"This is the BIBLE OF THE FLORAL INDUSTRY! " That is the exact words my instructor used five years ago when I attended design school. Since that day, I still refer back to it again and again. The techniques and illustrations are wonderfully formatted in such a way that is easy to understand. Everything from the history of floral design up to todays job opportunities within floristry are covered. If you strive to be a knowledgable designer in all areas, this book will surely lead the way. More examples of topics covered are; wiring techniques for corsages, proper care and handling of flowers, understanding color, design principles, controlling cost, holidays, funeral arrangements, the list goes on and on. This is a must have book for any designers library. -Julie-
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Floral Designing Supplies and Tools
Sharp tools are a must in floral designing. A sharp knife used for cutting flowers stems will make clean cuts without crushing the stems. A clean cut is imperative in aiding water absorption by the flower stem. A folding pocket knife with a quality blade is the best, longest lasting knife. Other cheaper knives with plastic handles won’t last as long nor will they cut heavy stems.
Sharp scissors are necessary to cut ribbon cleanly and neatly. Ribbon scissors must be used only to cut ribbon and fabric. Cutting just one wire with your ribbon scissors will ruin them. Serrated scissors are heavy duty multipurpose scissors that can be used to cut wire and woody stems.
Wire cutters with a spring are easier to operate when cutting wire and corsage stems. Wire cutters have a short blade and are ideal for cutting heavy materials.
Floral tape is waxed crepe paper that will stick to its self when stretched. It is used to cover floral wire for use in corsages and bouquets. Waterproof tape is used to secure floral foam in a container. It is available in green, white and clear colors in ¼ or ½ inch widths.
Florist wire is usually green and comes in precut 18 inch lengths. Sizes vary from #16 (the heaviest gauge) to # 30 (the lightest gauge). Several gauges are necessary in design work to make corsages and bouquets, strength stems and to bind materials together. The most common gauges used in floral design are #18, 20, 22 and 24. Paddle wire is on a spool in a continuous strand that may be used to create garlands and wreaths and to bind together heavy materials. It is also available in a variety of gauges.
Greening pins are u-shaped wire, much like a hairpin, and are used to hold moss to foam. Wooden picks have a wire attached to one end and are used to cluster dried materials together in foam, attaché bows to plants and to extend the length of a stem. Chenille stems come in a variety of colors and are used to secure bows. Chenille stems look like large pipe cleaners.
Floral foam comes in heavy or light weight depending on the flowers being used. To soak the foam place it in a sink filled with water, do not dunk it under the water. Let the foam float and fill naturally, thus assuring you will have no dry spots in the middle of the foam. It will sink to the bottom as it absorbs water.
Ribbon comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of widths. The bigger the number the wider the ribbon will be. # 3 ribbon is generally used in corsages and bud vases. Plants are usually dressed with #9 as are most pew bows. Funeral work requires a wider width such as a #40. The most commonly used ribbon is satin, however, there is a great variety of ribbon available today. Wired ribbon holds its shape for use in decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees. Printed ribbon has a wide range of uses in decorating. Lacey, silky ribbon is available for use in wedding bouquets and corsages.
Tools and supplies may be purchased at crafts stores, fabric shops and department stores as well as your local florists. With the variety of tools and supplies readily available today you are limited only by your imagination. So imagine away!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/floral-designing-supplies-and-tools-680326.html
About the AuthorAuthor Ellen Skiles was twelve years experience in the floral industry including three years in a greenhouse, four years designing in a shop, and seven years as head designer and manager of a second flower shop. She provides content for www.arrangefreshflowers.com.
Elements of Basic Floral Design
Line, form, texture and color are the four basic elements in any floral arrangement.
1. Line creates the line of movement for the eye to follow when looking at a flower arrangement. Lines in floral design are not necessarily straight or uninterrupted. Lines may be: vertical, horizontal, s-curve, zigzag, or diagonal. An s-curve design may need to be wired to allow the flower stems to maintain a lazy s. In the zigzag the flowers radiate back and forth from the center line of the arrangement with the flowers getting smaller as you near the top. The diagonal lines radiate out from the vertical and horizontal lines at 45 degree angles.
2. Form may be one sided or all the way around in floral design. The three basic forms are circle, square and triangle. The square is not often used in floral design because it lacks movement in its shape. The circle is used more often as it is found in nature and has a pleasing movement. The crescent is a section of the circle that lends grace and beauty to an arrangement. The oval is another variation of the circle which can be used in floral designing. However, the most often used form in flower arranging is the triangle. The triangle can be used in a symmetrical fashion or to add more interest to a design it may be asymmetrical.
