Selections of larger blooms, like roses, peonies, or calla lilies, mixed in with smaller, hanging bunches, like baby’s breath or jasmine, provide textural interest along with sprigs of long, trailing greenery. [2] X Research source Look for flowers that come as single stems, with wire that runs the length of the stem and into the leaves, and a matte finish. These will look more realistic and be easier to work with. Read reviews online to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of different faux flower designers. Go with high-end artificial flowers if you can since they’ll look more realistic than cheaper artificial flowers. [3] X Expert Source Jeanne WalkerFlorist Expert Interview. 15 April 2020.
Insert greenery in between blooms to create space and help the blossoms pop. Add in additional elements like berries as you go. If desired, add ribbons or bows into your bouquet as you build it by attaching them with floral tape to the stems of individual blooms. [5] X Research source
Stop and rearrange if things aren’t turning out. You have complete control in how you build your cascade. Allow your flowers to flow outwards, bending them if necessary, so that the arrangement does not remain too tightly packed. Add bright, noticeable blooms into your greenery cascade, as though they are spilling out from the center of the bouquet. Longer stem blooms, like roses, work well for this.
Pull the wire tightly enough to keep the stems fixed in place. [8] X Research source
When trimming, err on the side of leaving them too long. Go back and remove more of the stems later, if necessary.
The floral tape helps stabilize the bouquet, hides the stems, and provides a nice handle to hold onto. [11] X Research source Continue wrapping all the way down to cover the ends of your stems, if desired.
Select 4-6 pieces of greenery or other accents to place in between the blooms, if desired. Larger blooms, like roses, tulips, hydrangeas, or peonies work well in the round bouquet. Flowers made from polyester and plastic are cheaper to make and thus are less costly and more widely available. Polyester or rayon flowers come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and types but they may not always look as realistic up close. [13] X Research source Silk or cotton flowers are generally more expensive, higher-quality alternatives. They often come in single stems only and tend to look more realistic. [14] X Research source
For a fuller bouquet with greenery, leave the leaves at the base of the bloom on the stem.
Attach each stem individually to the main stems of the bouquet by wrapping it several times near the base of the blooms. [16] X Research source One design option while building your bouquet is to use different colors or blooms in each layer of the circle to create a distinctive and formal look. [17] X Research source Consider a layered look with white roses at the center and red tulips in the outer circle, for example. Wrapping each stem as you go helps give you the signature round bouquet look of tightly-bunched flowers shaped into a dome or partial sphere.
You can tear the tape or cut it using scissors. Tuck the end of the tape underneath itself to hide the edges.
When trimming, err on the side of leaving them too long. Go back and remove more of the stems later, if necessary.
Roses work well in this arrangement, as do dahlias or chrysanthemums. Because these arrangements are tightly packed, you may need as many as 36 medium-sized flowers, like roses, to complete a bouquet. When evaluating flowers for purchase, look for visible seams, exposed wire, or other giveaways that call attention to the fact that they are artificial. If ordering online, order one of each flower you’re considering and try it out before you buy more. [21] X Research source
Keep in mind that once you add the flowers, it will look about two or three times as big as this foam core. Begin with a piece of foam that is about the size of your two fists together. You can skip this step if you buy a pre-formed foam sphere at a craft store or online.
Cut a piece of ribbon that will be the length you want after doubling it and running it through the middle of your sphere. For example, if you want a 12 in (30 cm) drop, cut 36 in (91 cm) of ribbon. Shorten the loop later if necessary, by wrapping it around your wrist or cutting it and tying it into a bow at the desired length.
Spray the ball with hairspray to hold the moss in place. When you are finished, you should have what looks like a spherical ball of moss that will be the base for your bouquet.
For a clean and more formal look, remove all the leaves so that only the blossoms remain. Push a few leaves up next to the blossom if you want to keep some of the greenery in your bouquet.
Either push all the way up to the base of the flower for a tight look or leave them sticking out by 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm). Add a dab of white or hot glue onto the stem or directly to the foam center before you place it to add more stability. [28] X Research source
Artificial flowers may not always have realistic looking stems, so wrapping the finished bouquet with a decorative ribbon or fabric is a good idea. Add decorative lace, pins or beading to your wrapped stems for a personalized look.
Attach a frame of greenery around the outside of your round or cascade bouquet by taping the additional stems to the existing bouquet. Insert greenery, feathers, ribbons or beads by sticking them into the tied stem of the round or cascade bouquet. Fill in gaps in your pomander by sticking additional flowers, sprigs of dried or fake berries, or greens into the spaces around your flowers. Make your bouquet your own with materials that uniquely represent you. [30] X Research source Some unique and non-traditional elements might include LEGOS, tiny gears (for a steampunk fan), paintbrushes, circuit board elements, or colored pencils.
Do the same for any scent you’d like to use, whether it’s lavender mist or your favorite perfume. Just because you have used artificial flowers doesn’t mean they can’t smell nice!
