big or too small.

11
Style

• Certain container shapes portray a period style
  theme.
• The color of the container should be compatible
  with the flowers of the design.
• The texture of the container reflects the mood of
  the design. For example, coarse textured baskets
  reflect a casual mood and rugged style.

12
Common Container Materials
13
Materials

• Glassware common, affordable, and versatile
  simple and elegant
• Plastics come in a variety of shapes, sizes,
  and colors can take on the appearance of other
  materials
• Baskets charming and homey can be used to
  create many different looks

14
Materials

• Ceramics includes pottery, stoneware, and
  porcelain glazing can create a polished and
  formal appearance
• Brass highly reflective and elegant generally
  expensive used for special designs

15
Mechanics of Arrangements
16
Establishing the Foundation

• A secure foundation is necessary to arrange
  flowers and have them remain where you put them.
• Popular foundation materials include floral foam,
  pin holders, grids, and lacing.

17
Floral Foam

• Porous material designed specifically for the
  arrangement of flowers
• Must be soaked in water if used for fresh flowers
• Do not reuse foam after soaking.
• It is best to cut floral foam with a knife.
• Foam should be anchored with tape, pins, or glue.

18
Pin Holders

• Also known as needlepoint holders or frogs
• Has a heavy metal base with many closely spaced
  pins sticking upwards
• Requires more time and care when used in a design

19
Grids

• Used mostly in clear glass containers to make
  arranging easier
• You can get pre-made plastic grids, or you can
  make one by taping off the top of the container.

20
Lacing

• A grid made by interlocking foliage stems
• Leatherleaf fern is commonly used in lacing.

21
Wire

• A gauge number indicates thickness. For example,
  a lower number equals a thicker wire.
• Types of wire
• straight
• paddle
• chicken
• Wiring techniques
• pierce
• hook-wire
• insertion

22
Glue Adhesives

• Helps to keep individual pieces of an arrangement
  securely fastened together
• Common types
• pan-melt
• glue guns and sticks
• liquid floral glue
• spray glue

23
Clays and Tapes

• Floral clay is a putty-like substance used to
  anchor items into water.
• Floral tape is a paraffin-coated paper tape that
  sticks to itself when stretched.

24
Ribbon

• Adds a decorative touch to designs
• Ribbon width is referred to by numbers such as
  3, 9, 40, etc.
• A larger number equals a wider ribbon.

25
Types of Ribbon

• Satin acetate ribbon is the least expensive and
  most commonly used. You can also use
• wired ribbon
• paper ribbon
• metallic ribbon
• decorative lace
• print/novelty ribbon