Tuesday, July 13, 2010

BLOSSOM


Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.Robert Herrick 
I really want you to take the time to smell the roses and so I've assembled a collection of inspiration and instructions to aid and abet you.  Flowers always look lovely in the hair, perfect for date night or when entertaining at home because they are festive and elevate the mood.  We'll explore simple floral designs.

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Your home or work space would feel wonderful with the delights of flowers among your things.  No worries if you have seasonal allergies, I've shared sources and images of stunning paper creations. I've tried to keep it simple with the glass vase arrangements and know that you want to know where in the world can you find the vases shown here.  Many of these can be had for a song from your local craft retailers, but other outlets to consider are antique stores and recycle sources such as Goodwill stores, yard/tag/garage sales and such. It's likely though that you will find similar containers in your own home.  Don't concern yourself too much if you don't have the exact flowers shown, just fill in with something which has a similar shape and size.  

The simple arrangement above, I've purchased this blossom at Whole Foods (fuchsia one) and never can recall the name of it. It looks like a Chrysanthemum to me and it costs $$$ so I only buy one.  This glass vessel can be found in Pier I Imports, along with smooth river rock.  Plunk your blossom in, even add the noteworthy leaf of another plant, tucking them into the rock and filling with water.  I think this looks masculine displayed in this way.

There are moments in my garden when the only prolific flowers are non-descript, like those silly maiden pinks, marigolds and mums that grow short compact flowers that are just the right thing to go into a little container like this on or a cocktail low ball, poke a daisy on top and that darned grass that keeps growing in tall in your garden can also be put to use by wrapping it around three fingers (you can secure it with floral tape) and tucking under the daisy, cone flower or what ever blossom you deem worthy. To get these diminutives to stay precisely, you can poke them into a water soaked oasis that you may need to trim to suit your container.

The tall, narrow vase shown here, intended as a wedding gift and easily arranged  with the flat top flower of daisy and a few wisps of ornamental grass. Other flat top garden florals to consider are the cone flowers, even yarrow but I encourage you to shop in your garden or floral shop for a suitable flat top substitute.
Floribunda, this overly generous variety bloom all at once on short and skinny stems. Do not despair! These are the very petals which create lovely walkways for brides, romantic bed-scapes that lovers cover beds with, or scatter them in your bath for scented softness.  If all that is too much, fill your bar ware with the petals as above for a lavish looking display. They don't even last on the stem, a good shake can remove most petals and because they bloom all at once you might as well take advantage of their abundant petals.

The blossoms here are pretty artificial ones of course but festive in large poofs or lovely as small ones.  They come from a kit which can be purchased in creative centers of super stores or hobby stores. The Tissue Pom's directions can be found here if you would like to make them without purchasing a kit.  

While preparing the blossoms, I came across these butterflies and thought you may enjoy them also. Source Butterfly Bazaar.

You may enjoy this earlier ORH blog article: FOOD AND FLOWERS 













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5 comments:

  1. Wow Olive! Martha Stewart isn't fit to be the mat in front of the door to your garden (ya know, the one you wipe your muddy boots on). What great uses for the fla. Now my question is.. can I eat it?!? Just kidding, but where's the awesome "eats" recipe/idea. Something sweet and cold to ward off this hellish heat would be welcome.
    Fun stuff, thank you.

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  2. Thanks for commenting Frayed Knot!
    At the end of this flower article you'll find recipes a click away right where it says "Food & Flowers" but never you fear - we'll have some delicious new recipes coming right at ya soon!
    ~Olive

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  3. You sure have got some great flower ideas this time darl, such a creative blend colour and shape , especially your Floribunda arrangements - just Beautiful and quite tastefully displayed too. Lots of great fun ideas to enjoy , Take care, Mal,xx

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  4. Dear Mal,
    Thanks for all the wonderful comments you leave me, you are a dear. =)

    ~Olive

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  5. Dear 盈廖生家秀蔡,
    I like so much that you comment, any chance of English translation?
    ~Olive

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