Woohoo first post! If you haven't read my bio yet, my disclaimer is that I'm a hobbyist, and hopefully the product of my trial and error finds you more equipped to try this on your own! You can use this design template for other flowers, not just tropical ones.
Let's party!
Step 1:
Cut your floral foam using a sharp knife. Use the mouth of your vase as a guide to size your foam. You want it to fit snug.
This brick is Oasis brand. You can purchase it here on Amazon. Or, if the LA Flower Market opens (or your local wholesale location) - vendors sell foam for $1/brick. (Cash only usually)
Step 2: Soak your foam according to the directions.
If your foam does not come with directions: Place each brick at the top of a full bucket or bowl of water. Do NOT immerse it with physical force. Let it sink naturally while it soaks (takes about 1 minute). This will ensure no air bubbles and proper hydration for your plants.
Step 3: Place the foam in your vessel and set-up your station. Again, make sure it's snug. If loose, the arrangement will flop over! I use a turntable when arranging so I'm not surprised at the end that my arrangement only looks good from one angle.
Turntable: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, or DIY one using marbles and pie tins (idea here).
Vessels: Glass-footed bowls; $5 a piece found at "Robert's Vases" in the LA Flower Market. You can find similar ones on Amazon (Example 1, Example 2). Or if you want to save money, there are plastic footed bowls for $3.75 that can be found here.
Step 4: Start with your framing pieces. You want this to look big! I used palm leaves.
Step 5: Add Monstera leaves, flowing over the edges of the front and back.
Step 6: Red Ginger - also to frame. (Go to the Tropical section of your local flower market)
Step 7: Small filler flowers. In this case, I used 2 different colors of spray roses.
Step 8: Larger "feature" flowers (your more expensive flowers). Try to angle the feature flowers facing the viewer (versus all facing up to the sky) for a fuller look. Another tip is to blow into these to fan-out the petals.
Step 9: "Interest" Pieces. For me, those were yellow Pincushion flowers and Mini Pineapples! For "interest" pieces, less is more. Stick to 1-2.
Step 10: Use scrap rose leaves to cover exposed foam.
Voila!! Make sure to spin it around and fill any holes!
A note on transportation: Make sure you completely secure these when driving since they are footed bowls. Tiny base = High tip risk. Find a cardboard box that is similar size to the bowl and place the arrangement inside. If the box is too loose, stuff with tissue paper or towels. Or, have your husband drive you back and forth while you hold each because you are an anxious freak.
Happy Flowering!!
xx,
Kelly
