BASIC FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Eight Basic Flower Arranging Designs
If you are used toworking with fresh flowers, it will take some time to get used to all thepossibilities and limitations when using silks. Though so similar in use,artificial flowers are an entirely different art form. The line, focal, fillertechnique is an excellent way to design artificial and dried flowerarrangements.
Horizontal Arrangements
1. Using a relatively shallow container, anchorfoam with a lot of glue or use anchor pins, and position sprays of line flowersto establish the shape of the design.
2. Insert focal flowers in the middle so theygently droop over the lip of the container on both sides, reach towards theline material and extend on either side of the middle. Leave room for fillerflowers. 
3.Fillin and around focal area with fillerflowers and foliage.
Vertical Arrangements
1. Wedge or secure foam in a vase with hot glue.Cut the stems of the tallest flowers or leaves to reach three or four times theheight of the vase.
2. Place the focal flowers vertically withinthe diameter of the vase.
3. Fill in the areas as needed with fillerflowers.
Triangular Arrangements
1. Secure floral foam. Determine the verticalheight and horizontal width with the smallest line flowers and/or leaves. Makethe height higher than the width.
2. Position the largest focal flowers in the heartof the arrangement and slightly lower to give weight and balance.
3. Fill in with the filler flowers andfoliage keeping within the triangular shape.
Crescent Arrangements
1. Secure foam in container. Determine length ofcrescent and insert curved line flowers or leaves to follow the crescent form.Angle the shape to balance in the container.
2. Insert the focal flowers fairly low in the bowlto achieve balance, stability and depth.
3. Fill in around the focal flowers with smallerflowers and foliage. Place wisps of filler flowers that gracefully taper offthe ends.
Oval arrangements
1. Secure the floral foam. Determine the heightwith line flowers, then frame in the outer edges of the oval shape with lightcolored flowers and foliage.
2. Place the largest, strongest or brightestflowers in the focal area.
3. Fill in around the larger flowers and leaveswith the filler flowers.
Minimal Arrangements
1. Adhere foam to container. Insert vertical lineflowers to determine the height, and secure the horizontal line flowers to givethe basic outline of the arrangement.
2. Place the focal flowers.
3. Fill in with filler flowers as needed.
The lazy "S" or "Hogarth'sCurve"
1. Anchor the foam securely. Bend the stems gentlyinto graceful curves and insert them in place so they balance.
2. Add the focal flowers following the lines of theupper and lower curves.
3. Cluster filler blossoms and foliage around thecentral flowers maintaining the rhythm of the ‘S’.
Free Standing Arrangements
1. Fill a shallow container with foam that extendsone inch over the top. Secure the foam with hot glue, floral clay or floraltape. Define the shape of the design with the line flowers and leaves.
2. Place the focal flowers and leaves, turning thevase as you go so all the sides are even.
3. Add filler flowers to integrate the design.
Types of Flower Arrangement
It is well said "Flowers alwaysmake people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food andmedicine to the soul." Flowers are widely used for interior decoration; itgives aesthetic appeal to the ambiance. Flower arrangement is an art and it iswidely used in hotel, offices, and hospitals on everyday basis. Flowerarrangement may be defined as the art of organizing and grouping together plantmaterials to achieve harmony of form, color, and texture. They add cheer,beauty, life and happiness to the ambiance.
In hotels flowers are used extensively. There are different arrangementsof flower placed on different places. Large spectacular arrangement are kept inthe lobby, restaurant and small arrangement are kept in rooms, suites. Theextent to which flowers are used in hotel interior depends on the degree ofluxury provided.The housekeeper is responsible for all flower arrangement andtheir placement in most hotels.
Circular shape: Arranging flower incircular design adds a pleasing
element. It is satisfying to the viewer's eye. The circular or round shape isloved by nature since majority of flowers lies in this shape. In fact, its alsoeasier to arrange flowers in circular fashion. This type of arrangement is laidon conference tables or on buffet tables. They can be presented to high classexecutives or politicians on different occasion.
Triangular shape: It is a most commonarrangement of flowers used in Personal and Professional functions. Firstly,height and width is fixed with flowers and then focal point is established. Itis made in the triangle shape and looks very attractive. They are placed on thebuffet
table or in the side station. In ceremonies we can find this kind ofarrangements.
Crescent shape: The crescent is asymmetricaland formal. It requires lot of skill and experience. This type of arrangementis very eye catching. It is kept in the lobby of the hotel. It is used as afocal point to catch the attention of the guest.
Fan shape
: It is a low arrangement and it does not interfere with conversation
across the table. It is a fan or a horizontal in shape generally placed
in the restaurant either in buffet or on dining table. Hotel rooms also
have this kind of arrangement
Hogarth or 'S' shape: This is very graceful style of arrangement. It iseasier to make when curved branches are used. Once 'S' shape is made, flowersare filled at the center.
Ikebana: means'making flowers live' in Japanese. People in Japan use flowers to symbolizeseason. They represent ideal harmony between earthy and eternal life. In eacharrangement there is an imaginary triangle tallest line represent heaven,towards the heaven is man and the lowest line looking up to both is earth. Thisis been practiced for past 100 years. The formal type of flower arrangement iscalled Seika style. Floating type of arrangement is called Ukibana and baskettype of arrangement is called Morimano.
