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Magic-Water Floral Arrangements

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1401 -- More Projects »
Floral designer Ardith Beveridge shows how to create permanent botanical arrangements with magic water.

Initial Tips


  • Magic water makes beautiful floral arrangements that appear real but last forever. There are several different brands that typically come in two bottles that equal 12 ounces.

  • The first step is to look for permanent botanicals with real-looking stems and possibly even roots. If you decide to use a bunch of flowers, bind them together.

    * Note: Do not use paper fiber because it will ruin in the magic water.

  • When choosing a container, be sure to use one you don't care too much about because you'll never to able to use again.

To make the arrangement, follow the steps below.

Materials:

permanent botanicals
magic water
decorative marbles or stones
cotton balls
vinegar
florist's tape
flower vase
disposable container
disposable wooden spoon
towel

Steps:


  1. Pour 12 ounces of water into a measuring cup.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Pour the water into your container to determine the water level (figure A).

  • Increase the water level by adding marbles (figure B) or stones. When you have reached the proper level, pour out the water and dry the marbles and the container thoroughly. The magic water won't set if there is any water mixed in.

  • Clean off the lip of the container with a cotton ball dipped in vinegar. This will allow florist's tape to stick to the container.
    • PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Make a grid with the tape over the top of the container (figure C), and insert the flowers into the grid. Another option is to curl the stem of the botanical around the inside of the vase to position it.

  • Use a disposable container to mix the two bottles of magic water. Pour them at the same time and slowly stir with a disposable wooden spoon. You must stir slowly to avoid making bubbles.

  • Line the table with a towel before pouring the magic water into the container. Pour very slowly to prevent spills on the side of the container. If you do spill, wipe up immediately.

  • Once the container is filled, tap it gently on the counter to release any bubbles.

  • Leave the vase to dry for at least one day.
    • Resources
    Floral Designing Through the Seasons
    This is one in a 12-volume series of videotapes.
    Floral Communications Group, Inc.
    13200 Lincoln St., N.E.
    Minneapolis, MN 55434
    Toll-free: 888-757-5776
    Website: www.floralcommunications.com
    Guests
    Ardith Beveridge
    Floral Designer and Teacher / Director, Koehler & Dramm
    Minneapolis, MN
    Phone: 612-362-3102
    E-mail: Abeveridge@koehlerdramm.com
    Website: www.koehlerdramm.com
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1401
    •Magic-Water Floral Arrangements
    •Year-Round Cranberry Decor
    •Removing Household Clogs
    •Tip of the Day
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