When your flowers are arranged in water |
|
Thursday, October 29, 2009
When your flowers are arranged in water
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Find a Flower Shop Or Garden Center Online
These days anyone wanting to buy roses or other flowers has - as with purchasing any other consumer good - the option of buying them on the Internet, from online garden center websites. Though not nearly as personal as in person shopping, buying on these sites is convenient, easy and can save a good deal of driving time. As with all online sites, the quality of these websites can vary considerably, in terms of how much information they will provide about their products and services, how helpful they are in answering questions and concerns of customers, what specifics they provide as to not only prices but also shipping, and how well they actually show what they sell.
Once you have found a shop or garden center that appeals to you, take the time to evaluate it and see if it is a quality site before making a purchase. There are a number of things that you should consider: Do they provide a lot of good tips and advice? Do they offer secure credit card processing? Are their shipping and handling charges reasonable? What are your shipping options? Where can they ship and how quickly can they deliver? Spending some time researching a number of sites will make for a much better shopping experience and enable you to get a quality product at the price you want to pay.
Looking for a high quality, Portland Nursery? If you are, find plenty of great deals today at http://www.Dennis7Dees.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_R_Fisher | |
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Roots of Japanese Flower Arrangement
The Roots of Japanese
Flower Arrangement
By Ann Kameoka
and H. E. Davey
by Ann Kameoka
ado is one of the most ancient Japanese art forms. It is often called ikebana, literally "living flowers," and it is the classical art of floral arrangement that originated in Japan. (We favor the term "kado" in this online article, to emphasize that Japanese floral art is actually a Way of studying the essence of life itself and, as such, it is more than simply the skill of arranging living flowers.)
The fact that Japanese flower arrangement can, and should, function as a Way pointing toward realization is the primary focal point of this article. Many people may wonder how kado differs from Western floral art. Even more may question why you would even want to spend years studying the Japanese art of arranging flowers, when you could just grab a fist full of daisies and stuff 'em in a vase. Issues of culture and art aside, the primary difference between Western flower arrangement and kado is the Do ("Way") concept itself. This is not to say that Western-style floral art can't be practiced as a Do, or "Way of life." Indeed, any activity can become meditation and function as a Way. (In this sense, it isn't so much what you do, but how you do it that's meaningful.)
Still, kado has a long history as a Way, which is important and which will be covered in this article. Even more vital is the simple fact that from the moment it received the designation "kado," Japanese flower arrangement has directly aimed at comprehension of the Way (of the Universe). And while some critics may say kado has missed this target as often as it has hit it, this clear-cut statement of purpose, as well as the purpose itself, is what separates kado from the Western version of arranging flowers. In short, Western flower arranging does not have a history as a Way, and such a subject is infrequently a topic of discussion in the West. (Yet it is a topic of fascination for many people outside of Japan; and in fact, quite a few Japanese and American teachers of various Do forms have surmised that it is often more common for Westerners to be devoted to the Do concept than it is for their Asian counterparts.)
Kado is said to have been initially born in China, where it became popular in connection with the decoration of Buddhist temples. When Buddhism came to Japan many centuries ago, flower arrangement came with it. Over time it evolved to become a Japanese spiritual path. In this sense, it is similar to other Japanese arts such as budo (the martial Way) and shodo (the Way of calligraphy) which have also evolved to become methods of personal growth. Today, however, it is no longer the exclusive specialty of the priesthood, and it is enjoyed by vast numbers of people throughout the world.
Starting an Arts & Crafts Business
Starting an Arts & Crafts Business
Think all you need to know is how to knit or paint? Not quite. If you want to start a serious crafts business, you'll have to focus on the business and the craft.But such is life that nothing is as easy as it seems. You may have the skills to create wonderful handiwork, but starting a successful crafts business calls for much more than that. "[There's] a separation [between] those who are crafting for fun and extra money and those who start out with the idea, 'I intend to make money from this, so I'm going to do it right,'" says Barbara Brabec, a homebased business expert and author of Make It Profitable! "And I've always said in all my books that the people who succeed are those who have a financial reason to do so."
So here's your first step: Decide why you're really starting this business. "If you're doing it for love or extra money, that's fine--you can have a lot of fun. You can make enough to keep yourself in craft supplies for the rest of your life, but you're never gonna bring home the groceries," says Brabec. "If you're in it because you actually need to supplement your family income, then you need to get serious."
flower arrangements
And what does getting serious entail? Read on to find out how to get started.
Start reading. You don't necessarily need an MBA to succeed in a crafts business, but knowing how to wield a mean needle isn't enough. "It's not necessary to have a business background, but if you don't have one, [it is] necessary to read up," says Susan Brandt of the Hobby Industry Association, which counts crafts manufacturers, publishers, distributors and retailers among its members.
Brandt suggests visiting your library to find business magazines and texts as well as checking out community resources like adult school classes. "If you can visit some large gift centers or markets, try to find people who'd be willing to talk to you from noncompetitive areas," adds Brandt. "There are a lot of very generous people who remember that somebody helped them when they started."
10 Steps to Startup
- Find out about zoning regulations, licenses and permits.
- Acquaint yourself with IRS regulations.
- Register the name of your crafts business with local officials.
- Call your telephone company.
- Open a checking account for your business.
- Obtain a retailer's occupation tax registration number.
- Learn about federal regulations applicable to your crafts business.
- Set up a good record-keeping system.
- Make sure you're properly insured.
