Christmas Table Arrangement

Follow our step by step guide to creating your own fabulous Christmas Table Arrangement.  You can use lots of berries and foilage picked from your very own garden.  Give it a go and see what you can come up with!

Wicker Container

Stage 1

Colour the wicker container with the black spray paint and leave to dry.  Once dry spray over with the silver glitter spray again leaving it to dry.   Once the container is prepped you can begin your arrangement.  Cut the floral foam brick in half and soak in water.  Place the foam into the glass vase and push down firmly.

Create a Frame

Stage 2

Create a frame using the Cornus twigs as shown.  Bind the twigs with metallic wire to hold the frame in place then secure into the foam with mossing pins. Take further Cornus twigs leaving them long. Curl the twigs over at the top to create loops.  Place the twigs at varying heights around the centre of the arrangement. (Alternatively you can replace the Cornus Twigs with Midelino Sticks).

Add Berry Sprays

Stage 3

Next position the Spray Berry Stems.  Place one slightly taller than the other and splay out the branches. 

Add Gerbera's

Stage 4

Wire the Gerbera’s using the 22swg wire. To do so place the wire into base of the flower head then twist around and down the Gerbera Stem.  This will support the gerbera and prevent the head from necking. Place your first Gerbera 30cm high and then stagger the rest until the lowest is nearer to the base of the arrangement. 

Preparing Leaves

Stage 5

Lay the aspidistra leaves flat on a table face down. Cut into the spine of the leaf with scissors about 5 cm up from the base. Pull this incision up towards the tip of the leaf (following the veins of the leaf) and stop just before the tip. Place this part back flat on the table and once again cut into the spine of the leaf (above the cut you have already made) and repeat this process, remembering to stop before the end. Place the cut parts of the spine and the stem of the leaf into the oasis at different points and angles and this will create interesting swirls around the base of the arrangement.

Placing Leaves

Ivy Collar

Stage 6

Create a collar with the ivy around the base of the container.  Weave it in and out of the canes. Then cut each leaf off the holly. Thread metallic wire through each leaf to create a chain of leaves. Bend into a loop and secure wire ends into the foam.

Add Fruit

Stage 7

Place the Apples, Berries and Pumpkins in clusters around the Cornus frame and base of the arrangement.  To add support to the pumpkins push a 22swg wire through the base of the pumpkin, pull the wire through and twist together to create a single wire.  Attach the moss all around the base of the arrangement using the adhesive glue. (Wait until the glue has gone tacky on the moss before attaching to the arrangement).

What you need from the workroom:

½ block of Oasis (17075)

Black Spray Paint (10641)

Silver Glitter Spray (10653)

3cm Moss Pins (10631)

Adhesive Glue (13452)

22swg Stub Wire (14737)

Metallic Red Wire (14648)

What fresh ingredients you will need:

4 x Red Gerbera (Or 4 x Red Silk Gerbera – 15937)

2 x Aspidistra Leaves

Ivy

Figs

Holly

Cornus (Or Red midelino sticks – 15883)

What accessorises you will need:

Spring Vase (16463)

4 x Mini Apple Pick (18944)

Mini Moss Bleached (16488)

2 x Spray Red Berries with Snow (15393)

2 x Mini Pumpkins (18802)

Christmas Heart Wreath

See our step by step guide to making your own beautiful Christmas Heart Wreath…….

Mossing Frame

Stage 1

Attach your reel wire onto your metal frame, take a handful of moss and wrap it around the frame. Pull the wire through the frame and over the moss fixing it to the frame. Repeat pulling the moss tight together, until the frame is complete. You shouldn’t be able to feel the metal frame, if you can add more moss.

Stage 2

Cut a length of ribbon approx 45cm long. Thread through the heart at the point where it will hang from and tie together. Pull this knot down to the back of the frame and use a Mossing pin to hold it in place, this needs to be hidden. Then create a knot with the loop of ribbon, pull this down tight to the frame. You have now created a loop to hang your heart from.

Attach Pine

Stage 3

Re-attach your mossing wire to the frame.  Cut pieces of Pine approx 15cm long.  Bind the pine onto the frame as tight as possible, using the same method as above.  (Ensure you do not flatten the leaves.)

Add Holly

Stage 4

Cut stems of Holly about the same length as the Pine and repeat the process. (You could also cut each individual leaf of the branch and thread on to metallic wire to createa ring of leaves which you could loop around the sides of the heart). Take Ivy stems and attach to the outer edge of the frame with wire to create flow around the wreath. (You could also place the stems of Cornus either across the centre of the heart or bundled around the edge).

