As part of our DIY flower arrangement series, we'd like to kick it off with this beautiful, elegant rose arrangement that all mothers will love (and be shocked that you made it!) It looks expensive and professional, but we'll show you how easy and fun it actually is! All of the flowers and supplies were from the California Flower Mall in the LA Flower District, so the prices below will reflect their price points. At the Flower District, you're getting flowers straight from the source, which is a direct way to save loads of money compared to buying them at a florist. Additionally, arranging your own flowers helps you save at least 70% off of retail price!
The wholesalers from Growers Direct in the California Flower Mall were gracious enough to show us how to make this arrangement and keep your money in your wallet. Just follow this step-by-step guide.
Flowers used:
- 1 bundle of roses (25 stems) ~ $11
- 2 lilies (they come in a bundle) ~ $10
- Orchids ~ $7.50
- Greens (small green leaves) ~ $3.50
- Gloves
- 1 small vase ~ $3.50
- 1 plastic liner
- 1 sponge ~ $1
- ribbon (color is your choice)
- Scissors or any kind of stem cutting tool
- Knife
California Flower Mall
825 San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
STEP 1:
Cut all the leaves off using scissors and remove the thorns of each rose stem using a knife.
STEP 2:
Flowers with damaged outside petals are common and most of the time, unavoidable. To fix it is really easy and quick. Simply pluck the rotten leaves that are on the outside off to fresh your stem. This is a helpful tip to remember when choosing your flowers because you can't always judge the health of the flower by its immediate appearance (see the image below).
STEP 3:
Prepare the vase: The plastic liner should come with the vase, but make sure the supply store provides you with one. Cut the sponge into a cube shape to fit inside the vase. Soak it in water and then place into the vase.
STEP 4:
Start with several stems and start arranging the bundle into a dome shape. Continue to add more stems to the bundle (until you reach 23 stems) and arrange as you go. Remember to have a strong, tight grip on the flowers so that the stems are tightly fit together. Leave the last two stems for later. The end product should look like this:
STEP 5:
Measure the height you want your arrangement to be using a stick or even an unused stem.
STEP 6:
Holding the bundle tightly, wrap a wire around the top of the stem.
STEP 7:
Shorten your stems to the desire height of the arrangement you measured in Step 5. Be sure to cut the bottom of the stems at an angle for it to absorb water. Next stick the bundle into the center of the sponge. Make sure it is secure in its place as this will serve as your base.
STEP 8:
Add the green leaves into the sponge. Arrange as you see fit.
STEP 9:
For the last two stems, pull the outside petals back
Shorten the stems to the appropriate height for it to garnish the base of the vase and cut the bottom of the stem at an angle for it to poke through the sponge and absorb water easily. Arrange both stems as you see fit. Here's is how it should look like:
STEP 10:
Repeat Step 9 for the lilies and the orchids. Shorten the stem of the two lilies and orchids and cut the bottoms at an angle. Stick them into the base of the vase and arrange as you see fit.
FINISHED PRODUCT:
In just 10 easy steps, you have made an elegant arrangement with roses, lilies, and orchids. And what's great about the arrangement is that you're not just limited to roses. You can be creative and use other types of flowers and colors! No matter what, you're bound to make someone happy =)
