|
Valentine's Day Arrangements
St. Valentine's Day falls on the 14th February each year. The history of St. Valentine's Day is said to be that in the third Century a Christian named Valentine was placed in prison by Claudius II for his religious beliefs.
The jailor's daughter was blind but Valentine was said to have restored her sight. Valentine was executed on the 14th February, but before he died he sent the jailor's daughter a note signed "From Your Valentine".
It is a day to express our love and affection to those who are dear to us.
Red roses are traditionally used for St. Valentine's Day, but pink flowers are also suitable.
Tests show that men think women prefer red, but many women prefer pastel shades.
St. Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year for the florist.
Valentine's Day Design
You will need -
12 flowers of choice such as roses
Other suitable flowers are tulips and carnations
Filler flowers of choice such as gypsophila
Other suitable filler flowers are misty and wax flowers
Foliage of choice such as leather fern
Other suitable types are box, eucalyptus and camellia foliage
Ivy trails
1 Tall Glass Container
Wide sheer or satin Ribbon
22 gauge wire
1. Fill the container three quarters of the way with water. Insert the leather fern in
the container. The back pieces should stand upright and should be at least one and a half times the height of the container.
2. Insert pieces of leather fern to extend over the sides of the container to form a triangular shape with the widest part across the base. This foliage will form a base to help hold the flowers in position.
3. Roses can be wired to help hold the heads erect. To do this insert the end of a 22 gauge wire vertically up into the base of the rose and wind the wire three or four times
down and around the stem. Repeat this step with the other roses.
4. Start at the top and place the smallest roses around the outer edges to sit just inside the tips of the foliage. Place the larger roses in the centre, cutting the stems to the desired length. Make sure there is a space between each flower head as shown in the photo.
5. Insert several pieces of ivy around the base of the arrangement to help soften the look of the design.
6. The filler flowers, gypsophila, is now inserted in between the roses to give a light look. If the gypsophila is too heavy, trim off any overcrowded clusters first.
7. Make a ribbon bow with two long tails. To do this, hold the ribbon 15cm (6") from one end and form the ribbon into two figure eights - one behind the other with another 15cm (6") length tail at the other end. Wire the bow by placing the centre of a long 22 gauge wire across the centre of the bow, bring the two wire ends down together and twist one wire tightly twice around the other wire. Cut the end of each ribbon tail on a slant.
8. Insert the bow into the centre front of the arrangement.
9. Spray design lightly with water.
Well that's it.
Take care and have a wonderful day!
Visit our Roses page.
Back to the floral design Index.
About the Author:
Authors Credits, This newsletter is written by Fay Chamoun who is the principal of Floral Art School of Australia and International floral Design School. The school was established in 1972. We have had thousands of students enrolled in our Floral Design Diploma Courses.
For full information on our courses please visit our website on http://www.floral-art-school.com.au or contact us on info@floral-art-school.com.au
For more information about other services and products choose from one of the following links: |