Adding Accessories

Stage 5

Cut off each tendril of the weeping willow, support with the 22swg wire, by looping the wire and wrapping it twice around the top of the tendril. Attach the tendrils around the top of the heart. Now attach your Berries, Apples and Mesh Leaves. Try to do these in lines through your arrangement to create balance rather than clump them all together.

 

 

 

Wiring Chillis

Stage 6

Wire your Chillies using a 22swg wire. Pushing it through the base of the chilli and loop it around. Place the chillies in the wreath. For a final touch add adhesive glue to the back of the Moss tendrils and the Glass Buttonholes. Wait until the glue goes tacky then attach all around the wreath.

 

 

 

What you need from the workroom:

      Heart Wire Frame (13904)

      3cm Moss Pins (10631)

      24swg Reel Wire (13868)

      22swg Stub Wire (14737)

      Metallic Red Wire (14648)

      Adhesive Glue (13452)

What fresh ingredients you will need:

      Ivy

      Blue Pine

      Holly

      Cornus

      Sphagnum moss

What accessorises you will need:

      Heart Ribbon (18886)

      3 x Wire Mesh Leaves Oyster (18813)

      Natural Mini Moss (16487)

      Weeping Willow – Oyster (18743)

      3 x Chillies (18801)

      6 x Berries (18892)

      4 x Mini Apple Picks (18944)

      Glass Buttons (16109)

Wrist Corsage

The latest craze to hit the UK is the Prom season.  You’ve bought the dress, booked in your hair appointment and manicure.  So all that’s left to do is prepare a beautiful wrist corsage and let’s not forget to add that all important bit of bling!

Method

For our corsage we have used silk flowers and foliage, but you can of course use this method for fresh flowers.

Wiring Leaves

First prepare the flowers and foliage:  trim the small leafed Ivy down to small sprigs and the dark green Ivy to individual large leaves.  Trim the Orchid flowers to single stems.

The next step is to wire all the Ivy leaves and sprigs using the ‘single leg mount’ method.  Cover the new wire stems with the Green Stemtex.

Wiring Orchids

Once the foliage is prepared, using the same technique wire and tape the Orchid flowers.

For an extra decorative touch slide one Pearl Bead onto each of the three strands of Bear Grass.

Assembling

We can now start to assemble the arrangement:

Take a single large leaf of Ivy and place one strand of Bear grass behind it.  Now place two other strands in front.  Add the smallest Orchid flower and a sprig of Diamantes.  Secure this all in place using the Stemtex.

Positioning

Once secure, add a further small Orchid flower and a larger white Orchid to the group.  Also hold this in place using the Green Stemtex. Take your second large Ivy leaf and position it so it lies opposite the first, facing down the stem.  Secure with Stemtex and now add another spray of Diamante and the second pink Orchid flower.

Carefully position two small sprigs of Ivy, and the last large Ivy leaf at pleasing angles to the Orchid group. Fold over two of the beaded Bear Grass strands and catch the tips securely using again the Stemtex.  Trim down the stem wires.  Do this by graduating the lengths, so that you achieve a short but not bulky end. For the last time wind Stemtex around the stem to neaten and finish the arrangement.

Use the Cold Glue to adhere the arrangement to the plastic disc on the bracelet.

Top Tip: allow both surfaces to become ‘tacky’ before you hold them together.

Finished Corsage

Use the ribbons attached to the bracelet to tie the arrangement – carefully wrap the ribbon around and through the arrangement before securing with a knot. The ribbon can either be left free to dangle or be trimmed short.

Resources:

Workroom

15299  Green Stemtex or 10622 Green Parafilm

13874  Silver Wires 7” x 28swg

13452  Cold Glue

10633  Scissors

Accessories

17950  Empress Wristlet Champagne

14831  Iridescent Diamante Spray 5mm

14193  Pearl Beads 8mm White

Silk Flowers

16616  Bear Grass

17892  Ivy on Roll 5m 

18293  Ivy Garland Galaxy

18022  Baby Orchid Lilac

16285  Orchid Phalaenopsis Spray Cream

Bridesmaid Wand

Every little girl should have her very own magical wand.  We have created a very pretty design for a very special bridesmaid.  The wand makes the perfect accessory for the perfect little princess.

Method:

Wiring Stems

Begin by preparing the flowers and foliage: each piece will need to be trimmed down and then using the Silver Wire form a ‘Single Leg Mount’ to extend and support all of the stems. Use the Stemtex to cover the wire.  You do not need to completely encase the whole length of each stem.

Next measure and cut a metre long length of both the Organza ribbon and the Pearl ribbon.  Trim the ends of the Organza ribbon into a ‘v shape’.  Find the midway point of

each length of ribbon and tie securely to the neck of the wand.  Then using the Organza ribbon tie a bow.

