Flower power
By BETH VRABEL
For Smart
Nothing brightens a home like fresh flowers. Thanks to the latest trends, it's never been easier to create your own arrangements.
"Floral design today has really gotten more simple," said Vincenzo Butera, owner of Butera the Florist. "It's really clean."
He shares three modern styles that anyone could copy.
Butera coins the style organic structure. It uses fresh, garden-variety blooms, and leaves out the floral foam that usually provides structure for arrangements, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
"Once you get the hang of it, it's simple and fast," Butera said. "You can use any flower."
Each of these arrangements is beautiful at the end of Step One. Stretch your skills by carrying the design through the other steps.
Garden party design
Supplies:
blooms, herbs and hedge clippings (such as daisies, mint, rosemary, lamb's ear and roses)
variety of specimen vases
river rocks (optional)
votive candles (optional)
Step one: Fill vases.
Put one to four blooms or clippings per vase and arrange on table, mixing color and
texture.
Step two: Add drama.
Spread rocks and candles among vases.
Dramatic oval centerpiece
This arrangement would sell for about $40.
Supplies:
Fresh curly (or corkscrew) willow branch, cut from the backyard or purchased (about $2 at Butera)
Oval glass vessel
Smooth rocks
Freshly trimmed foliage, such as mint (optional)
Bright, bold blossom, such as Star Fighter
Step one: Create structure.
This base design is all you need for a dramatic, masculine design. "The willow itself is very interesting, artistic and soothing," Butera said.
• Cut the branch so segments hug the side of the container, beginning at the thickest part and working toward the branch tip. If your vessel is 8-inches wide, cut 6- to 7-inch sections. Tuck them into the vessel, creating levels and allowing thinner tops to peek out of the vessel top.
• Add rocks to the bottom and top with water.
This structure will stay fresh for weeks, eventually rooting if the water is freshened frequently.
Step two: Add greenery.
• To soften the design, tuck stems of fresh mint or other greenery into the sides of the vessel.
Step three: Add color.
• Strip a bright, bold blossom of its leaves and cut the stem so that the bottom graces the bottom of the vessel but only the bloom peeks out of the top. Tuck into a side of the vessel.
Elegant orb design
This arrangement would sell for about $80 to $90.
Supplies:
Glass rosebowl vessel
Lily grass, a handful
Curly willow branch, fresh and slender
Hydrangea blooms, about five or more
Concador Lilies or other large, bold blossoms
Roses or other small, colorful blossoms
Step one: Create structure.
• Wrap the lily grass around your hand and put into the bowl. Run your fingers along the side so that the grass swirls around the bowl in layers.
• Wind the willow branch in a circle and tuck into the orb. Position the branch to create levels.
• Add water.
Step two: Add color.
• Cut the leaves from hydrangea branches and trim so the ends reach the bottom of the vessel but only the blossoms peek out of the top. This helps the blossom sit squarely.
• Work the blossoms in tightly together so it looks like a full, big ball. The flower shape mimics the shape of the vessel, making it a good fit for traditional décor. For a modern twist, skip the hydrangea and tuck lilies all around the vessel.
Step three: Layer elements.
• Tuck in a few large, bold lilies for added depth.
• Add bright roses for a splash of color.
• Sprigs of lily grass punch up the drama and movement of the arrangement.
All of the supplies mentioned can be
purchased at Butera.
THE RIGHT CUT
Heading out to cut fresh flowers? Put those scissors down!
Scissors crimp the stems, keeping water from properly hydrating the blooms, which in turn limits how long arrangements stay fresh, Butera said.
"Scissors are the worst thing you can use," Butera said. "A (paring) knife gives you a clean cut."
FLORAL TRENDSMix bold colors. Toss the color palette and boldly mesh colors in your design. "A few years ago, people would've screamed at pink and orange together," Butera said. "Now, it's the hot thing."
Soften edges. Bypass tall, slender or chunky, cube vases in favor of smooth orbs and ovals.
Fresh, modern designs are clean and simple. Baby's breath and chunky floral foam can look dated.
FLOWER PARTY
For a more in-depth tutorial on floral design, spend "An Evening with the Florist." Butera the Florist owner Vincenzo Butera will share his trade secrets with up to 10 guests during a two-hour course.
Butera provides flowers and door
prizes, guests bring refreshments and leave with designs.
Cost is $500 to $1,000.
Call for details 741-4226.
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