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15. SOME SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENTS

By now, if you've followed instructions faithfully throughout the book, you are ready to experiment with anything. You will find in this chapter, an assortment of different ideas. Try them all. Continued practice will stimulate confidence in your ability. You need not use the material mentioned, but something similar in form and line.

Evergreens and Carnations Figure 99

A - Foliage foundation.   Notice how the foliage is thinned out in the focal point to avoid crowding. B - Carnations form the focal point, which is accented and framed by the small blossoms and buds on the outer edges.

Holly berries and mistletoe, if added to the focal area will give the arrangement a Christmas theme.

Flowering Dogwood Figure 100

A – Container

B - Holder made of crossed branches firmly tied.

C - Holder inserted tightly for secure branches.

D - Branches placed in container.

E - Diagram showing line and accent of design.

F - Completed flowering dogwood arrangement.

Iris and Fruit Blossoms Figure 101

A - Glazed ceramic container.

B - Line and form design of arrangement.

C - Completed design of iris   foliage and   flowering fruit blossoms. Notice how the iris foliage creates the movement of the design.

Hibiscus and Crystal Figure 102

A - Arrangement of hibiscus and caladium leaves in a crystal container. B - Diagram of form and line showing chicken wire holder in the mouth of the container.

Notice how the larger blossoms are grouped in the focal point. If you would like to hide the stems partially, a food dye will color the water without harming the plant material.

Figure 99.   Evergreens and Carnations

Figure 100.   Flowering Dogwood

Figure 101.   Iris and Fruit Blossoms

Chrysanthemums Figure 103

A - Small blossoms on outer edges form a foundation.

B - Large mums in the foreground create a focal point.

In this arrangement, the container is a very small part of the de­sign. It merely serves as support. Notice how the mum foliage is used sparingly but effectively.

Iris Figure 104

A - Shallow container showing position of frogs.

B - First grouping of iris and foliage placed in container.

C - Arrangement completed with second grouping. Clear water in Japanese flower arrangement is the sign of stability. You may spread small stones at the base of each grouping to add texture and firmness to the design.

Camellias and Egyptian Papyrus Figure 105

A - Shallow container with papyrus forming the foundation and line of the arrangement.

B - The pink or white camellias against the black pebbles, create a shockingly beautiful effect.

Lilies Figure 106

A - Container showing construction of holder.

B - Design of lilies showing the importance and accent of lily buds and foliage.

C - Diagram showing the placement of form and the beautiful move­ment of the design. The placing of each lily in this arrangement will determine the success of the design.

Rhododendron and Flowering Fruit Figure 107

A - Extreme line of flowering fruit in a textured container.

Notice the buds at the end of each branch. The shaded area shows how to visualize the placement of the focal point. Chicken wire is used as a holder.

B - Rhododendron and buds   create the  focal point which is rich in form and color.

C - Diagram of simplicity in line and form.

As An After Thought

The following are a few miscellaneous ideas and suggestions which will be helpful.

Figure 106. Lilies

Tin cans of all sizes can be converted into containers.

Small knick-knacks and odd art pieces serve very nicely as ac­cessories, if chosen with discretion.

If your chrysanthemums are beginning to shed, you may keep the petals on longer by dripping some candle wax into the center of the flower.

Cork bark coverings will add texture to your window boxes.

Dig spring bulbs out of the garden, and with the clump of soil still clinging to the roots, arrange them in a natural setting for indoors. This is best done when the first sign of color appears on the bud.

Small round stones will add interest to naturalistic arrangements.

Gift Suggestions

Dried rose leaves tied in a little muslin packet with a decorative ribbon for someone's linen chest.

Little packets of dried herbs from your herb garden.

Tied colonial bouquets of dried material.

A wicker basket from an imported bottle of wine can be used as a flower container bearing a gift arrangement.