- Decide which printed materials you need in order to do an effective promotional and selling job.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Comments for Myspace
Birthday Myspace Comments
Welcome! We provide a cool selection of Happy Birthday Comments for Myspace. Happy Birthday MySpace Images Codes and Pictures are located below. We are Internet's #1 source birthday comments for myspace! We have hundreds of cool myspace birthday comments, myspace funny comments, picture codes, graphic codes, images, myspace glitter comments and many more! Thanks for visiting our site for the best MySpace Comment codes. Enjoy and Please Come Back. We continue to add new & great myspace comments for you. Tell your myspace friends about us.MySpace Happy Birthday Graphic Use: Copy one of the code below to post the Happy Birthday comment image on your myspace profile site or on other member's comment section. Even though it says it's for MySpace, you may use these on Friendster, Piczo, Xanga, Orkut, TagWorld, or any of the others you participate on. To use one of the myspace comment pictures simply copy ( Ctrl+C) the html code below the image, paste it ( Ctrl+V) into your myspace profile or/and comments area. Enjoy!
White Wedding Flowers
By Laura Firenze
Certainly there is no wedding flower more popular than the white rose. They are available all year round, in several shapes and sizes, and are just the epitome of bridal elegance. Fluffy white garden roses are magnificent flowing over the edges of tall garden urns at the reception or on the altar. A classic round white rose nosegay is a lovely accent for brides who love traditional white silk bridal gowns worn with sets of pearl bridal jewelry. And sprays of miniature roses are a wonderful addition to bouquets featuring larger blossoms.
Orchids are another favorite bridal flower. These exotic beauties are the height of elegance and sophisticated style. Delicate in appearance, orchids are actually very hardy flowers, making them as versatile as they are stunning. Try a soft and fluttery bouquet of butterfly orchids mixed with ruffly sweetpeas, or go for all out drama with a massive waterfall bouquet of impressive phalaenopsis orchids. Orchids are also extremely popular for submerged flower centerpieces.
If clean and classic is your taste, you will adore a bouquet of white tulips. A large bunch of white tulips handtied with a wide satin ribbon is as simple as a bouquet can get, yet it is also incredibly beautiful. For centerpieces, place large bunches of white tulips in blue and white Chinoiserie patterned vases. They are the perfect addition to a spring time wedding, and will look as good in your wedding photos twenty years from now as they do in person.
When large showy blooms are your thing, look into white lilies for your wedding. These flowers are quite large, which means that a small number of lilies can make a big impact. They are wonderful for tropical theme weddings, and work very well to add dimension and flair to all white centerpieces featuring mixed flowers. There are a couple of things that one should know when considering white lilies for wedding flowers. Certain varieties have a very strong fragrance that can be overpowering, so be sure to discuss the scent of the flowers that interest you with your florist. Lilies also have stamen with an orange pollen that can get all over everything; a good florist will always strip this part out of the flower before crafting lilies into arrangements, but it is wise to give the florist explicit instructions about it just to be safe.
There are numerous other white flowers that are wonderful for weddings. Preppy brides will find that bunches of hydrangeas are the perfect accent to their classic white gowns and pearl bridal jewelry sets. Spring brides will adore the old fashioned charm of tiny lily-of-the-valley flowers. And then there are white ranunculus, lisianthius, gardenias, daisies, and much much more. Whatever your style, you will be able to find a white flower that is the perfect decoration for your wedding.
Hot tub
Hot tub
A hot tub is a large home-made or manufactured tub or small pool full of heated water and used for soaking, relaxation, massage, or hydrotherapy. In most cases, they have jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are usually located outdoors, and are often sheltered for protection from the elements, as well as for privacy.There are two different styles of hot tubs:
- Simple wooden-staved soaking tubs
- One piece plastic tubs (usually referred to as spas)
Water sanitization is very important in hot tubs, as many organisms thrive in a warm, wet environment. Maintaining the hot tub water chemistry is also necessary for proper sanitization and to prevent damage to the hot tub.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Garden centre
A garden centre is a retail firm that sells plants and products related to gardens as its primary business. It is open to the public, with facilities to care for and display plants.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] UK
A garden centre in the UK sells plants, compost, fertilizers, tools and landscaping products such as statues, furniture and garden ornaments. Some also sell pet related products and small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, fish and mice.The UK has a mix of small businesses and national or regional chains. Garden centre chains in the UK include Capital Gardens, Dobbies, The Garden Store, Hillier, Notcutts, Squires and Wyevale. The DIY chains B&Q and Homebase also have garden centres. In recent years Garden centres have evolved to become a leisure destination with play centres for children, restaurants and other activities designed to improve the shopping experience and time spent at the Centre. This is partly a reachion to the DIY chains bringing down prices and the increasing threat from online Garden centres such as Crocus, Garden Oasis, Greenfingers and PickaPlant, although companies such as Capital Gardens, Dobbies, Riverside and Wyevale have responded by developing and marketing their own online operations. Some open air attractions (eg, National Trust properties, the RHS Garden, Wisley, Westonbirt Arboretum) also run small garden centres as additional sources of revenue or to discourage the unofficial taking of plant cuttings.
The centres usually obtain their plant supplies from nurseries or from specialist wholesalers.
The peak business seasons in the UK are spring (March to June) and autumn (September and October).
A garden centre offers more products and services than the traditional nursery which mainly retails plants. Garden centres offer not only garden supplies but also leisure buildings, garden furniture, products for pets and fish keeping, and giftware and home products.
The oldest garden centre in the UK is 'Plant and Harvest' in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A walled garden, built as the kitchen gardens for the Dashwood Estate, it has been selling plants since 1775.
In 2007, the retailer, Tesco, has attempted to move into the garden centre market through acquisition[1] [2]. There has been a marked trend in recent years towards online garden centres which offer the full ordering and delivery service. An example of one of these websites would be www.internetgardener.co.uk[1] which has been around since 2006
[edit] United States
Items found in US garden centers (US spelling), often called nurseries, are annual and perennial flowers, trees & shrubs, roses, container gardens, hanging baskets, houseplants, water gardening, seeds and bulbs, potting mixes, soil amendments and mulch, fertilizers and chemicals, pottery, garden tools and supplies, fountains and garden decor.Many US garden centres have other departments including wild bird feeding, floral, gift, outdoor furniture and barbecue grills, home decor, landscape design, landscaping services and pet supplies. Most garden centres have a large Christmas shop during the holiday season. Some garden centres have added a cafe or coffee bar, but not like the restaurants found in some European garden centres.