3. Texture includes the physical and visual feel of the components comprising your flower arrangement. Texture is often used to create gender appeal in a design. Hard, rough, woodsy textures are popular for men, while women may prefer softer, airier textures. Texture is important in creating interest, but be careful not to overdo it and disturb the unity of the design.
4. Color may be the most important element in floral design. Humans respond to the colors around us in a variety of ways. Soothing greens and blues can make us happy and relaxed, while bright yellows and reds can excite and stir up emotions. Color is light and we need light with which to see color. When we see all the colors reflected on an object we see white and when an object absorbs all the colors we see black. Being familiar with the color wheel will help you as you coordinate color harmonies for that perfect eye pleasing design.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/elements-of-basic-floral-design-680332.html
About the Author
Author Ellen Skiles was twelve years experience in the floral industry including three years in a greenhouse, four years designing in a shop, and seven years as head designer and manager of a second flower shop. She provides content for www.arrangefreshflowers.com.
Flowers that Wow: Inspired Arrangements for the Floral-Impaired
Art of Floral Arranging, The: Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York
Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design
A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design
Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride
How to Start Your Own Floral Design Business
Floral arrangements and delivery service is in demand year round. I guess you could say they are seasonal products for all seasons. This makes floral design a profitable business to get into. Yet, if you don\'t have the funds or desire to open a shop, but still like working with plants and have a creative flair, you have options. You even can work out of your home! For example, you could offer a floral arranging service for flower shops, grow the flowers at home selling to stores or produce and sell floral arrangement accessories such as vases, cards or other trimmings. If you decide not to have a storefront, you may be able to cheaply lease outdoor space in a popular downtown area with lots of traffic. You can also work from home. With a delivery service, you can easily operate out of your house with a vehicle. To get started, you\'ll need the items used to create your arrangements and a few basic tools.
With events and holidays happening throughout the year, the opportunities to make money are all around you. You can work with individuals to provide arrangements for holidays, birthdays, special events like weddings and graduations, etc. In addition, you can look for longer-term contracts with churches, hotels, restaurants and other businesses who need flowers delivered or arranged on a regular basis. These clients can provide a more stable and consistent income flow. It\'s also an easy way to showcase your designs to other prospective flower-buyers (for free!).
As a floral designer, you can charge a certain hourly rate, and also have established prices for certain arrangements or orders that clients place. What you charge will depend on how much you pay for your wholesale supplies and also what other flower shops are charging, so you can stay competitive with the market yet still remain profitable.
Finding customers: Whether you are working from home or out of a shop, start with people who know and trust you. Offer special discounts for free flowers in exchange for referrals, and you\'ll be surprised at how your prospect list will grow. If you really want to make a statement, create mini-arrangements and deliver them free-of-charge to local businesses you think could be interested your service (i.e. wedding planners, funeral homes, party supply stores). Attach a business card with a simple brochure of your services and rates. Make sure you include a coupon or special introductory price to have them like you even more. Don\'t forget the advertising opportunities you have in the yellow pages, local newspapers and radio stations
Donating a flower arrangement for a large event is another inexpensive way to get your business name out there - in front of lots of people. Submitting a press release is a great example - the media will promote you for free if you send them a great news story about your business. This could be as simple is having your friend write a review about your 'Store Opening' and sending it to your local paper.
So how do you actually start your floral business?
1. Learn your business. If you don\'t have experience arranging flowers, get some! Take a flower arranging class, learn about plants - you want to know a lot more about your product than your customer does. Get an inexpensive start-up guide on how to start a floral business or interview a floral designer or flower shop owner who can give you helpful advice.
2. Find out who your customers are. Who is buying flowers in your community - and what for? What extra service can you provide that they are not already getting, and how much is it worth to your potential customers (what are they willing to pay)? What are other flower shops charging for their designs? As long as you offer more value (i.e. unique products, faster service, weekend or evening hours, etc), you don\'t necessarily need the lowest price to gain market share.
3. Find out which licenses or permits you need from your local government office. Talk with an accountant, insurance agent and banker (you can get referrals from other local business owners or friends) to get helpful tips on financing, tax issues, insurance and business management that will save you time, money and hassles in the long run.
Get Started!
Owning a floral business can be very rewarding. Working directly with customers will help you learn the ropes faster and grow your company. Use your creativity to offer a truly unique service that you really enjoy - after all, it\'s YOUR business.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/how-to-start-your-own-floral-design-business-989839.html
About the Author
Sue Barrett has been the Director of Business Solutions at Home Business Center, Inc. for over 10 years. Specializing in small and home business issues, she can provide quality insight and reputable resources for those wanting to start, manage and grow their own home-based businesses. Find out more about how to start your own Floral Design Business or Flower Shop
Art of Floral Arranging, The: Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York
Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design
The Art of Floral Design
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