Flower Arrangement

We will now form the flower arrangement: Take the group of three Rose leaves, a cluster of small leaved Ivy and the large Rose and secure together using Stemtex.  Complete the arrangement by adding a further small Rose and another piece of the small leaved Ivy.  Trim the majority of the main stem very short, leaving only a couple of wires full length and neaten using the Stemtex to wind completely around the finished stem.  Remember that the main stem only needs to ‘sit’ in the wand to keep in position – it shouldn’t be seen.  The longer tail piece is used to weave in and out of the wands frame to hold the arrangement in place.

Positioning

Place the arrangement to one side of the wand, push the stem into the space between the front and back face of the wand, and carefully wind the long tail piece of the stem in and out of the lattice work on the back face of the wand.

Finishing Touches

To hide the stem, take two single Rose leaves and glue them to the back face of the wand over the top of the woven stem.

Completed Wand

Finally hold the wand upright and make any minor adjustments to the flower or leaf positions now that the wand is complete.

Resources:

Accessories

17985  Silver Bridal Wand

17974  Pearls on Ribbon – White

15622  Organza Ribbon – Ivory

Silks

18238  Rose Spray – Pink

17892  Ivy on Roll 5m 

Workroom

15299  Green Stemtex or 10622 Green Parafilm

13874  Silver Wires 7” x 28swg

10633  Scissors 

Wedding Corsage

With the wedding season firmly underway, we have prepared a beautiful Corsage of Orchids and skeleton leaves for you to create.  Why not treat the Mother of the Bride to something special on the happy day.

Skeleton Leaves

Method:

First prepare the Orchid and Skeleton leaves:  Take each Skeleton leaf and fold over itself to form a cone shape.  Use the Silver wire to make a stitch to hold the leaf in place and create a long stem.

Prepared Orchids

Select the largest Orchid bloom from the spray.  Trim, allowing for a one inch stem and then using the Silver wire create a ‘Single leg Mount’ and cover this with Stemtex.

Adding the Pearl Pin

Now take the Orchid flower and place one Skeleton leaf behind it and the other leaf in front.  Use the Stemtex to secure in place.  Push the Pearl pin into the centre of the Orchid (trim the pin length down to about 1.5”.)  Use the Stemtex to keep the pin in position.

Preparing the Corsage

The arrangement is now complete.  Trim the stem length to 1.5” long.  Squeeze the stem firmly to ensure the stem is slim enough to slide into the Filigree Holder.

Finished Corsage

Once you are happy with the ‘fit’ of the arrangement in the holder you can then squeeze a dab of the cold glue into the empty holder and once it has become tacky push the arrangement into place.  Allow the glue to set before wearing the corsage.

Resources:

Accessories

16000  Silver Filigree Corsage Holder

18383  Pearl/Diamante Pin 6.5cm

15787  Skeleton Leaves – White

Silks

16617  Phalaenopsis Orchid – Cream/White

Workroom

15299  Stemtex – Green

13452  Adhesive Cold Glue

13874  Silver Wires 28swg

Spring Fever

Hopefully Spring will soon be here, so why not encourage that ‘Spring Fever’ feeling in your displays and arrangements?

Here are two quick and easy designs for you to follow.  We have used the same method for both bags, but as you can see a couple of simple changes to the bag and flowers and you have two very different looks.

Method

Secure the Foam

Top Tip:  If you are using fresh flowers and foliage give them a long drink first, ideally also use a flower food to really condition your arrangement.

First place your block of foam in the bag, ( pre soak your foam if you are using fresh flowers) secure the base of the foam to the bottom of the bag using the pin holder and adhesive fix – you may need to trim the block down, depending on the height of the bag you are using.

Adding the Foliage

Now using your larger leaf foliage, (Pittisporum and Laurel) begin to cover the sides and top of the foam: depending on the thickness and length of the stems you may need to wire each sprig of greenery to give it added support when you push it into the foam.

When you are happy that you have masked the foam evenly with the foliage you can then start to position your focal blooms – in this case daffodils.   Then place the tulips and daisies in between the daffodils.

Positioning Blooms

Stand back and look for any gaps that may now need ‘filling’ with your smaller foliage and flowers, we used a soft green wax flower and mimosa.  Be careful not to over pack the arrangement, so that any flower buds have room to open fully.

Finally to add a quirky fun element to the piece we modelled the salix into two loops using wire to hold the shape and Parafilm to disguise the workings.  Push these loops into the foam at angles to each other and add any remaining pieces of salix to the arrangement.