Both of the largest home improvement stores in the US--Lowe's and The Home Depot-- refer to their gardening departments as garden centres.
Greenhouses are commonly part of a garden centre. Greenhouses protect the plants from late cold snaps, allow stores to keep houseplants in prime condition, and keep the customers dry on rainy days.
Garden centres employ horticulturists who can diagnose problems and make recommendations to gardeners. This is almost always provided as a free service in the store.
Most garden centres are independently owned. There are some regional chains, but there is no national US garden centre chain.
Many garden centres belong to a buying cooperative. The largest is Master Nursery Garden Centers with just under 800 members followed by Home and Garden Showplace (part of the larger cooperative the True Value Company) with 260 members, Northwest Nursery Buyers Association with 46 members and finally, ECGC with 14 very large garden centre members.
The trade associations of independent garden centres in the US is the Garden Centers of America and the American Nursery & Landscape Association .
flower center
flower is illumination from Allah.....this is a flower beautifull
Top Countries To Work In
Working abroad isn’t for everybody, but I doubt there would be many of us who haven’t thought about getting a job somewhere more exotic than our home countries.Getting a job abroad can be one of the most fulfilling life experiences you ever take on. But it’s not quite as simple as packing a bag and heading off to the airport hopefully.
Here’s 10 tips on how you can make an international career move.
PLAN ! : - It’s the only way to manage a successful move. If an internal secondment within your current employment isn’t an option, you are going to need a job hunt strategy to ensure you are not still dreaming of the challenge by the time your next vacation comes around. If you're planning of grabbing Dubai Jobs or Singapore jobs, think of all the search tools available to you (online, networking, personal contacts etc) and plan how you are going to utilise as many as possible to your best advantage.
DRILL IT DOWN ! : - You need a very clear picture of the type of job you are actually looking for, or your search could prove disjointed. Do you want the same job, but somewhere else? A step up the ladder within your chosen profession or something completely different? A vague notion of simply ‘working abroad’ will be apparent to potential employers and won’t go down well.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ! : - Now is the time to research potential companies, countries and jobs. The best method would be going to work for your existing organisation in a foreign outpost, but if this is not possible, don’t forget to look into the logistics of necessary qualifications and Visa/residency or language issues that might discount particular roles or nations from your list.
DEVELOP & CONQUER ! : - Maybe you don’t have the necessary language and or work experience to secure your dream career move abroad. That shouldn’t be a barrier into expanding your horizons and rectifying your lack of skills. Explore ways you can boost that CV to include the perfect criteria for you to go out and get what you want!
SORT THAT CV ! : - Without being able to source that next career move face to face, your first impressions are going to be made via your resume (or CV) and covering letter. Your cover letter, needs to be concise, professional, culturally aligned with your country of choice and above all, spelt correctly! There are many online resources for help with CV’s, on how to make a resume and cover letters.
WORK IT ! : - After all, sometimes of course, it’s as much ‘who’ you know as ‘what’ you know. There is no point being the quietest jobseeker in the room. Make sure EVERYONE knows what kind of a career move you are looking for and politely ask for ways in which they can help. Use online social networking such as LinkedIn to broaden your networking horizons – it works, believe me. People in your network can help with job leads.
SCREEN IDOL ! : - You could be asked to attend a video interview. Preparation for this is vital, as you will no longer be able to rely on your written language skills, which, of course can be checked and corrected. Prepare and practice!
CHASE ! : - You MUST follow up all contacts and job leads. It might not be THE one, but who knows what it could lead on to, from a connection and contact perspective. This also shows that you are serious about taking a job abroad, and are not wasting people’s time. Remember to be assertive without being aggressive.
JUST DO IT ! : - It may seem rather rash, but there is a lot to be said for upping sticks and moving to your country of choice and finding work whilst ‘on the ground’. You would of course, have gotten your visa requirements in order and organised your finances to live without a salary for, say, anything up to 3 months, but if this is viable for you, then it could be the right move. Make sure you have paper references and all the right documents with you to speed up the process, rather than going back and forth. If this isn’t viable, then, at least a ‘job search holiday’ might be a plan.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Patio Conversation Sets Vs Traditional Patio Tables and Chairs Sets By John Berteloot
Patio Conversation Sets Vs Traditional Patio Tables and Chairs Sets
By John Berteloot
With so many choices for patio furniture these days which direction should you go? Patio furniture conversation sets have the wow factor that most crave but patio table and chair sets seem to have more functionality. Obviously there are benefits to both.
First you must determine your priorities and budget. Think too about who will be using the pieces you purchase. Will it be exclusively adults? Will there be young children or even babies? Little grandkids occasionally coming over may mean you can go one way. Little children being baby sat every week day while their parents are at work may mean you want to go another way. Once you identify who is going to use the patio furniture then you can plan for what will fit your needs.
With a patio furniture conversation set you can achieve a look that you simply cannot obtain with a plain ol' patio table and chair set. With the patio conversation set you have space for sitting, and usually a "patio coffee table" or "end table". The look of those sets is more chic and modern usually. This would be good for adults and young people who know how to keep food on their plates and in their mouths. Kids prone to spilling or needing a hard surface to eat on won't like the "eat on your lap with your drink away on a near by coffee table" conversation set. Typically you can seat or entertain more people with a patio furniture conversation set than with a table and chair set but the cost is higher.
