While certainly not a pro yet, I have been taking online classes this winter to become a certified floral designer. So much to learn and and it has been great fun playing with flowers all winter. Still finding my groove and what works for me but one thing is for sure I like colorful arrangements!
Here are just a few easy tips:
Preconditioning flowers is a must! Remove leaves from stems, give flowers a fresh cut and allow them to sit in a clean bucket of water for several hours before using them. Green coated chicken wire was used in these arrangements instead of floral foam to hold the flowers in place. Regular chicken wire will rust. The key is to bunch the wire into a ball, place the ball in the container and use floral tape if necessary to hold it in place. Floral foam is a one time use plastic and not good for the environment.This arrangement consists of key ingredients for success: focus flowers (dahlias and roses) , filler flowers (carnations), textural flowers (wax flowers) and flowers that move and bend (ranunculus). Foliage was used to add texture and create lines (Plumosa fern and naked seed eucalyptus). Use flowers and foliage to break the line of the container. The line of the container should not be obvious.After roses have been cut make sure they go straight into water. Do not place on the counter or get distracted. Roses tend to dry out quickly and need to be placed into water directly after cutting.Water tubes can be used for flowers that do not have an obvious water source like these suspended roses. The greenery was fine without water.Group flowers in 3’s and 5’s especially smaller ones in an arrangement. Flowers can also be used side by side to create a shadowing effect. Group several vases closely together to give the appearance of one large long arrangement. Great way to avoid using floral foam.Use a variety of foliage for interest and texture. This arrangement consists of 5 different foliage.
Final tips- practice making arrangements often, don’t be afraid to just do it and pick flowers and colors you love!
My favorite flowers for arrangements- Peonies, Dahlias, Roses, Ranunculus, Stock, Godetia and Carnations
My favorite foliage- Naked seeded Eucalyptus, Italian Ruscus, Branches, Plumosa Fern, any greenery with berries
Blossom Better 
you are an amazingly creative person.
your arrangements are stunning. Bravo!
Alison
Great instructions and beautiful arrangements!
As always, AMAZING. You are are truly gifted!
Thanks Dana!
Beautiful! What a fun way to spend the winter and bring in some color!
Thanks Lindy!
Best arrangements in Colorado. Go mrs. Cope!!
Thanks sweet girl!