DIY Flower Arrangement

By fabhousewife On February 7, 2012 · 3 Comments

Like most women, I love getting flowers. Usually it’s not just about the sweet gesture; I also love the warmth and beauty that a fresh flower arrangement can bring to a home, bedside table or office space. But professionally-arranged flowers are too pricey for most people to justify ordering weekly, so why not create one yourself?

“I don’t know how,” is usually the answer. But you might be surprised at how easy a polished and glamorous DIY flower arrangement is to create. All you need are a few inexpensive materials and some know-how.

This weekend, I bought some gorgeous hydrangea and pink spray roses at Trader Joe’s, just $5 a bundle. I then turned them into a lovely low-standing centerpiece for my dining room table. The whole process took about 10 minutes, and the hubs and I are still basking in the beauty.

How to Create your own DIY Flower Arrangement

Here’s what you need:

1. Fresh flowers
2. A pretty, low-standing vase, like this mirror vase, $19
3. Wet floral foam
4. A large all-purpose knife
5. Kitchen scissors
*Not Pictured: Large pot or bowl filled with water, large plastic bag (Ziplock or grocery bag will work well), measuring tape

Step 1: Prepare your Foam

Using your all-purposed knife, cut your foam to fit inside your vase or container. This doesn’t have to be perfect fit. Fill a pot, bowl or pan that is larger and deeper than your foam with water. Set the foam on the surface of the water, and let it absorb and sink on it’s own. Important: don’t push the foam or force it into the water, as this will cause air bubbles that could prevent your flowers from absorbing water. Place your foam into a plastic bag before fitting it inside your container. This will prevent leaking and keep clean-up simple. Pour a little bit of water over the top of your foam to ensure it’s moist. Lastly, cut the plastic as close to the top of the foam as possible, so it will be hidden under your flowers.

Step 2: Measure your Flowers

Using a tape measure, cut flowers about an inch shorter than the height of your container. My vase was about 3 1/2 inches tall, so I cut the stems at 2 1/2 inches, starting from the bottom or base of the flower.

DIY Fresh Flower Centerpiece measure flowers

Step 3: Arrange the Largest Flowers First

Since the hydrangea is so large and leafy it makes a perfect foundation for a floral arrangement. For a slightly draped-over-the-side look, insert your stems at a diagonal. Important: Do not remove stems from foam once you’ve placed them, as this creates air pockets. Also, do not adjust the height of the flower after you’ve already inserted it, for the same reason. It’s kind of scary to know you can’t mess up, but you’d be surprised at how well the foam supports the flower, and how easy it is to get good placement because of it.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps with Smaller Blooms

It helps to Rotate your container as you do this, for an even, balanced look. If the hydrangea head has “bald spots” or gaps, insert single stems into those spots, as pictured below. Continue until your arrangement is full and beautiful.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Handiwork

Set your beautiful creation out for family and friends to admire. And over the next few days, when you’re walking by, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.

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Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to also peruse our DIY and Adore Decor sections for more crafty decorating ideas.

3 Responses to DIY Flower Arrangement

Marti says:

February 7, 2012 at 10:00 am

Great idea, I never know how to arrgange flowers in a vase they never look right. This will make them look extra pretty. Thanks for the informa

The Guide to DIY Flowers – The ‘How Much,’ ‘When to Buy,’ and ‘How to’ Behind Floral Design | WeddingLovely Blog says:

November 6, 2012 at 10:35 am

[...] Hydrangea and Roses [...]

Kathryn batchelor says:

May 8, 2013 at 2:51 am

I am doing church flowers in memory of our mums, thanks for the tips as I wanted something modern.kathy

DIY Flower Arrangement