How to Make Your Own Floral Arrangements

Overview

Flowers are an important part of the décor. An elegant vase of orchids sets the tone for a modern living room. A bright bunch of wildflowers brings spontaneity to an otherwise formal dining room. Flowers add a breath of life. Flower arrangements from a florist can be pricey and not always as fresh as they should be. Flower baskets are fun and easy-to-make floral arrangements.

Flowers from the Garden Basket

Step 1

Select a basket like the type used for gathering vegetables. It should be longer than it is wide and not very tall. The bottom should be flat so it sits securely on the surface of the table it's displayed on. The flowers will be placed in the basket as if they've just been picked.

Step 2

Find a waterproof container lower than the height of the basket but about as wide. Cut a piece of floral foam -- oasis -- so it barely fits in the container and is 1 inch taller than the sides of the basket. Soak the oasis in water for 30 minutes. It should absorb enough water so it expands a bit and fits firmly in the container.

Step 3

Cover the foam with sphagnum moss.

Step 4

Place the container and oasis in one side of the basket.

Step 5

Cut the flowers in several graduating lengths. The longest should be a few inches shorter than the basket is long. Cut the shortest stems 4 to 6 inches long so they peep over the top of the side of the basket. Exactly how long the stems should be cut depends on the dimensions of the basket.

Step 6

Place the longest stems nearly horizontal to the basket and press firmly into one side of the floral foam. The next longest should inserted into the foam above the first set of flowers but at a slightly more upright angle. Keep inserting the flower stems into the foam, going from longest to shortest stems with the angle becoming more upright as the stems get closer to upright. The shortest stems should be upright.

Step 7

Fill in any gaps with greenery or smaller flowers.

Basket Full of Flowers

Step 1

Select a waterproof container that is almost as long and as wide as the basket but shorter. Follow the first three steps in the first section.

Step 2

Place the waterproof container with the oasis in the middle of the basket.

Step 3

Cut the flower stems to all one length about 4 inches longer than the height of the basket.

Step 4

Fill the basket with greenery by inserting stems into the floral foam.

Step 5

Insert flower stems vertically, rather than at an angle, into the foam. Start at the back. Use the largest flowers first, then the medium-size ones. Fill in gaps with the smallest flowers.