Does arranging flowers intimidate you? Perhaps you sometimes feel like your floral creations don’t ever look quite right? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re in the right place. Read on to learn the mistakes you might be making when you arrange flowers – and how to fix them.
Shannon’s Floral Arranging Journey
Shannon always had a desire to learn this skill, but too often shied away from it, asking Jenna to step in and complete this task when prepping for a photoshoot. But she knew what she was doing deep down; she was avoiding a goal of hers because she was afraid of failing. So, with her Word of the Year in mind, she set forth to learn, little by little, how to arrange flowers. In the process, she found that there were a few rookie mistakes she was making and, as she honed her skill more and more, developed confidence and a love for arranging florals. With Shannon’s journey in mind, we’re diving into this tricky topic today in hopes of inspiring you to keep trying, too.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you!) should you choose to make a purchase using our links. It’s okay – we love these products, and hope you will too!!
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you!) should you choose to make a purchase using our links. It’s okay – we love these products, and hope you will too
5 Mistakes You’re Making When You Arrange Flowers
Mistake #1: You’re only using one type of greenery when you arrange flowers.
Grabbing your favorite bloom is a great start to arranging flowers, but don’t stop there! Choose filler greenery, such as eucalyptus, baby’s breath, fern and lemon leaf. These options are usually a bit cheaper than colorful flowers, and they offer a complete and balanced look to your overall design.
Furthermore, you can mix and match flowers too. For example, you can blend garden roses with premium roses, or pair either with just-about-to-bloom carnations for a unique and full design.
Mistake #2: You’re not using the right tools.
It was game changing when Shannon started to use tools that helped her achieve her goals. Therefore, consider the gardening and arranging equipment available to you, and research the best ways to use them.
Below, you’ll find our favorite flower arranging tools that brought our styling to the next level.
Mistake #3: You’re not thinking outside the vase.
Consider the vessel in which you place your arrangement. Just like the flowers you choose, the container you select can also contribute to the overall look and feel of your creation. While we sometimes go classic with vases and planters, choosing possibilities outside the vase can easily elevate your arrangement’s visual interest and sophisticated aesthetic.
Options that can enhance your florals include woven baskets, kitchen crocks, and neutral pitchers. For vessels that aren’t meant to hold water, such as baskets, an easy Hostful Hack is to place a water-friendly container inside the larger vessel so that you have functionality while still achieving the style you’re seeking.
Mistake #4: You have no game plan.
Sometimes, a little planning goes a long way. Shannon has garnered some incredible floral hacks through her journey, giving her creations the je ne sais quoi that you see from professional florists.
Must Read: How to Style a Floral Arrangement With No Experience
Floral Hack Videos: Our Favorites
We’ve learned a special grid trick that allows us to arrange grocery store flowers into gorgeous, customized creations. Check out this video below for inspo.
Want full, fluffy roses? Click on the video below to see one of our very favorite hacks. It looks like magic (but it’s not!).
Have Inspirational Pictures for Guidance
Ever go to your hair stylist with a photo of what you want your hair to look like? We recommend doing the same thing for your floral arrangement! Head on over to Pinterest and search for florals that speak to you and have those images handy as you begin to create your masterpiece.
This is exactly what Shannon did when she began creating her arrangement for our Spring Magazine photoshoot. She was looking to achieve an organic, slightly asymmetrical design, and so she did a bit of inspirational research before she chose her flowers and began putting her arrangement together.
(Didn’t grab yourself a copy of our Spring Magazine? No worries! Fill out the form at the top of this post to get it for FREE!)
Mistake #5: You’re seeking perfection.
Let’s make something clear: floral arranging is an art. And, much like a painting, this type of art is never about perfection. Rather, it’s about expressing yourself in fun, creative ways.
“Just have fun with it. Before, I was too nervous and taking it too seriously.
Now, it’s just about being creative.”
-Shannon
Tap into your inner artist when arranging flowers, and let your creativity flow. We know this can be easier said than done, especially if you’re creating an arrangement for a special occasion or to gift to someone. But, just like with any new skill, practice eases your nerves as you grow in confidence. (And no, we’re not going to say practice makes perfect. That’s the mentality that creates unnecessarily high standards – which is the mindset we’re on a mission to let go of!)
Let go of perfection to begin seeking your creative energy.
When it comes down to it, keep trying. Keep creating. And remember, mistakes are what allow us to grow.
So, artist, what will you create with florals? We are so excited to see! Tag us on social @thebusybee.co and use the hashtags #hostfulatheart and #hostfulhack for a chance to be featured on our channel to share your creation with the whole TBB Community.
Hap-Bee Creating, friend!
Shop the APIARY Dried & Faux Floral Collection
Leave a Reply