Imagine walking into a room filled with beautifully arranged dried flowers, their vibrant colours and delicate textures creating an atmosphere of natural elegance. You can't help but feel captivated by their timeless beauty. In our latest journal release, we unlock the secrets to effortlessly nurturing your arrangements and showcase your own floral masterpieces. From choosing the right flowers to preserving their longevity, get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and inspiration. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, find a comfortable seat, and let's dive into the essential tips and tricks that will transform your dried flower designs from ordinary to extraordinary.
Begin with Flower Selection
When it comes to creating stunning dried flower designs, it all starts with flower selection. The flowers you choose will determine the overall look and feel of your arrangements, so it's important to choose wisely. Consider the form and function of the floral ingredients that you select. Observe the size and habit of the flower. Is it a large, round bloom that demands your attention? Is it a smaller form that could be an effective complementary player to the lead. Or is it a spray bloom with several flower heads to a stem that could be essential in filling gaps. Although you can of course source dried flowers directly from suppliers, as a flower lover, I encourage you to experiment with drying different types of flowers and foliage yourself. If you are just starting out, there are some tried and tested varieties that are particularly beginner friendly. For focal flowers, I recommend banksias, roses, & strawflower. For secondary flowers, larkspur, winged everlastings, and leucadendron, are always reliable. Finally, for a filler component, I personally love statice, bougainvillea, and verticordia.
Arrange with Creativity
Once you have selected your dried flower ingredients, it's time to bring out your artistic flair and commence designing. Arranging dried flowers is a process of creative experimentation. Like any form of creative expression, the process is unique to the individual. Some floral designers will begin by selecting a focal point, such as a particularly striking bloom, and then build their design around this element, adding complementary flowers and foliage to create depth and balance. Others view their floral compositions like a painting or a story, building their designs from the foreground up. I personally like to start with my staging materials, such as foliage or an interesting branch, to establish the shape and scale of my design. Then I look to place my star players or focal flowers and build the composition from there. All the time, I’m thinking about creating space for my flowers to breathe and have a moment in the design story. I am also mindful of allowing variation in height and depth to create visually engaging compositions.
As you arrange your dried flowers, remember to approach the process with a sense of playfulness and intuition. Follow your instincts and let your creativity guide your hands, allowing the natural beauty of the flowers to speak for themselves. Don't be afraid to step back and assess your arrangement from different angles, making adjustments as necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Preserve and Maintain for Longevity
By arranging your dried flowers with care and creativity, you set the stage for the next step in their journey: preserving and maintaining their longevity.
Dried flowers have remarkable durability. To ensure your dried floral designs remain beautiful for years to come it is essential to limit their exposure to direct sunlight, as this causes colours to fade. Another crucial factor in maintaining the vibrancy of your dried flowers is controlling the humidity in their environment. Excess moisture can cause leaf and flower damage and, with prolonged exposure, shortens the lifespan of dried flowers.
Occasional dusting is also advantageous for the longevity of dried flower designs. Gently dusting off any accumulated particles or debris will help maintain their appearance and prevent deterioration. A hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting is effective for removing any unwanted particles without disturbing the arrangement.
While dried flowers are known for their long-lasting appeal, it's important to periodically inspect your arrangements for any signs of wear and tear. Should you notice any fading or broken stems, consider replacing or rearranging those particular elements to maintain the overall visual impact. With a little care and attention, your dried flower designs can continue to inspire and enhance any space they grace.
Preserving and maintaining the longevity of your dried flower arrangements is a testament to your dedication and creativity. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your creations remain a source of beauty and inspiration in your home or any space they adorn. So, nurture your arrangements with love and watch as they continue to captivate and enchant for years to come.
Tess xx
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