Elements of Basic Floral Design

 
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: Ellen Skiles

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

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