Trying to create a DIY flower arrangement can be intimidating, but with just a little guidance, anyone can make exquisite bouquets right in their own home. From bringing color into the living room or giving that someone special an arrangement with a personal touch, a few tricks of the trade will make that simple bunch of flowers into something extra special. And believe it or not, it is lots more fun than you might think!
At Dragonetti Florist, our top florists in Brooklyn are known for their one-of-a-kind creative arrangements, but that doesn't mean you can't try them out yourself! So, let's roll up our sleeves, sharpen our garden shears, and get into this world of DIY flower arrangements.
Starting with the Basics: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into an ocean of petals, let's talk trade tools. You do not have to break and buy a professional toolbox, but a few essential items will make your life so much easier.
Your DIY Flower Arranging Starter Pack
- Fresh Flowers: Okay, well, this is pretty obvious. Start with a mix of flowers and greens-roses, daisies, tulips, eucalyptus, or even something wild and wacky, like orchids; the varieties of flowers used are totally up to you!
- A Vase: It can be a mason jar, a vintage pitcher, or that fancy crystal vase collecting dust in your cabinet. Whatever floats your floral boat.
- Floral Scissors: Your kitchen shears might do in a pinch, but a good pair of floral scissors saves you from frustration and crushed stems.
- Floral Tape or Foam: These help keep your flowers in place, especially if you work with a more intricate design.
- Water: Because flowers need to drink, too!
The Art of Flower Selection: Color, Texture, and Size
Choosing flowers is like picking out an event; everything needs to work together to create a stunning ensemble. But don't worry, you don't need to be a fashionista to get this right.
First, consider color: Monochromatic schemes are chic and easy for the beginner, but feel free to mix complementary colors to give it a bit of pizzazz. Think blue and orange or purple and yellow. When it comes to texture, variety is key. A bouquet full of smooth, uniformly hued flowers can fall flat, so throw in some spiky thistle, feathery ferns, or velvety lamb's ear to add some depth and interest.
Finally, size matters, but balance is everything. Take a focal flower—something big and bold, like a peony or sunflower- and then build around it with smaller, supporting blooms and greenery.
Arranging 101: Layering Like a Pro
Now that you have your flowers, it's time to arrange them. Just think of it as building a sandwich-only much prettier, and you aren't eating this (please don't eat this).
Start by placing greenery in the vase. This will give your arrangement a structure and provide something for the flowers to lean against. It's like the bread to your sandwich. Next, add in your biggest blooms, placing them evenly throughout your arrangement to create balance. Then, fill in your midsize blooms by tucking them around your focal flowers to create some fullness. Finally, finish with the tiniest blooms and any filler elements, like berries or sprigs of lavender. Those flowers are like sprinkles on your cupcake, the last little flair that ties everything together.
Flower Care Tips: Keep Those Blooms Fresh
You’ve spent all this time arranging your flowers—let’s guarantee that they last a while. Here are a few quick tips to keep your arrangement as fresh as a daisy (pun fully intended).
- Trim the Stems: Before placing your flowers in water, give them a fresh cut at an angle. This increases water absorption and keeps them hydrated.
- Change the Water: Every 2-3 days, change the water in your vase. Clean water means happy, healthy flowers.
- Keep Them Cool: Heat is a flower’s worst enemy. Keep your arrangement away from direct sunlight and anything that generates heat (like that toaster you keep forgetting to unplug).
- Remove Wilted Blooms: As flowers start to fade, remove them from the arrangement. This prevents the spread of decay and keeps your bouquet looking its best.
Your Floral Adventure Begins Here
Flower arrangement is a fun and creative way to get away from the stresses of life and bring some beauty from nature into your home. But it is an art, and as is true with all arts, it requires practice. So, don't worry if the first attempts don't look like they came right out of a magazine. You'll get there with a bit of patience and a lot of love. And remember, any time you need a helping hand instead, a bunch that’s sure to impress your favorite florist in Brooklyn is only a call away.
Ready to dive into the world of do-it-yourself flower arranging? Or perhaps you're in the mood for something really special that only an expert florist can provide? Visit us today at Dragonetti Florist! We’re open seven days a week, with same-day flower delivery across Brooklyn; we’re here to make your flower dreams come true!