Basics of Flower Arranging

If you've ever walked past a beautifully decorated flower arrangement and hoped that you could recreate it, then you are not alone. Many people would love to know more about what elements go into a perfectly arranged assortment of flowers. To understand flower arrangements, however, you must first learn the basics.

Light
Knowing where the flower arrangement will sit is an important piece of information. To show the true beauty of an arrangement, it must sit in the right amount of light to emphasize certain pieces or accentuate the mood of the arrangement.

Texture
Certain textures compliment each other better than others; pay attention to different flowers and foliage to see what really draws the eye. Three different things to pay attention to is color, tone and shade; don't sway too far off the color palette when mixing different flowers together.

Scale
Measure out the length of the cut based on the type of vase being used. Flowers should only be one to two times taller than the vase.

Space
Space out the flowers in a way that is pleasing to the eye and not too cluttered. The space between the flowers is an intricate part of the whole arrangement.

Forms
There are 10 different forms that are used in arranging flowers: Pyramid, Dome, Crescent, Horizontal, Inverted "T," "L" Shape, Fan, Triangular, Oval and Vertical. Decide if you want the arrangement to flow vertically or horizontally before choosing a form (see Resources).

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_4913186_basics-flower-arranging.html

Flower Arranging for Beginners

For those looking to avoid the high costs of professional flower arrangements, picking up this hobby can save money and provide a constantly changing creative outlet. Learning flower arranging is actually much more simple than it would first seem. Start with basic vase and flower selection and basic arrangement styles to provide a base from which more elaborate arrangements can bloom.

Vase Selection
As much as the flowers, the vase is a part of the arrangement. Anything that is capable of holding water and flowers can be a vase, from an old soda bottle to a fancy wine glass. Take time to choose a vase that matches the type of arrangement you want to make as well as the occasion or person for which you are making it. Low, wide vases work better for table center pieces and tall thin vases for accenting a room or helping to fill space in an interior decor.

Flowers and Filler
Flowers can be picked from your own garden, bought at florists or for the more price-conscious beginner, at a supermarket. Often flowers found at discount stores or super markets have weaker stems, so be sure to pick out flowers that will stand up in your vase.

Choose flowers that match the decor where they will be displayed as well as those that are congruent with the season. Not only will this allow you to use filler material from your own yard, but also will ensure that your flowers are the freshest possible.

Filler material can be anything. Vines and leaves can commonly be bought at florists, but using filler material from your own garden allows you to be much more personal and also save money. Use herbs, vines, wildflowers or anything else that catches your eye.

Small Circuler Arrangements
Small circular arrangements are perfect for table centerpieces. Choose a vase that sits low and has a wide opening. You'll want to arrange your prominent flower evenly all around the vase. Using a foam flower holder in the bottom of the vase will let you put the flowers exactly where you want them. Use filler material around the flowers to help fill in the space as well as give your arrangement a fuller look.

Tall Arrangements
Taller arrangements are perfect for framing walls and doorways or accenting the decor of a room. Pick vases that are as tall as you'll need, with narrow openings so that the flowers will stay upright. Using a foam flower holder in the bottom will also help keep them upright. Cut the flowers stems about 3 to 4 inches taller than the vase. Use filler material sparingly, as the more stuff you have in the arrangement, the rounder it will seem. As well, filler material will detract from the flowers themselves, which are the center point of a tall arrangement.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/way_5767084_flower-arranging-beginners.html