Floral Design Essentials: Tools, Styles, and Preservation

Essential Floral Mechanics Equipment

• Oasis Floral Foam
• Oasis Floral Clay Adhesive Tape
• Oasis Floral Ribbon Tape
• Floral Forks
• Wire Mesh (Chicken Wire)
• Flower Cones, Tubes, and Funnels

Common Floristry Tools

• Floral Foam Cubes
• Floral Scissors
• Wire Cutters
• Paints and Finishes
• Misters/Sprayers
• Candle Holders/Supports
• Turntable
• Floral Picks/Sticks
• Cut Flower Preservatives
• Floral Knife

Key Elements for Mechanical Floral Arrangements

• Flower Cones, Tubes, and Funnels
• Decorative Stones and Marbles
• Floral Wire
• Floral Adhesives
• Kenzan (Flower Pin Holders)
• Floral Clay

Defining Floral Arrangement Tools

Tools and other implements are used to ensure that a satisfactory floral arrangement is created.

Characteristics of the Linear Floral Style

Its main feature is the limited use of plants with a medium that is usually a pin holder (kenzan). Every design element is important in itself, and space is vital for the effect of the arrangement.

Types of Linear Floral Styles:

1. Vertical
2. Ikebana
3. Freestyle, Modern, Contemporary
4. Abstract
5. Nageire
6. Shoka (Seika)
7. Moribana

Understanding Four Types of Solid and Formal Floral Styles

1. Formal Bouquet in a Vase
2. Biedermeier (Dome or Round Bouquet)
3. Traditional (Formal Triangular)
4. Byzantine Cone

Understanding Floral Arrangement Material Composition

• Outline Material
• Primary Material (Predominant)
• Filler Material (Secondary)

Methods of Plant Preservation

• Hanging Drying Method
• Vertical Drying (in Containers or Mesh)
• Horizontal or Flat Drying

Detailed Hanging Plant Drying Method

This method is widely used. The key is a warm, dark place, such as a closet.

1. 1. Cut and Prepare the Material

   Choose a dry day to cut flowers before they are fully open. Spray seed florets with hairspray. Remove lower leaves and gently pat dry with paper towels.

2. 2. Tie the Branches

   Tie 5 to 10 branches together with string or raffia, ensuring flowers do not touch each other.

3. 3. Hang the Bunches Upside Down

   Select a dry, dark, airy, and reasonably warm location. Tie bouquets to a horizontal rod or cable, separating them to allow air circulation.

4. 4. Retrieve the Dried Material

   Drying takes one to eight weeks, depending on the species. Check weekly. The material is dry when the flower curls; remove it once this stage is reached.