Preserving Your Flowers

10 Simple Steps To Make Your Bouquets Last

Step 1:

   Let the fresh bouquet air dry for four to five weeks. Leave it uncovered and assembled, only removing any ribbons, tulling and pearls that may be included in the design. A shelf in a dry place left undisturbed would be ideal.

Step 2:

   When your bouquet has dried sufficiently, you will need to have the following materials in order to create your lasting memory and work of art: a 12" x 8" glass dome and a wooden base with a 9" diameter, 1 block of floral foam used for silk and dried floral arrangements, and a hot melt glue gun or a small strip of stickum or cling (about 6" length), and some sort of sealer spray or varnish, and a couple of moth balls.

Step 3:

   Cut floral foam to 3x3x3" in size and fasten onto the center of wooden base using the hot glue or stickum.

Step 4:

   Disassemble the bouquet, leaving the stems the length they were in the original bouquet. Throw away any bruised or unattractive looking flowers. Separate flowers into "like" categories, such as roses, carnations, lilies, etc. You may wish to spray the foliage with a gold spray paint, which will improve their appearance. You may also wish to "touch up" some of the remaining flowers with a floral or other spray paint.

Step 5:

   If your bouquet has a ribbon, bow, or tulling, attach it to the top of the foam using a little hot glue to secure it in place.

Step 6:

   Insert first flower in center of foam using the longest stem and trimming it to about 9 or 10" in length. This will be your guide for inserting the rest of the flowers. Design them in a pyramid or oval shape downward, making sure they do not exceed the length of the first flower.

Step 7:

   Distribute flowers and other materials equally on every side. Check the width of the floral arrangement periodically to make sure it does not exceed the width of the dome.

Step 8:

   Weave any extra tulling, ribbons, and pearls into the arrangement so that it is appealing to the eye. You may wish to purchase extra filler flowers, such as babies breath or statice to add to the design.

Step 9:

   Place moth balls under the arrangement, tucked into the base of the design so that it is hidden from view. Replace mothballs at least every 2 years. The mothballs will repel weevils.

Step 10:

   Do not seal the dome. This will make it easier to clean. If you seal it, it may become cloudy. Enjoy your beautiful bouquet!

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