Transcript Selecting and Wiring Flowers

Identify
reasons for using wire in a floral
design.
Explain the types of wire used in floral
designs.
Discuss the wire sizes used for types of
flowers.
Explain how
and when to use methods
of wiring flowers.
Explain how and when to use methods
of wiring foliage.
Discuss the uses of floral tape.
essential
to the floral
designer
only wire a flower if it
cannot be used satisfactorily
without it
used
for a number of
reasons
straighten slightly crooked
stems
support weakened stems
keep
flowers upright and
help prevent wilting
hold flowers and foliage in a
desired position
prevent
flower heads from
breaking off the stem
replace flower stems on
corsages so the corsage stem
is not bulky
add
accessories to corsages
and arrangements
commonly
sold in twelve pound
boxes
containing straight wires 18
inches long
number of wires per box varies
according to the size of the wire
wires
are coated with green
enamel which helps prevent
rusting
green color makes them less
noticeable in the design
wire
may also be purchased
on spools for special needs
such as making garlands or
wreaths
florist
wire comes in various
weights and diameters called
gauges
size ranges from 18 thickest, to 32 - thinnest
wire
gauge numbers
decrease as the wire gets
larger
20-26 gauge is the most
common
proper
size of wire is
important
too large a wire will damage
the flower
if wire is too thin the flower
will not be properly supported
select
the smallest wire that
will support the flower and
still hold it in place
should
only be done when
necessary
too much wire can detract
from an arrangement
the
size wire you choose is
dependent upon the weight
of the flower and the
intended use
straight
wire method
used when the stem remains
attached to the flower
most often used when
wiring flowers for vase
arrangements
hold
a piece of 20 gauge
wire about one half inch
from the end
insert into the calyx - fleshy
part of the flower below
petals
push
wire up toward your
finger
wrap the wire carefully
around the stem going
between the leaves
wire should show as little as
possible
used
on daisies, asters,
chrysanthemums and other
flowers used for corsages
and funeral work
method is recommended for
any flower that breaks easily
at the stem
hook
helps prevent flower
from breaking off of stem
stem may be removed or left
intact
depends on use of flower
for
corsage work, stem is cut
1/2 inch below the calyx
all remaining foliage is
removed from stem
wire
is pushed up through
the calyx and out the top of
the flower
wire may also be pushed
along the center of the stem
bend
end of wire that sticks
out top of flower into a hook
pull the wire and the hook
downward so that the hook
disappears into the flower
head
if
using the flower in a
corsage, it is now ready to be
taped
if using in an arrangement,
wire is bent around stem to
support it
used
on flowers that have
an enlarged calyx
such as carnations and roses
stem is removed about one
inch below calyx if for
corsage
insert
a wire through the
calyx at a point halfway
between the calyx and the
petals
if
for a vase arrangement,
push wire till it sticks two
inches beyond the calyx
bend both ends of wire
down
wrap longest end around
stem
for
corsage, push the wire
through to the midpoint
bend both sides down and
tape
used
on foliage made of
many small leaflets
leatherleaf
flowers composed of many
small florets
cut
the stem so that a small
portion of the stem remains
on the leaf
make a hairpin from 26-28
gauge wire
hang
the hairpin over the
lowest pair of leaflets so that
the bend in the hairpin rests
behind the stem
wind
one wire over both the
other wire and the stem of
the leaflet
wrap the stem and wire with
tape
used
most commonly on
broad, leathery skinned
leaves
foliages that have been
wired are much easier to use
because the wire creates an
extended petiole
from
the back side of the
leaf, take a 26 gauge wire
and pass the wire through
the leaf under the midrib
stitch is made about halfway
up the leaf
bend
both ends of the wire
down the back of the leaf
wrap one half of the wire
around the other half and
the petiole several times
tape
the stem beginning at
the base of the leaf
it
is important to select the
method that best suits the
type of flower and its
intended use
keep all wire hidden as
much as possible
non
sticky tape that will
stick to itself when stretched
used primarily in corsage
work to cover wires
bind wires to flower stems
bind
wired or taped flowers
together
half inch width is the most
common
one inch is also made but is
not readily available
primary
brand names are
“Floratape” and “Parafilm”
various colors available
moss green and foliage
green are the most common
white
tape is used in
wedding work while brown
may be used for dried
flowers
taping requires skill that is
developed with practice
taping
is achieved by
stretching the tape as you
wrap it around the stem or
wire or twist the wire or
stem into the floral tape
the
tape becomes sticky as
you stretch it and will stick
to itself
properly taped wires will be
smooth and lightly taped
if
the tape does not adhere
to the wire and is loose,
increase the tension on the
tape.
Identify
reasons for using wire in a floral
design.
Explain the types of wire used in floral
designs.
Discuss the wire sizes used for six types
of flowers.
Explain how
and when to use methods
of wiring flowers.
Explain how and when to use methods
of wiring foliage.
Discuss the uses of floral tape.