Hands-on Hand-tied

“This modern hand-tied bouquet highlights the strength of vibrant color and striking textural applications ”

A well-constructed hand-tied bouquet will always be timeless and versatile in global floral design. While it stands the test of time in every sense of the saying and is seen more frequently in European flower shops, it is a composition to be mastered and utilized for designers of all levels.

Outlined below are the steps floral designer Orit Hertz, EMC, uses when constructing one of her favorite hand- tied compositions that is a study in color, texture, rhythm and movement.

MATERIALS

Oncidium ‘Gower Ramsey’, Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Pink Joey’ (dwarf kangaroo paw), Amaranthus caudatus (love-lies-bleeding, tassel flower), Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Trick’, Pannaria lurida (wrinkled shingle lichen), tree branches and burlap ribbon from sources of your choice; Oasis Florist Wire (16 gauge), Floratape Stem Wrap (Green) and Oasis All-temp Glue Sticks from Smithers-Oasis North America.

STEP 1

Place two glass bowls upside down on a piece of cardboard to draw outer and inner circles. For this bouquet, I used an 8-inchdiameter bowl for the outer circle and a 6-inch-diameter bowl for the inner circle.

STEP 2

Cut out the resulting cardboard ring, which will be the framework for the bouquet.

STEP 3

Wrap four pieces of wire with stem wrap.

STEP 4

Insert one length of wire into the inside edge of the cardboard ring, extending about one-fourth of its length from the outside edge of the ring.

STEP 5

Wrap the shorter end of the wire (at the outer edge of the cardboard) over the top of the ring (and back under the ring, if there is enough wire). Bend the longer end of the wire (at the inner edge of the ring) downward. Repeat Step 4 and this step three times, placing the wires at equidistant intervals. These four wires will form a handle for holding the ring and securing it to the bouquet.