Floral Appreciation

Author: Chief Editor: Liu Zuqi et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-04-01
Features: Excerpt: (III) Basic Knowledge of Bouquet Making Bouquets have two main purposes: one is as a gift, and the other is for decoration, such as the bouquet held by a bride. Bouquets have a set of making methods different from other types of floral arrangements. Based on the making method, they can be divided into two categories: with or without a flower holder. According to the composition style, bouquets are divided into the following types:
1. Circular: Using different forms or a single type of flower material, starting from a base point in a radiating pattern, with an outer contour forming a circle.
2. Teardrop Shape: Just as its name suggests, this type of bouquet resembles a drop of water or a tear, with the top being larger and heavier than the bottom, giving a solemn and steady impression.
3. Loose Drop Shape: Similar to the teardrop shape, but with an irregular outline, giving a lively feel. The color can be slightly more varied, creating a bouquet full of elegance and solemnity.
4. Arched Shape: Similar to the circular bouquet, but with curved ends at the top and bottom, appearing more mature, elegant, and dynamic.
5. Linear Shape: The posture of the flowers leans forward, emphasizing linear design, embodying the essence of Eastern floral art. It is often composed of flowers like anthuriums, lilyturf, and calathea, combined with leaves and vines, giving a novel and unique impression. Asymmetrical bouquets have flowers of unequal lengths on both sides, creating an irregular dynamic feel, similar to the shape of a waxing moon.
(IV) Use of Flower Holders Currently, there are two common types of flower holders: the microphone-style holder and the 45°-style holder, which can be chosen based on different needs. When designing a bouquet with a flower holder, it is essential to have a relatively complete concept beforehand. Once the floral foam is inserted with flowers, it should not be removed again, as it is easily damaged during the insertion and removal process, affecting the stability of the flowers. Additionally, when using heavier flowers or needing to create long lines, to prevent the stems from falling off the holder, the lower part of the stem should be wrapped with wire to increase length. After inserting it into the floral foam, it should be pushed out from the other end, and the wire should be reversed and hooked back to secure it on the plastic frame of the holder. As for the grip method, the microphone-style holder has an upright handle facing upward, so special attention must be paid to ensuring that the upwardly pulled lines are not too high.
The other type, the 45°-style holder, has a basic usage where the holder face is perpendicular to the outside, and the handle is held downward. A newer approach involves holding the holder upward, with the handle slanting upward toward the inner side of the wrist, or the handle slanting outward. Design elements like ornaments can also be added to the handle, expanding the design space for the bouquet.
The Making Method of Natural Stem Bouquets A bouquet without a holder is also known as a natural stem bouquet. Its advantages include easy preparation, the ability to continue enjoying it in water after a wedding, and a more pronounced natural aesthetic. The steps for making it are as follows:
1. Hold a piece of flower material vertically and add the second one from the direction of the thumb, making the stem appear as if leaning against the back of the hand.