What Supplies Do I Need?
Floral Arrangements
Here is a list of the supplies you will need to start making silk flower arrangements:
Styrofoam
A block of Styrofoam serves as the foundation for the centerpiece. It comes in large sheets (3 ft. x 1 ft. x 2 in.) or packaged bricks,in white or light green colors. Unless a transparent container is used, color makes no difference since the styrofoam will be covered with moss in most cases.
- Oasis is a block of stem foundation that is especially made for floral arrangements. . It is much easier to cut than styrofoam, and easier to use.
Oasis comes in two varieties, one for artificial floral arrangements and one for fresh arrangements. It comes in many different shapes and sizes.
Tape, or Hot Glue Gun
The styrofoam block needs to be secured inside the container. There are several ways to do this.
- Most popular: a gummy, adhesive clay-like substance that comes on a roll (Sure Stik Cling is one variety)
Double-sided foam mounting tape also works very well for securing styrofoam
Some crafters prefer to use hot glue for strongest, permanent bonding
Moss
Dried moss can be used to cover the styrofoam for a natural look. It comes in loose pieces or flat mat shapes, in shades of green and brown. You can buy it by the bag. Spanish Moss, which looks like curly spaghetti, is also available in several colors.
Container
Various types of containers, such as baskets, vases, etc., produce different visual effects. See:
Silk Flowers and Foliage
Requirements vary. See the articles below for tips and ideas:
Floral Tape and/or Paddle Wire
These are used to bind loose items, such as single leaves, to a stem. Or, bind a group of items together before attaching to a stem. You can use floral tape to bind an extension (either stem wire or remnants of trimmed stems) to a stem that is too short.
The paddle wire is very flexible and easy to use. The floral tape is made of a sturdy paper, which when slightly stretched, releases a light-tack glue from its pores and sticks to itself. It works well and looks nice. It comes in green, brown and other colors. You don't need to buy both right away. Choose the one that you feel comfortable with. (I started with the floral tape.)
Cutting Pliers
To trim stems (from any hardware store).
A Knife
To cut the styrofoam, Sahara or Oasis (a steak or butter knife is fine).
- Arranging Roses
- DIY Flower Designs
- Hot Glue & Other Sticky Stuff
- On Sale is a Must
- The Foundation of the Thing
- Tricks of the Trade
- Quality vs. Quantity
- Say No to Plastic:
- Silk, Dried, or Preserved?
- What Supplies Do I Need?