Salix Loops

You could decorate the bag itself with a complementary coloured ribbon, but we thought we would carry on the natural theme and use bleached raffia to form a full bow which we pinned on at slightly to the right of centre.

And there you have it ‘Spring has Sprung’!

Resources

Container:

1 x Jute Bag (Workbox code: 18062)

Workroom:

Dried Oasis (Workbox code: 17076)

Fix Adhesive Tack (Workbox code: 10620)

1 x Large Pinholder (Workbox code: 18124)

Stub wire Green 12” x 20swg (Workbox code: 10726)

Green Parafilm (Workbox code: 15398)

Presentation:

Natural Raffia (Workbox code: 10432)

Silk Flowers:

1 x Bunch Daffodil (Workbox code: 18259)

1 x Bunch Cream Tulips (Workbox code: 16399)

1 x White Daisy (Workbox code: 16559)

1 x Green Wax Flower (Workbox code: 17991)

2 x Stem Salix (Workbox code: 18251)

1 x Bunch Mimosa (Workbox code: 18023)

1x Pittisporum (Workbox code: 17878)

1x Laurel (Workbox code: 18020)

Cross Tribute

Follow our easy steps to creating your own Funeral Tribute – Cross.  We have used Silk flowers and foliage for this design, but the sequence of work will be the same if you are using fresh flowers.

Preparing the Cross

First prepare the foam cross by shaving off the straight edges to leave a bevelled edge.  Attach a foam cylinder to the centre of the cross using the green Pot Tape.  (If using fresh flowers now soak the foam and condition the flowers and foliage, ensuring that they have had a long ‘drink’ of water, preferably with the addition of a suitable flower food.)

Positioning the Foliage

Take an Aspidistra leaf and measure it up to the longest bar on the cross – it will need to overhang the tip of the foam by about 5inches/13cm.  Push the stem into the base of the cylinder.  Use two further Aspidistra leaves to cover the sides of this bar, these however, do not need to overhang the end as far as the first leaf.  Take two Ficus leaves and use these to overlap the Aspidistra leaves so that the whole bar is now covered by the foliage.  You may want to use the stub wire to form a ‘hairpin’ to keep the leaves in place.

For the side arms and top bar of the cross you will need to trim down the Aspidistra stems and possibly some of the lower leaf so that the leaf ‘fits’ the arms, replicating the same method for the long bar.  However instead of using Aspidistra leaves to cover the sides, you will only need to use the Ficus leaves.

You are now ready to start positioning the flower arrangement in the cylinder block of foam.

Flower Arrangement

First trim down some spruce pieces and push into the cylinder where it sits on the cross.  Then add further pieces higher up the sides of the cylinder.

Begin adding the Lisianthus – first place a long piece of stem and bud to run down the ‘long bar’, then using a slightly shorter stem mirror this on the ‘top bar’.  With the remaining blooms position the Lisianthus flowers so that they form a cross shape, echoing the foam base. 

Materials used

Floral Foam:

1x Foam Frame Cross (Workbox Code – 10132)

1x Foam Cylinder (Workbox Code – 17077)

Workroom:

Green Stub Wires 12” x 20 swg (Workbox Code – 10728)

Green Pot Tape 6mm (Workbox Code – 10683)

Silk Flowers:

2x bunches Aspidistra Leaves (Workbox Code – 16325)

8x Ficus Leaves (Workbox Code – 17876)

1x Purple Hydrangea (Workbox Code – 17993)

2x stems Purple Lisianthus (Workbox Code – 15905)

1x stem Lilac Baby Orchid (Workbox Code – 18022)

1x stem Purple Freesia (Workbox Code – 14850)

Noel Planter

Why not have a go at making your own special gifts for your loved ones this Christmas.  Here we show a very quick and simple planted arrangement which will impress your friends and family.

First check that the plants you are going to use have been watered and are in perfect condition.

The basket is already lined however you may like to add a further water resistant liner if necessary for extra protection, we recommend clear cellophane.

Graduate Plants

Now it’s a case of placing the plants in a pleasing arrangement within the basket: First use the taller plants towards the back and graduate down to the shorter plants at the front.  When you are happy with the positioning of the plants you can then fill in any gaps with extra compost.

Once the spaces are filled you can then cover over any bare compost with the moss.

Add a Beautiful Bow

The arrangement can be further enhanced by adding a seasonal embellishment, we have used a fancy bow made from a Voile Shimmer ribbon and secured it with a piece of stub wire which is also used to secure the bow into the compost.

(Please refer to our ‘Products Hints and Advice’ section to see step by step instructions on how to form a full bow.)

