An Artful Approach To Valentine’s Day

INSPIRATION FOR CREATING MODERN AND ARTISTIC DESIGNS FOR THE HOLIDAY OF LOVE.

Floral Design and Text by Jasmine Corzo Bath

All of my life, I have appreciated and studied fine art. As a floral artist, I have learned to allow the botanical materials to guide my designs. By connecting to the shapes and colors of the flowers and thinking about how they work together visually, your designs will become much more than arrangements—they will become works of art.

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, consider offering a few modern takes on the language of love, using colors other than red—like peach, pink and lavender. Red roses will always be popular for this holiday, but many consumers, especially younger ones, prefer designs that are more artistic, unique and personal.

Prior to Valentine’s Day, let this design inspire you to create your very own works of art that you can photograph and include with traditional offerings. Give each of your creations clever name, and feature them on your website, in emails and on social media, positioned as grand gestures of love. Such high price-point options will surely be holiday standouts.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Select and prep the container.

Select a large round container in a neutral color with an artful pattern that will complement the shapes and colors of the flowers and add artistic value to the design. Place two bricks of floral foam, soaked in flower nutrient solution, into the container. If necessary, secure the foam in the container with waterproof tape. Fill the container with additional flower nutrient solution.

Step 2: Prep the succulents.

Wearing gloves, gently remove the succulent plants from their pots. Make sure to not touch the top of the plants because they are very delicate. Gently remove the excess soil and small roots from the large stem of each plant, leaving about 1 inch of stem. Insert the sharp end of a wood skewer into the bottom of each stem, pushing gently until it is secure. Tape each stem and skewer with stem wrap.

Step 3: Prep the ti leaves.

Create ti-leaf accents by gently curling the tip of a leaf backward toward the stem. Bind the tip of each leaf to the stem with thin-gauge florist wire. Make sure the front sides of the leaves are facing forward. Spray each looped leaf with leaf shine, and allow to dry.

Step 4: Form base and shape of the design.

Build the base and overall shape of the design with white and green Hydrangea and multiple types of foliage. Let the shapes and textures of the stems guide the design, to form a pleasing visual. Although this design is essentially three sided, design the base as all-around, and leave space in the center and on both sides to arrange additional flowers. Reserve some stems of foliage to add in later.

Step 5: Fill in the focal area.

Arrange the smaller flowers next, using them to build upon the already-created design shape. Arrange the majority of these botanicals to face forward, but arrange some in the back, as well. Because this is a large arrangement, group some flowers to achieve a stronger visual. Next, arrange the garden roses and the succulents, which are the focal flowers. Group these botanicals by type and color, arranging three to five stems of each together.

Step 6: Add finishing touches.

Finally, arrange the curled ti leaves and any remaining flowers, to fill in open spaces. Arrange additional stems of greenery, as needed, between the groupings and around the perimeter.