The patio furniture table and chair set is also a good way to go. While you won't get the wow factor of the patio furniture conversation set you will get the functionality that most are accustomed to. Sometimes this is also a cheaper alternative. All in the family even little ones will feel comfortable sitting around and eating at the table and sitting in the chairs. A table and chair set is just as useful for having a chat as the conversation set but will not allow you to entertain as many at the table.
Second you need to consider your space. Will your patio or garden area allow you to have both or one or the other? After weighting these factors and considering your climate, make your choice. Remember there are many products and covers that will protect your investment from the weather and UV light. So don't worry about the patio furniture getting ruined. With the right care it will be just fine.
Garden Statues By Nancy Gluch
Garden Statues
By Nancy Gluch
Are you looking to enhance the beauty and interest of your garden or yard? Or is your yard or garden looking boring and uninteresting. The use of garden statues is an excellent way to solve these problems. By using statues you can define areas or set the mood for your garden.
You can use statues to show what interests you such as children or animals. Or you can use these statues to set the mood for the area such as classical or whimsical. Statues can also double as bird feeders, lighting, wind chimes and more
Garden statues can be used as focal points in the garden. A bed of flowers can instantly draw the eye with a well placed statue. When winter comes statues can be be focal points inyour yard or garden. Be sure to place them where they can be viewed from indoors.
Another use for statues is to draw you further in to explore the garden. A glimpse of an interesting statue can invite you down a path to see what else is there.
In formal gardens with hedge edgings garden statues of classical gods and goddesses are appealing uses. In a whimsical garden you might use fairy statues.
If you are interested in a jungle or safari theme, garden statues of lions, giraffes and other animals can be placed amid grasses and small trees. Having the statues partially hidden invites the visitor to truly look at your garden to find the hidden animal statue. Many of the new grasses that are available lend themselves well to a safari theme.
People interested in the mystical might try a garden with statues of wizards and dragons. Creeping plants work well here or build a "cave" of vines for your statue to inhabit. Dragons can also be used around ponds for an unexpected twist.
If you are interested in a garden to amuse you, statues of gnomes might be the way to go. Garden statues of gnomes can be used in almost any type of garden. The statues of these ancient creatures can be amusing, whimsical or droll.
Garden statues can also be used to define an entrance. Whether the entrance to your driveway, patio or front porch, statues can be used to mark the entrance and guide people in. In large subdivisions, the use of statues at the end of a driveway is a good locator when giving directions.
Another use of garden statues is to enhance an architectural detail of your house or business. An appropriately placed statue can draw emphasis to the feature. A statue can also be used to further define the character of the house or business. Lastly garden statues can be used to hid flaws or unattractive features,
Outside of the garden, statues can be used in the yard to break up an expanse of green grass. On the patio statues can be used to enhance the over all decor. Some garden statues also double as light at night.
As you can see garden statues have many uses and numerous possibilities in your yard and garden. So get started and bring a few statues home.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Florist Rose Trade - The Most Popular Flower Sold at Florists part II
Until recently, the
Since then, there has been a big push from South America, especially
Today,
Exhibiting Florist Roses
Florist roses are very popular with the exhibitors. They typically have good exhibition form with lots of petal substance to hold up for judging. However, most florist roses do not grow well outdoors. They were developed for greenhouse growing only and were never tested outside. Over the years, only a few florist roses succeeded in growing well outside the greenhouse. Sonia was the first of these. This long-time standard for peach roses did very well outside. Next was the deep red Kardinal. Perfect form, but the blooms shrink in the heat. It is still grown and wins today. One of the best specimens I have ever seen was at the 1994 national convention in
Other florist roses have been tried outdoors, but few have succeeded outdoors and on the show table for very long. Roses like Leonidas, Osiana, Opulence, Perfumella, Blue Bell, Anna, Barock, Belle Rouge, Claudia, Sorbet, Orlando, Red Velvet, Corina, Duchess, Hollywood, and Vendela have pretty well come and gone.
Hybridizing Florist Roses
For the hybridizers, creating a good florist rose is a gold mine and most will test roses specifically for the greenhouse. Compared to the general rose market, the odds of hitting a good florist rose is about ten times higher than a good garden rose. When we toured Jackson & Perkins testing facility a few years back, we were told that only one maybe two will ever make it to the next cut for the florist market. Tantau of Germany has been a big producer of florist roses in recent years.
From the 1900s though the 1940s, most of the florist roses were developed by E.G. Hill. Starting in the 1950s, Jackson & Perkins created many of the florist varieties, especially roses hybridized by Eugene Boerner, in the earlier years. Most of the American florist roses today are from Jackson & Perkins and Weeks Roses.
Meanings of Rose Colors
Over time, certain rose colors had a special meaning. Here is a list of some of the more common colors and their meanings.
Red roses mean love, passion and respect.u
Pink roses mean happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship and sympathy.u
Light pink roses mean grace, joy, gentility and admiration.u
Dark pink roses mean thankfulness.u
Lavender roses symbolize enchantment, and love at first sight.u
White roses mean spiritual love, virginity and purity. They can alsou mean secrecy, reverence, humility, worthiness, innocence or charm.
Yellow roses mean friendship, joy, gladness or freedom.u
Coral roses mean desire.u
Peach roses mean modesty.u
Orange roses mean a feeling of enthusiasm, desire and fascination.u
White and red roses mixed together mean unity.u
Red and yellow roses together mean congratulations.u
Red and white roses mean unity.u
Yellow and orange roses mean passionate thoughts.u
Pink and white roses mean enduring love.u
Black roses mean farewell or death.u
Also, roses have other meanings:
A rose in general means love.u
A single rose means “I still love you.”u
Two roses together mean a commitment or forthcoming marriage.u
Light colored roses mean friendship.u
A Rosa
A damask rose means brilliant complexion, bashful love.u
A moss rosebud means confession of love.u
A thornless rose means early attachment.u
A wild rose means simplicity.u
A rosebud (except red or yellow) means young girl.u
A
A musk rose means capricious beauty.u
A withered white rose means death or loss of innocence.u
12 roses mean gratitude.u
25 roses mean congratulations.u
50 roses mean unconditional love.u
The rose has been big in
Steve Jones is currently the Vice President of the American Rose Society. This article is reprinted from the July/August 2004 issue of “Rose Ecstasy,” bulletin of the Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society, Kitty Belendez, Editor.