Materials used:

Twig Basket S/3 (Workbox code 18178)

Moss (Workbox code 13676)

Voile Shimmer Ribbon Red/Gold 40mm (Workbox code 15416)

Green Stub wire 20swg 12” (Workbox code10726)

Compost

4 Houseplants

Firstly prepare all the components before assembling:

The wreath ring

You will need to firmly attach a strong loop of cord, ribbon or twine to the back of the wreath if you wish to hang the wreath on a door etc.

Take a few minutes to adjust the foliage so that the wreath has an even spread of branches before you start to attach the other decorative pieces.

The Natural Deco

These assorted items of seed pods, cones, twigs and dried fruits will need to be individually wired: some may have a short stem or stalk that can be used to attach the wire to, or if not available they may need to be glued to a wire, depending on the shape and weight of the pieces.

Lime Slices

Choose three mixed slices of lime and thread a piece of wire through the group. Close the wire together and twist a couple of times to secure, leave a long ‘tail’ to attach the limes to the wreath.

Rose Hips

Trim the spray into smaller individual sprigs of berries – you may need to extend the stems using a piece of stub wire if necessary.

Method

Tie the group of Pine Bells to the middle area of the lower section of your wreath. (Opposite to the hanging loop you have already attached).

Next position the assorted pods, cones and twigs etc around the wreath.  When you are happy that the wreath looks ’balanced’ wire the decorations firmly to the wreath’s wire frame or the individual branches.

Now position the sets of Limes around the wreath, check the positioning is evenly balanced before securing to the wreath.

Lastly add the sprigs of Rose Hips in amongst the other decorations.

The wreath is now complete, for alternative decorations you could use cinnamon sticks instead of the twigs and orange slices to replace the Limes.

Materials used:

1 Xmas Wreath Imperial – Green (Workbox code 18091)

1 Pinecone Bell Hanger (Workbox code 18152)

1 Pk Natural Deco – Snow (Workbox code 18145)

1 Pk Lime Slices 250g – Dried (Workbox code 18050)

1 Rose Hip Spray (Workbox code 17323)

Green Stub wires 12” 20swg  (Workbox code 10726)

Method:

Prepare all the individual components before assembling.

Bows

We prefer to use wired edged ribbon as it holds the bow loops in position and creates a fuller bow.

First make the three large bows:

Create the first loop – allow for a tail length of approximately 6” or 15cm, hold the overlapping ribbon firmly in place and then fold the ribbon over again to create the second loop. This will now give you the traditional bow shape.

To make the third loop take the ribbon over the bow and hold it in place behind, then bring it back over to the front to form the final fourth loop.  Pinch the centre together; hold tightly whilst trimming the remaining tail ribbon off at an angle. (Try to ensure that both tail ends are about the same length.)

Finally using a single Silver wire, secure the centre of the bow – keep a long length of the wire to enable you to attach the bow to the garland. Gently tease the loops into a pleasing full bow shape.

Repeat this process again for the two smaller bows but reduce the tail length to approximately 4” or 10cm.

Cones

Fold a piece of 12” green stub wire in half.  Then push the ends of the wire into the base of a cone.  You may want to also to use a dab of glue for extra security.

Grass Bundles

Use the Silver wire to wrap around the bundles, leaving a long tail for attaching to the garland.

To Assemble:

1)  Wire the large bows to the garland, one at each end and one in the centre.

2)  Place the two smaller bows either side of the middle bow, spacing midway between the end bows and the centre.

3)  Placing the cones; Attach the larger cones first between the bows and then add the smaller cones.  (Remember to use the whole garland width, not just the centre line)

4)  Next we added the berries at regular intervals along the length of the garland.

5)  The grass bundles are very light, so they can be attached to the ends of the garland branches without pulling them down.

6)  Lastly we attached the butterflies at jaunty angles – again making sure to use the whole area of the garland.

Finally stand back and check that you have not left any bare areas or over filled others.

To change the ‘feel’ of this garland to complement your own Christmas collections you could easily change the colour scheme to silver or red and add for example dried oranges, limes, chilies etc.

Materials used:

1 Xmas Garland, Nevada – Green (Workbox code 18092)

1 roll Metallic Gold Organza Ribbon (Workbox code 17966)

Silver Wires 30swg 7” (Workbox code 13875)

Green Stub wire 20swg 12” (Workbox code 10726)

2 pks Balls in a bag – Gold Cones (Workbox code 18186)

2 pks Hanger with Berries Pearlised – Gold (Workbox code 16045)

2 pks Grass Bundle- Natural (Workbox code 16485)

2 pks Organza Glitter Butterfly Clip – Gold (Workbox code 16050)