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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 39 R E A D O N L I N E STEP BY STEP STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 2 STEP 4 Soak a brick of fl oral foam in properly proportioned fl ower food solution until saturated, and then cut a block to fi t into the container of your choice. Tape the fl oral foam into the container with waterproof tape. Insert the ends of two long branches of fresh corkscrew willow into the fl oral foam, on opposite sides of the foam. Bring the tips of the two branches together to create a free- form circular "sheltering" structure, and bind the tips of the branches together with paper-covered wire. Create Aspidistra leaf loops by curving a leaf's stem end and piercing its upper portion, near its center spine, with the stem end. Secure each leaf's tip to the leaf's midsection with an adhesive dash to complete the loop formation. Arrange the leaf loops around the edge of the design to cover the fl oral foam and tape. Arrange the fl owers within the confi nes of the corkscrew-willow structure, starting with two stems of Alstroemeria. Follow those insertions with three tulips (refl ex the petals of one or two of the tulips, if desired); three stems of spray roses; and sprigs of seeded Eucalyptus. Gently place a thumb on the backside lower portion of the tulip petal (where it is connected to the stem), and gently curve the petal backward over the thumb. Repeat this procedure with as many petals as you want to refl ex. NOTE: This procedure works best with tulips at room temperature. Refl exing Tulip Petals Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com 39 DESIGN TIP MATERIALS BOTANICALS •Rosa spp. (spray rose) •Alstroemeria aurea/A. aurantiaca (Peruvian lily, lily-of-the-Incas) •Aspidistra elatior (cast-iron leaf, barroom plant leaf) •Eucalyptus spp., seeded (seeded eucalypt, seeded Australian gum) •Salix matsudana/S. babylonica 'Tortuosa' (corkscrew willow, curly willow, contorted willow) HARD GOODS •Ceramic bowl •OASIS ® Midnight Floral Foam •OASIS ™ Bind Wire •OASIS ® Waterproof Tape (¼" Green)

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