© Copyright 2004, Steve Jones, All Rights Reserved.
The Florist Rose Trade - The Most Popular Flower Sold at Florists
The Florist Rose Trade - The Most Popular Flower Sold at Florists
by steve jones
History of Florist
Roses are the most popular flower sold at florists and flower markets. It has become the symbol of love, affection, and friendship. If your spouse is mad at you, or you want to impress your new sweetie, what do you usually do? Send a dozen roses, of course. Roses have become so popular that the colors represented some sign of emotion. But roses were not always the top florist flower.
Before the 1850s, roses were not as popular as they are today. There were several reasons, but mostly they didn’t bloom very well and didn’t take to forcing in greenhouses. Roses were spring and summer flowers only. During this time, hybrid perpetuals were just being introduced and a few tea roses as well.
Hermosa (China, light pink, <1837) was the first rose to make a big splash in the florist market. It was the first rose that could be forced to bloom during the winter. At that time roses were largely sold as buds for use in corsages and small bouquets. Stems 2-6 inches long were the norm, even though they could get an occasional 10-12 inch stem. However, long stems were not the rage and few cared. Foliage and stems didn’t matter since most of the roses ended up in corsages.
After Hermosa, the tea rose Safrano (apricot, 1839) became the most popular rose. Next was the tea, Bon Silene, aka the Boston Tea Rose. The reddish color made this rose quite popular. Other tea roses and hybrid perpetuals came onto the market: Isabella Sprunt, Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, Anna de Diesbach, Magna Carta, Marechal Neil, and Ma Capucine to name a few. In the late 1800s, Anna de Diesbach was the rage, to be replaced by the long stems of American Beauty, which was replaced by Mme Falcot. Even Noisettes were sold as florist roses, but mostly to people who used them to breed.
American Beauty (1885) made one of the biggest splashes in the florist industry, but it almost didn’t. The rose was imported from France by the rose historian George Bancroft. The rose produced deep red, long-stemmed roses. It was a very fussy and temperamental rose and was almost discarded until the growers found what conditions made it grow and produce well. The stems were legendary and in one of the earliest ARS shows, there was a class calling for the longest-stemmed American Beauty. The winner had a stem 9 feet long!
However, American Beauty was not the most popular red rose at the time nor was it the rage for as long as Meteor (deep pink, 1887). Meteor was from Rudolf Geschwind and classified as a noisette. It was almost another rose that was destined for the trash heap when by accident a nursery left a few plants next to the boiler and sitting in water. They found it flourished in heat and needed a lot of water.
It was during this time around 1900, that roses became one of the most popular florist flowers, replacing carnations, and helped the fledgling American Rose Society become a serious organization. Roses claimed the title of the Queen of Florist Roses, and it still continues today. The first 14 Presidents of the ARS were either florists, rose growers, or nurserymen. ARS was originally formed as a professional organization, but amateur gardeners were never discouraged from joining. It wasn’t until 1916 that they made a serious attempt to appeal to the casual gardener and form the basis of the organization as it is today.
The time came for hybrid teas to replace the older rose classes. With hybrid teas came more colors, longer blooming periods and amount of bloom. Liberty, Killarney, and Richmond were some of the popular red hybrid tea roses. Killarney and their sports dominated the market. A former President of the ARS, Wallace Pierson, wrote that Killarney and its sports make a family all their own and have done more for American varieties than any other rose. This was true as White Killarney and Double White Killarney were the best whites for many years in the 1910s on.
Ophelia (light pink) and her sports were quite popular and Radiance (light pink) and her sports dominated the market for awhile. One of the best winter blooming hybrid teas was Hoosier Beauty. Other top roses were Hadley, Talisman, Wellesley, Mrs. Francis Scott Key, and Mrs. Charles Russell.
Yellow was a difficult color to get into roses, and the noisette Marechal Neil held the top yellow place for many years after it was introduced in 1864. Other early yellow roses were Mrs. Aaron Ward, Lady Hillingdon, and Souvenir de Claudius Pernet. A favorite yellow in 1916 was Sunburst, but it wasn’t the best yellow.
Some roses were better known at certain times of the year. Some were spring roses, others fall or winter. Richmond was the best red rose at Christmas.
In the early years, American Beauty, Bride and Bridesmaid were the only roses commonly seen at florist shops. However in time, people tired of them and looked for other roses. It wasn’t to say they were bad roses, they just fell victim to the changing tastes of the public. Starting in the 1920s, hybrid teas pretty well dominated the florist rose market which continues to this day.
During the 1930s, some of the most popular florist roses were the yellow Captain Glisson, red Peerless, yellow blend Yellow Dot, and the pink Sweet Adeline. Captain Glisson proved to be a valuable breeding rose as it was used to produce several florist varieties. In the 1940s, there were several florist roses that hit the market including the yellows Barbara Mason, Yellow Beauty, and Nuggets; the reds Coral Sea, Glamour Girl, Hill Crest, Lucile Supreme, Red Delicious, Spitfire and its sport Spitfire Improved; and the pinks Jean MacArthur (named for the wife of General MacArthur), Mrs. Jeannette G. Leeds, Peter’s Briarcliff, and Rosy Glow. During the 1950s, some floribundas made their way into the florist market including White Garnette, Feurio, and Fire Opal. Hybrid teas from the 1950s include the yellow Alice Manley, red Christmas Cheer, white Halo, and pink Pink Glow.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Top 20 Red, White and Blue Flowers For a Patriotic Garden
The Top 20 Red, White and Blue Flowers For a Patriotic Garden
By Emma Castille
20) Edging Lobelia -'Crystal Palace' This small plant is a deep cobalt blue with small deep green stems. This plant prefers cooler weather so be sure to provide some shade in hotter areas. The blue annual will grow well in all zones.
