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Gorgeous Christmas Flower ArrangementsFlorist Jamie Aston - shows us how to create a stunning wreath and a wow-factor garland. A WINTERY WREATHThis is a perfect starting point for those new to flower arranging, and can be used as a striking table arrangement as well as a door wreath. FLOWERS 1 bag of sphagnum moss 3 bunches of Scotch pine 3 bunches of sugar pine 12 large headed white roses OTHER MATERIALS Reel wire 35cm wire wreath frame 12 pine cones 9 mini white paper doves Strands of crystal or glass beads Spray glue Iridescent glitter 1. Soak your moss in water and rinse out as you would a dishcloth. Attach the reel wire onto the wreath frame with a simple knot. Place small hand-sized clumps of moss on top of the wreath frame and bind tightly with the reel wire. 2. Add more clumps of moss onto the frame, binding tightly all the way round. Do not cut the wire at the end. 3. Cut all your pine into 13cm lengths and assemble into little bunches. Place a bunch of Scotch pine on top of the moss-covered frame and bind across to secure. 4. Place a bunch of sugar pine over the bunch you have just bound. Sit it at a slightly different angle to cover the binding point of the last bunch. Continue this process, alternating the types of pine, until you have covered the frame. 5. Use extra props such as cones, birds, crystals and roses and wire them if not already mounted. Spray each rose head with spray glue and gently dip into the glitter. 6. Attach the roses and pine cones in clusters of three, attach the doves and crystals evenly though the design. Finally, wire a few stands of crystals or glass beads to the bottom of the wreath frame so they hang elegantly.  GLITTERING GARLANDTurn your living room into a winter wonderland with a beautiful hand-crafted garland. FLOWERS 1 bunch of blue pine cut into 15cm lengths 20-30 large, white-headed roses OTHER MATERIALS 2m thick string Reel Wire Gage wire Spray glue Iridescent glitter 20 iridescent pine cones 10 decorative butterflies Strands of pearls or beads 5 artificial frosted branches 1. Make a knot at one end of your string, tying the reel wire onto the string at the same time. Hold a few pieces of pine in a bunch and hold over the string. Tightly bind with the reel wire so the pine is attached to the string. 2. Do the same again with another bunch of pine, overlapping your last binding point. Repeat until you reach the end of the string. Tie your reel wire into a knot to secure. 3. Cut your roses down to 8-10cm. Spray them with spray glue and dip each rose head into a small pile of glitter. Using reel wire, attach the roses onto the garland in clusters of three or five. 4. Wire your pine cones, butterflies and strands of pearls with the gage wire. 5. Attach the wired pine cones to the garland in clusters of three and feed in the butterflies and pearls evenly through the design. 6. Lastly, add your artificial branches, which you should just push through the pine. You could also use garden twigs here, possibly frosted with fake snow and glitter. CREATIVE TIPS 1. Instead of using the reel wire to secure the roses simply push them through areas of tightly-constructed garland to make the whole job easier, but be warned: they will become loose as they dry out. 2. Use coloured beads and roses to create a brighter display. Reds and oranges will look vibrant and festive. 3. Place each rose into a water phial if you want your display to last longer. Alternatively use artificial roses. TIPS ON WIRING PROPS Cut the flower head from its stem, leaving approx 2.5cm. Take a thin gage wire and place this up inside the stem until it feels secure. Thread another gage wire through the top of the stem just under the head. Fold this wire down on both sides, twist one half round the stem. Cut the wires to neaten them. Once wired, seal with gutter tape to help keep the moisture in and prevent the flower from drying out. Flowers don't last very long once wired. A wired rose buttonhole for example will last about two days in the fridge and about eight hours out of the fridge. Wiring props is very easy. Just use your common sense and push the wire through in the neatest and easiest way possible. SIMPLE FLOWER DISPLAYS For a simple table centrepiece or to create a festive focal point anywhere in the home, track down seasonal blooms from your local florist. Jamie suggests the following: * Best on their own in any colour: Amaryllis; ilex berries; poinsettia. * Rustic winter: Arum lilies; brown anthuriums; pink vintage roses; moss and lichen-covered twigs. * Tropical: Red gingers; dark brown anthuriums; orangey-red capsicums; bottlebrushes; yellow or orange nutans. Flower Arranging Made Simple by Jamie Aston, published by Kyle Cathie, priced £25. |
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