Mechanics and Supplies

1. Mechanics and Supplies

2. Containers • anything that holds water can be used • the container should help to express the idea the designer has in mind.

3. Containers • should add to the appearance of the arrangement • should harmonize with the design and environment

4. Containers • are selected based upon characteristics such as texture, shape, size and color

5. Texture • depends largely on the material the container is made of • usually glass, glazed pottery, plastic, wood, metal and paper mache

6. Texture • vary according to finish • smooth finish usually has a fine texture • rough finishes usually have a more coarse texture

7. Texture • should be compatible with flowers • fine textured containers should be used for arrangements with roses and lilies

8. Texture • rough textured containers require coarser materials such as daisies and zinnias

9. Shape • one of the most important characteristics • often determines the form of the design

10. Shape • containers should have clean lines and not be highly decorated

11. Shape • highly decorated containers take away from the arrangement

12. Shape • containers in the shape of clowns or cars, etc should only be used for special occasions

13. Size • principles of scale and proportion should be used to select the right container for the arrangement

14. Size • size of the container must create a feeling of stability and harmony with the arrangement

15. Color • must harmonize with the color of the flowers • containers that do not blend with the arrangement call attention to themselves and away from the flowers

16. Color • blending of colors is preferable to contrasting • green containers that echo the foliage are commonly used

17. Color • other commonly used colors include tan, brown, gray and white

18. Floral foam • most commonly used material for holding the stems of flowers.

19. Holding devices • chicken wire and needle point holders have limited used as holding devices • chicken wire may be used with floral foam to support heavy items in large arrangements

20. Needlepoint holders • may be used in arrangements with few flowers or where floral foam would be visible

21. Floral Foam • soft, absorbent, lightweight material • stems of the flowers take up water through the foam

22. Floral Foam • Oasis is the most commonly known commercial name for floral foam

23. Floral Foam • different densities of floral foam are available for various uses • foam should be thoroughly soaked with a preservative solution before use

24. Floral Foam • manufacturer recommends using the free-float method for soaking

25. Free-float method • place block of foam in a bucket or container filled with preservative treated water to a height greater than the foam

26. Free-float method • as the foam absorbs water it will sink • when 1/4 inch of the foam remains above water the block is saturated and ready for use

27. Free-float method • make sure the foam is thoroughly soaked • dry spots in the foam can cause flowers to wilt

28. Adhesive materials • four types of adhesive materials are used most commonly by florists • used to help secure the mechanics of the arrangement

29. Anchor Tape • anchor tape secures floral foam to the container • available in 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch widths • 1/4 inch is preferred because it takes up less space

30. Anchor Tape • available in green, white and transparent

31. Anchor Tape • green tape is used on green containers • white tape is used on white containers • green tape is easier to hide in floral arrangements

32. Stem wrap • also called floral tape • waxed, stretchy tape that only sticks to itself

33. Stem wrap • used primarily in corsage work to create stems for the flowers used in the corsage • used to hide wires or picks in dry or silk arrangements

34. Stem wrap • 1/2 inch is the most common width of floral wrap used • sold in green and white, some other colors may also be available depending on the season

35. Floral Adhesive Clay • sticky material similar to play dough • comes in a flattened strip wound into a coil with waxed paper between the layers

36. Floral Adhesive Clay • two common brands are “Cling” and “Sure-Stik” • used to fasten anchor pins or to anchor needlepoint holders

37. Floral Adhesive Clay • will not stick to a wet surface • leaves sticky mark on the surface • be cautious of use on expensive containers

38. Hot Glue • used with silk flowers and with fresh flowers, especially in making wrist corsages • must be used with caution as the glue is very hot

39. Cutting tools • use tools correctly • practice proper maintenance for longer life of the tool

40. Floral Knives • used for cutting stems only, never used for cutting wires • will dull the knife • knives that make a clean cut will not pinch the stems

41. Floral knives • keep the knife sharp you will be less likely to cut yourself • knife is held between the thumb and forefinger • cutting toward yourself at an angle

42. Floral Knives • do not try to cut hard woody stems with a knife.

43. Florist Shears • can be used for cutting stems • can pinch stems • primarily used for cutting wire and ribbon

44. Ribbon Shears • cutting ribbon and decorative foil • never use for cutting stems or wire

45. Wire cutters • used for cutting wires and the stems of artificial flowers that contain wire

46. Pruning shears • cutting heavy stems too large to be easily cut with a knife or florist shears • used for cutting stems up to one half inch in diameter

47. Picks • wooden and steel picks are used • used mainly in funeral designs, wreath making and artificial and dried arrangements • used to add length or support

48. Picks • attached with a pick machine • make it easier to insert plant material into styrofoam or other holding device.