19) Darwin Tulip -'San Remo' This tulip has brilliant red flowers that bloom in the spring. The leaves are a bluish-green. The Darwin Tulip grows best in zones 3-8
18) Wax Begonia -'Vodka' The Vodka Wax Begonia is a bright red in color and blooms from spring through to fall. The leaves are a waxy maroon. This plant does very well in either sun or shade and is suitable for all zones.
17) Crocus -'Snow Storm' This dainty white spring flower gives off a delightful scent. The leaves are extremely narrow. It grows best in zones 3-8
16) Larkspur -'Blue Spire' At close to 3 feet tall this spiked flower grows in a beautiful shade of blue. Its leaves are lacy. This annual will survive well in all zones.
15) Campsis -'Crimson Trumpet' As the name suggests this is a large red flower with dark green leaves. It can grow over 30 feet tall and thrives best in zones 5-9.
14) Viburnum -'Mariesii' A delightful spring bloom of pure white, this beautiful little flower can grow up to 6 feet if left ungroomed. It grows best in zones 5-8.
13) Wax Begonia -'Whiskey' This plant produces dense mounds of white blooms from spring to fall. The leaves are maroon. The plant grows well in either sun or shade. It is an annual suitable for all zones.
12) Camassia leichtlinii -Blue spikes of flowers characterize this late spring bloom. The plant grows best in zones 3-10.
11) Dutch Iris - 'Blue Ribbon'-Deep blue late spring flowers will dazzle you garden. Zones 3-9 suit this iris best.
10) Wax Begonia - 'Pizzazz White'-Pure white mounds of flowers sprout from this plant. With its waxy green leaves, this annual thrives in either sun or shade and in all zones.
9) Morning Glories - This wonderful flower comes in red, white and blue. Intertwine all 3 colors up a wall with a white background and you will make quite a spectacular patriotic statement in your garden. These plants can survive well in all zones.
8) Bachelor's Buttons - These are another plant that have red, white and blue blooms. If laid out correctly you can actually form the American flag in your garden. The gray leaves form a nice background. These plants grow well in all zones.
7) Cosmos -'Purity' This annual grows in all zones. The flowers are pure white with lacy green leaves.
6) Cordyalis -'Blue Panda' The blue springtime flowers are tube-like. They grow in zones 4-8.
5) Peony-'Heritage' Blooming in the late spring, these scarlet flowers with dark green leaves grow up to 3 feet tall. They thrive best in zones 2-8.
4) Bearded Iris-'Icy Snowflake' White as the snow with sword like leaves, this ruffly flower grows best in zones 3-9.
3) Sweet Alyssum -'Little Dorrit' Sweet is truly a appropriate name for this wonderfully scented little white flower. It grows in clusters from spring to fall. The Alyssum likes cool sunny weather. It is annual that will reseed and it grows well in all zones.
2) Clematis -'Multi Blue'-Lilac-blue in color, this early summer blooms grows on a vine that can reach 15 feet. Other varieties of Clematis come in red and white and like the Morning Glories can be intertwined to create a wonderful patriotic display. The Clematis prefers zones 3-9.
1) Azalea -'Joseph Hill'-Possible one of the most popular and beautiful plants in our nation is the Azalea. This is variety is a bright red, blooming in spring. The zones the Azalea prefers are 5-8 but can thrive in zone 9 with plenty of water and partial shade.
Show you American spirit in a new and exciting way. Plant a red, white and blue patriotic flower garden using either the blooms mentioned above or some of your own plant ideas. It is sure to be a showstopper and a great way to show pride in your country.
Unique Flowers & Gifts
Meanings of Irises
Meanings of Irises
With striking uniqueness and beauty, irises have rich meanings, and when given as gifts, they can convey deep sentiments. With over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colors, the iris, which fittingly takes its name from the Greek word for "rainbow," can be found in virtually every part of the world, growing both naturally and in farms. While garden irises can come in any of these many varieties, the flower's cut versions are mostly blue (the most popular type), white, and yellow.
The iris's history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth. Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris’s exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, the meaning of irises became linked to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized national symbol of France. From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.
Through its intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope, and wisdom. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. Irises may also express courage and admiration. The many meanings of the iris makes the flower a great choice for an array of gift giving occasions: corporate, sympathy, get well, thinking of you, and birthday are just some of the occasions for which irises might be the perfect choice.
Today, the iris is the state flower of Tennessee, and the Fleur-de-lis is the emblem for the city of New Orleans. Irises are cultivated all over the world, and they can be found naturally in Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, Asia, and North America.
Send Iris Flowers
Meanings of Gerbera Daisies
When you want to send the gift of cheer, gerbera daisies are your sure choice. Distinguished by large flowering heads that closely resemble those of sunflowers, gerbera daisies come in a vibrant rainbow of colors. Bright pink, snow white, sunny yellow, and ruby red are just a few of the gorgeous colors that these happy flowers boast.
