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Corsage Alternatives

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-819 -- More Projects »
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Seasonal items such as small gourds or a butterfly make wonderful additions to a corsage. They can be attached with a small wire inserted through them.
Floral expert Dia Collins provides alternative ideas for the standard corsage.

Materials:

blooms of choice
scissors
floral wire
green floral tape (First-aid tape will do in a pinch.)
filler flowers of choice such as baby's breath
green foliage such as lemon leaves, leather leaf or ferns
double-sided satin ribbon
snips

Steps:


  1. Cut blooms with a two-inch stem.

  2. Insert a piece of wire that is three to four inches longer than the stem into the stem up to the flower head.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • Wrap the stem and wire with floral tape (figure A). Bend the stem slightly so that the head of the flower turns up just a bit.

  • Arrange baby’s breath and one or two green leaves around flowers, wrapping the floral tape around the stems to the wired flower. Cut off excess stems at the bottom of the tape (figure B).

  • Make the corsage as large as you want, adding flowers and filler and wrapping the stems around the wired flower.

  • Finish with a bow. Use satin ribbon and start by leaving a bit of a tail. Start making loops while holding the ribbon in the middle (figure C). When you have as many loops as you want, take a short piece of wire, bend it in half, place over the middle of loops where you have been holding with fingers, and twist the ends to secure.

  • Wrap the bow onto the flower with floral tape, using the tail as a stem.

  • Cut ends so they are even.

    Tips


    • Avoid certain blooms such as lilies because they will shed; gladiolas because they are too delicate and paper-like; and hydrangeas, which fall apart out of water.

    • The traditional corsage flowers are roses, Gerbera daisies, mums and spray roses, with fillers like baby’s breath, lavender, solid aster and statice.

    • Seasonal touches and accessories are lovely and easy to add. Try things like cinnamon sticks, herbs, pearls, butterflies and gourds. If you are using something that might leave a stain, spray first with hairspray that contains alcohol.
    • Guests
    Dia Collins
    Landscape Designer, A Floral Fantasy Design
    21115 Devonshire St., #361
    Chatsworth, CA 91311
    Phone: 818-772-5516
    E-mail: theflowerchick@aol.com
    Website: www.getcreativewithdia.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-819
    •Corsage Alternatives
    •Beautiful Balloons
    •Mix That Makeup!
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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