Transcript Tools_Containers_and_Mechanics

Tools, Containers, & Mechanics
of Floral Design
Modified by the GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office
July 2002
Types of Hand Tools
Knives
• One of the most important floral design
tools because flowers must be cut before
arranging
• Pocket knives and paring knives are the
most commonly used types.
Clippers
• Also called floral shears
• Used for cutting and trimming thicker
flower and foliage stems
Wire cutters
• Several types of wire cutters are available:
– Wire Snips: have a spring action handle and
short blades; can be used to cut thick items
easily
– Utility Wire Scissors: serrated; used to cut
wire and plastic; often have longer blades
Strippers
• Also called rose strippers or dethorners
• Used for removing thorns and leaves from
stems
Scissors
• Ribbon scissors have long slender blades,
and they should only be used on ribbon,
netting, and fabric.
• Utility scissors are used to cut thicker
materials.
How to Choose a Container
Function
• Containers are the foundation of a design.
• Containers that house fresh flowers must
hold water and provide a deep reservoir.
• The opening in a container should be big
enough to hold all the stems of a design.
• The container should be heavy enough to
support the actual weight of the design.
Shape and Size
• The shape of the container should flow
visually with the arrangement.
• The shape of the container will often dictate
the form of the finished design.
• Container size should be proportional to the
flowers -- not too big or too small.
Style
• Certain container shapes portray a period
style theme.
• The color of the container should be
compatible with the flowers of the design.
• The texture of the container reflects the
mood of the design. For example, coarse
textured baskets reflect a casual mood and
rugged style.
Common Container Materials
Materials
• Glassware: common, affordable, and
versatile; simple and elegant
• Plastics: come in a variety of shapes, sizes,
and colors; can take on the appearance of
other materials
• Baskets: charming and homey; can be used
to create many different looks
Materials
• Ceramics: includes pottery, stoneware, and
porcelain; glazing can create a polished and
formal appearance
• Brass: highly reflective and elegant;
generally expensive; used for special
designs
Mechanics of Arrangements
Establishing the Foundation
• A secure foundation is necessary to arrange
flowers and have them remain where you
put them.
• Popular foundation materials include floral
foam, pin holders, grids, and lacing.
Floral Foam
• Porous material designed specifically for
the arrangement of flowers
• Must be soaked in water if used for fresh
flowers
• Do not reuse foam after soaking.
• It is best to cut floral foam with a knife.
• Foam should be anchored with tape, pins, or
glue.
Pin Holders
• Also known as needlepoint holders or frogs
• Has a heavy metal base with many closely
spaced pins sticking upwards
• Requires more time and care when used in a
design
Grids
• Used mostly in clear glass containers to
make arranging easier
• You can get pre-made plastic grids, or you
can make one by taping off the top of the
container.
Lacing
• A grid made by interlocking foliage stems
• Leatherleaf fern is commonly used in
lacing.
Wire
• A gauge number indicates thickness. For
example, a lower number equals a thicker
wire.
• Types of wire
– straight
– paddle
– chicken
• Wiring techniques
– pierce
– hook-wire
– insertion
Glue Adhesives
• Helps to keep individual pieces of an
arrangement securely fastened together
• Common types
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pan-melt
glue guns and sticks
liquid floral glue
spray glue
Clays and Tapes
• Floral clay is a putty-like substance used to
anchor items into water.
• Floral tape is a paraffin-coated paper tape
that sticks to itself when stretched.
Ribbon
• Adds a decorative touch to designs
• Ribbon width is referred to by numbers
such as #3, #9, #40, etc.
• A larger number equals a wider ribbon.
Types of Ribbon
• Satin acetate ribbon is the least expensive
and most commonly used. You can also
use:
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wired ribbon
paper ribbon
metallic ribbon
decorative lace
print/novelty ribbon