The gerbera daisy was discovered in 1884 near Barberton, South Africa, by Scotsman Robert Jameson. While the flower’s scientific name, Gerbera jamesonii, recollects the name of its founder, the meaning of its common name draws from German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Breeding programs that began in England in 1890 enhanced the flower’s quality and color variations. The gerbera daisy’s popularity soon traveled to growers in the Netherlands which, along with Columbia, is the primary distributor of the flower’s cut version today. The gerbera currently ranks as the fifth most popular flower in the world behind the rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, and tulip.
The meanings of gerbera daisies stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available. An assorted bouquet of gerbera daisies can lift the spirit and sending one is an ideal way to brighten someone’s day. The sheer multitude of available varieties has helped the gerbera daisy become a favorite choice for many different occasions – birthdays, get well, congratulations, thank you, and more.
There are many types of flowers which can help to express our thoughts and feelings for our loved ones, but the gerbera daisy and its meaning stand out as one of the most distinctly bright and merry. With its bold and striking appearance, the gerbera daisy has become the most highly-prized daisy variety. When you send gerbera daisies, know that these fresh flowers convey a deeply meaningful message and make a lively lasting impression.
Unique Flowers & Gifts
Unique Flowers & Gifts
ProFlowers' Unique & Different Collection offers some of the best of what's around. Classy, whimsical, elegant, exotic, and bright, our unique flowers are always great gifts for the people you love most. Our unique flowers have character, so match them up with the tastes of your favorite people and occasions. Orchids can dress up and go corporate or dress down and say thanks. Calla lilies – delicate, bright, and beautiful - always say, “You're extra special to me.” Designer rose varieties are for those milestone romantic occasions. Choose the right selection from our Unique & Different Collection and really appreciate your special someone in just the right ways.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Queen of Flowers
The Queen of Flowers, ca. 1430–40
Master of the Playing Cards (German, active ca. 1425–50)
Engraving printed from two plates
The Queen of Flowers is one of the exceptionally beautiful and delicate prints created by the Master of the Playing Cards, the first great figure in the history of engraving. The name traditionally given to this anonymous printmaker, who probably worked in Alsace, derives from a group of approximately seventy printed cards that survive in unique or rare impressions. As with present-day playing cards, fifteenth-century decks consisted of number and figure cards of different suits. The Master of the Playing Cards' set was composed of flowers, birds, deer, wild men, and beasts of prey. In this print, the suit of flowers is represented by a large unfurling blossom that was printed from a different plate than the demure queen. For expediency, the Master cleverly engraved separate plates for each of the figures and each of the suit signs so that they could be printed in varying combinations. The variety of images within each suit suggests that he may also have used the cards as model books of motifs for artists and craftsmen.
The overall soft tone and the slight slippage in the face of the queen suggest that this small work was printed by hand rather than with the rolling press, which came into common use later in the fifteenth century.
Your Wedding Ceremony - The Proper Way to Carry a Bouquet at Your Perfect Wedding Ceremony
Your Wedding Ceremony - The Proper Way to Carry a Bouquet at Your Perfect Wedding Ceremony
By Ann Keeler Evans
How many weddings have you been to where the bride and her bridesmaids have walked down the aisle acting as if they were carrying something unpleasant rather than a handful of beautiful flowers? This is one of those little things that both jars me as I stand watching a line of beautiful women walk toward me and makes me scratch my head. I don't know why either the wedding planners or the florists aren't teaching you how to hold your bouquets. One of the wedding planners jobs is to make you look great. Looking as if you know how to handle a bouquet simply makes you look more at ease. It lets the flowers do their job which is to declare you a gorgeous confident woman. The florist has spent hours making your flowers perfect. Making sure you carry your bouquet correctly allows the world to notice how beautiful the flowers are and not that the bride looked as if the stems to the flowers might have been too hot to handle or to hold too close to her body. You got these flowers to celebrate your marriage to your wonderful partner. Enjoy them.
So a few simple pointers to help you be comfortable at your wedding ceremony.
Make sure that your bouquet and those of your attendants are not so heavy that you won't be able to hold them through your wedding.
A wedding bouquet is held at about belly button height. Hold your hands snug against your belly (which offers you support in holding the flowers and doesn't let anyone see that your hands are shaking!).
You hold the flowers toward the community, not the stems. No one wants to see the stems, no matter how beautifully wrapped.
If you're carrying a sheaf of flowers, they rest in the crook of your left arm like a baby. Borrow your friend's baby and practice a bit. Look at old movies about Pageant winners.
Practice the royal wave, you may want to use it that day, you'll certainly feel like royalty.
If you're carrying a ball of flowers suspended from a ribbon on your wrist, fold that arm across your waist so that the ball hangs down the front of your gown.
A nosegay, or tussy-mussy is a lighter bouquet which can be held at belly button level if large enough or simply at waist level.
During the ceremony, have a small table with a receptacle that can hold your flowers while you're needing your hands. The vase will have to be heavy enough to hold the flowers without tipping over. (Stones or glass marbles in the bottom of the vase can help that.) You may want to hand off your flowers, but many of the bouquets are so heavy these days that it can be too much to hold two bouquets.
You'll want the same vase at the reception so that your flowers can be displayed to their full advantage. And the attendants will need vases in front of them as well.
Flower balls should be light enough that they can continue to swing from your wrist (and not so long they drag on the ground should you drop your arm to the side.).
Tussy-mussies can often tuck into a loop at the waste of your dress, if you have thought about it. Otherwise, they can sit in a smaller vase.
There. Simple, easy, and now you're set to be a beautiful bride and the queen of your day as you join your heart with your beloved's in marriage.
