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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 27 Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 39 STEP 1 Step by Step STEP 2 Organize all of the botanical materials, and remove the lower foliage from all fl ower stems. This allows for quick designing, and clean stems allow for the easy removal and reinsertion of stems during the design process. Create an armature with chicken wire and rattan sticks through which to arrange the fl ower stems. Cut a square piece of chicken wire, and round the corners into a circle. Weave rattan sticks, in a circular formation, through the chicken wire. The rattan sticks will be secured by tension only. Build layers of rattan sticks to create depth and a random pattern. Pay close attention to the outer edge of the armature, making sure it is covered well. Turn any chicken- wire edges in toward the armature, to prevent snagging or poking. STEP 3 Using the spiral hand-tying technique, arrange stems through the armature at 45-degree angles. Turn the bouquet after several stem placements, and continue the spiral hand-tied technique, making sure every stem placement is at a 45-degree angle. For a lush bouquet with lots of stems, layer the blooms to create depth and interest. After arranging all the botanical materials into the hand-tied bouquet, bind the stems securely with paper-covered wire (or, alternatively, stem wrap, binding tape, waterproof tape, raffi a, etc.), and then cut all the stems to the same length. A distinct spiral pattern of stems should be apparent, with all stems radiating from a central binding point. The spiral formation of the stems will enable the bouquet to stand on its own, without support, which is the true test of a properly constructed spiral hand-tied bouquet. DESIGN TIP: When making very large bouquets that can be hard to hold in one hand, bind the stems with paper-covered wire, as needed, throughout the design process. Keep the binding point clean by cutting away excess wire. The less paper-covered wire used, the cleaner the technique and overall appearance will be. STEP 4 MATERIALS BOTANICALS • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Nobbio ® Argenta' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Nobbio ® Cherry' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Nobbio ® Dolce Nero' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Piet' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Romeo' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Tenderly' (carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus nana 'Fiorino ® Iris' (spray carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus nana 'Fiorino ® Jay' (spray carnation) • Dianthus caryophyllus nana '18M 956' purple/lavender (spray carnation) • Ranunculus asiaticus 'Cloni Success Hanoi ® ' (Persian buttercup) • Alstroemeria aurea/A. aurantiaca 'Nashville' (Peruvian lily, lily-of-the-Incas) • Amaranthus caudatus, dried (love-lies- bleeding, tassel fl ower, foxtail amaranth) • Sticherus fl abellatus, preserved, dyed (umbrella fern, shiny fan fern) HARD GOODS • OASIS ™ Florist Netting (chicken wire) • OASIS ™ Bind Wire • OASIS ™ Midollino Sticks • Low, wide clear glass cylinder bowl/ vase, 4" x 12"

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