BASIC EQUIPMENT’S IN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
A selection of the correct tools and equipment’s can help tremendously in flower arranging to build up confidence and prevent frustration. Choose well designed equipment which should be easy and comfortable to use.
Scissors : There are very good makes now available in varying price ranges. Test the grip, weight balance etc.. prefer light one (flower scissors).
Shears : With long blades such as those used in the kitchen and by dress makers,
are also very handy for flower arrangers. They are ideal for cutting ribbon. fabric and fine wire.
Secateurs : For the very heavy wire stems of some fabric flowers and foliage, there is need of small secateurs and for large woody branches, gardening secateurs.
A Sharp knife : Is an indispensable piece of equipment. It can be used for trimming all kinds of stems, and for pointing the tips so that they can be driven easily into foam. It can also be used for cutting floral foam and for removing thorns from rose stems. An inexpensive, little size, light weight. when sheathed fits conveniently into a pocket or hand bag and can be sharpened is best.
Floral Foam : Is available in several makes. There are two distinct types, the green one used for fresh arrangements and pale brown, dry one used exclusively for dried and fabric flower designs. The brown foam is much more dense and solid and should never be soaked. Conversely, the green variety is not solid enough to hold stems firmly and should not be used dry.
Each type is available in several shapes and sizes. The large brick is made for large arrangements. Whereas, cylinders and squares (which are about '/," of a large block in size) are useful for most small or medium sized designs. Once can cut a large block to the required size, but this will produce a certain amount of unavoidable waste.
Put the foam into a bowl or bucket of water and let it sink to the bottom. Allow 30 minutes for small blocks and up to 2 hours, or longer. for large blocks. Floral foam is a fascinating substance. It is light when dry and heavy when it is completely saturated.
Cut this type of foam after it has been thoroughly soaked (it has taken maximum amount of water).
Flower food : Is available in powder form or as a liquid. It must be diluted according to the directions. As well as the nourishment. which will noticeably prolong the life of flowers, the preparation also contains a germ inhibitor. Use it for conditioning the flowers before arranging them and also for saturating the foam.
Receptacles : Are plastic saucers which are useful for arranging designs in containers. They don’t have decorative value. so regarded as receptacles and not containers. They are available in varying sizes and in green. white or black.
Oasis fix : Is a dark green, malleable substance similar in texture to plasticine modelling clay. It has a toffee like appearance which never sets completely hard but with stick almost any dry surfaces together. It is used extensively for attaching wired flowers so their basis, for Securing a receptacle inside another container and also for fixing candle cups to vases or candle sticks. It does not adhere safely to glass or highly glazed surfaces. It is a very useful substance for the majority of flower arranging techniques. It does not degenerate on keeping
Prongs : Are made from pale green plastic and have four long pins onto which 4 block of foam 1s impaled for greater stability They are inexpensive, may be attached to the container with oasis fix (base of prong and the container must be dry.
Clear adhesive tape : May be used for securing the foam to the container, especially for heavy designs, or if the arrangement has to be moved by vehicle. Smaller designs will be sufficiently formed if the foam is simply impaled on a prong, but for gladioli dahlias. Chrysanthemums and all heavy and long stemmed flowers, it is important to have it firmly anchored. Tape should be fixed to a completely dry surface
Watering can : Is a very useful piece of equipment among other tools. It is quite useful for watering house plants, and also for adding water to flower arrangements. even though foam is initially soaked and water is added, it is bound to be dehydrated Foam should not be allowed to dry out as flowers need water all the time
Spray : Is very handy for giving arrangement a final spray with clear water In addition to providing water for the stems a daily spray with a mister helps to keep the materials really fresh, especially if the room is warm or during hot weather
Special accessories
Ribbons : Can bear elegant addition to many flower arrangements and gifts available in different colours. The polypropylene or paper ribbon in particular is excellent for decorating bouquets. It is totally water resistant and can be torn into strips of the required width Wooden ribbon, as opposed to the paper variety. It is available in a wide range of colours and widths and is quite water tolerant.
Pin holders : Are available in several sizes. They are useful for anchoring Japanese style designs, and also for securing heavy branches. Container and pin holder made in same piece are also available.
Candle cups: Are available in golden, black or white colour. They are small containers specially with stand at the base that can be fitted into the neck of a bottle or candle stick or it can be secured to the top of a narrow needed container
Colour sprays : May be needed to complement a special colour scheme, such as gold, silver and bronze around Christmas time. Old containers can be quickly revitalized with spray paint and new ones can be antiqued using combination of sprays.
Proprietary particular brand sprays can also be applied to living flowers and foliage, wood, plastic and even candles to change or enhance their original colours The spray should be used on living material with very great care
Hand gloves : When using colours, it is advisable to wear plastic gloves for protection.
By
Ms.Darneshree
Assistant Professor, Dpt of IDD
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