“For clients and occasions that require an even more dramatic statement than orchids alone can offer, design custom enhancements that will create a couture look.”
Orchids are spectacular in their own right, but some customers, environments and events command even more drama and artistic interpretation. For those people, places and occasions, consider elevating orchids (a plant, in this example) to couture or art status, as only a talented floral designer or botanical artist can. Such endeavors will distinguish your offerings from all others and generate positive buzz about your creative abilities and acumen. And by choosing a hip, hot color, as Brooke Raulerson, AIFD, FSMD, owner of Revelation Design in Amelia Island, Fla., did with yellow in this design, you’ll also demonstrate your expertise in the arena of trends.
Step 1: Select a distinctive vessel that has transparency and stability to support an orchid root system. Secure two contorted European filbert branches together in an artful vertical manner with screws, and balance them inside vase.
Step 2: Remove the orchid from the grower pot, and lightly wrap the root system with a thin layer of damp sheet moss, ensuring the roots can still breathe.
Step 3: Lightly bind the mosswrapped root system with green waxed string or paper-covered wire, leaving an excess of about 6 inches on each end. Place the plant atop the vase, among the filbert branches, and securely attach the root system to the branches with the ends of the string or wire. Allow the roots to hang over the rim of the vase. Clip off excess string or wire.
Step 4: “Paint” the fronts of Elaeagnus leaves, artificial Kalanchoe leaves and blooms, and Craspedia with liquid floral adhesive. TIP: “Pinch” the end of the glue tube tip with wire cutters or pliers to lessen the flow of glue.
Step 5: Once the glue has dried for approximately 30 seconds, apply the leaves and blooms to the side of the vase and the branches in a manner that creates a line or pattern that is rhythmically harmonious with the design. Layer the materials artistically to create texture, depth and interest by grouping similar leaves and random placements of different materials along the branches, vessel and root system. NOTE: These leaves and blooms can be removed easily from the vase and branches after the design has expired.
Step 6: Cut individual blooms from a second orchid plant of the same variety. Apply liquid floral adhesive to the stem and the backs of the orchid petals.
Step 7: Place the orchid blooms onto the vase and mosscovered root system randomly along the line of leaves and other blooms to repeat the color and texture of orchid in the base of design.