Bottom Line?: Give your relationship the chance it deserves to succeed wildly, against all odds! After all, you deserve it. Your relationship deserves it! If you want in-depth pointers, ideas, information about designing your perfect wedding ceremony, explore my site! And now I'd like to invite you to sign up to receive 2 free templates for creating the wedding vows of your dreams and the marriage of a lifetime: http://annkeelerevans.org/weddings/free
The Rev. Ann Keeler Evans - helping you move from "I do" to happily and healthily ever after!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Calendula Oil - A Warm, Golden Infusion to Use For Wounds, Skin Inflammation and Varicose Veins By Judy Lausch Platinum Quality Author
Calendula Oil - A Warm, Golden Infusion to Use For Wounds, Skin Inflammation and Varicose Veins
By Judy Lausch Platinum Quality Author
The Calendula flower is a very bright orange flower in the same family as the marigold flower. It is a native of the Mediterranean region, originally grown in Egypt on the border of Nile. The whole flower blossom is utilized for its medicinal properties.
Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, its help with varicose veins, its usefulness in healing stubborn wounds, and its effectiveness in treating skin problems. It is an excellent base oil for chapped skin and sunburns, and is commonly used in caring for superficial burns, insect bites and eczema. The wound healing properties have been documented in many studies, and many believe that a combination of lipophilic extracts and hydrophilics extracts such as flavonoids and saponins help promote healing and skin repair.
Calendula oil has also been useful for treating venous problems such as varicose veins. In cases of venous inflammation, the oil or ointment should be applied lightly. This base oil provides a wonderful opportunity to add essential oils, such as lemon and cypress--also known to help with venous problems. Studies have shown that symptoms of varicose veins and venous congestion are inhibited with consistent application.
The medicinal qualities of Calendula have been known for centuries. More recently, its antioxidant properties have been cited as one of the reasons for its effectiveness. Calendula has been proven to aid in wound healing, and is frequently included in first aid ointments.
As an aromatherapist, I always have some Calendula oil on hand to make salves for burns, bruises, and cuts but mostly to use as a carrier base for essential oils used for skin care. I have found that a supply of Calendula oil is wonderful for applying to cold sores, light cuts, bruises and burns, but it is also one of my favorite carrier oils to use with other essential oils in skin care. I like to make my own Calendula infusion, and have given instructions for making macerated oils in another ezine article titled: How to Make Your Own Macerated Oils for Skin Care.
It is important to note that although the therapeutic Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is sometimes referred to as "marigold", it is a very different plant from the common variety (Tagetes patula or Tagetes minuta) found in flower gardens.
A registered nurse and a registered aromatherapist, Judy has a special interest in using essential oils in health care and prevention. For information about Judy and for ways to obtain her favorite essential oils, visit her Web page at: http://home.comcast.net/~judy922/site
Seven Healing Wonders of the Calendula Flower
Seven Healing Wonders of the Calendula Flower
By Catherine Potin Platinum Quality Author
The Calendula flower is a very bright orange flower. From the family of the Marigold plant and can grow in pots, window boxes or outside in the garden. Calendulas love the sun and are very easy to care for. Plant preferably around April, you can harvest the flowers from early summer to late fall depending of your location. Originally grown in Egypt on the border of the Nile, it was already used before Cleopatra's time for its healing properties. Healers from the Meditterranee and the Middle East utilize the whole flower for different medicines. (Skin, digestive system, wounds, vascular problems just to name a few.)
The easiest way to take advantage of all the properties of this wonderful plant is to harvest the whole flower and separate the petals before placing them in a flat basket. Actually you might use any natural container as long as the petals can breathe. Cover with a clean cloth and let dry for a few days in a warm dark place. As any medicine herbs they need to dry in the dark to keep their healing properties. Store in a glass dark jar preferably or away from the light in a cool place. Then just use the petals, as you need them.
1. Sun damaged Skin
Infuse the Calendula petals with carrier oil at very low heat for about 8 hours in double boiler so you do not burn the oil. Strain the petals in cheesecloth and keep aside. Add the infused carrier oil with equal amount of Carrot seed oil and Apricot Kernel oil. Most recommended carrier oils are: jojoba oil, grape seed oil, wheat germ oil, and hemp oil.
2. Soothing and Relaxing Bath
Take the cheese clothes with the Calendula petals from the above recipe and put them in your warm bath. It will soothe and heal your skin. It is particularly efficient for dry and itchy skin. For a more relaxing moment, add a few Lavender essential oil drops and light a scented candle. The bright orange color of the flower will also bring some sun to your soul during the long winter blues.
3. Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Use the carrier oil infused with the Calendula petals as a daily moisturizer for your body. Keep in a cold place or even in the fridge. Another way to create a nice moisturizer for the body is to use olive oil. Add the petals to an organic cold pressed olive oil, in a dark glass jar and let it sit for 12 to 15 days. You will know it is ready because of the dark orange color. Use a cheesecloth to drain the oil before using it. With olive oil it is better to add a little bit of Vitamin E before storing to naturally preserve the moisturizer. Be aware that if you keep it in the fridge, the olive oil will solidify.
You actually can use the same process with any kind of oil you would like: Avocado oil, coconut oil, almond oil, pumpkin seed oil, rosehip oil and the oils listed above are the most common carrier oil. Again you can keep the cheese clothe with the Calendula petals and use it in your bath.
If you do not have use for it right away, place the cheese clothe in a close container in the fridge. It will keep for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Healing Wounds
The medicinal properties of Calendula are very complex and well research. I just want to pass on a few of Grandma recipes. The following are an alternative to commercial antiseptics and ointments. I always have a little jar of Calendula oil at my house in my first aid kit. I have found that applying a little bit of Calendula Oil on scratches, cold sores, light cuts, bruises and burns have worked very well for me, my dog and the kids.
5. Calendula Tincture
1 cup of petals mixed with vodka and distilled water: 2 part vodka, 1 part water until the petals are covered. Seal it off with saran wrap. Let it sit in a warm dark place for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain the petals and put the tincture in a dark glass jar. Take 3 or 4 drops in a 1 oz glass of water for digestive problems and gastro intestinal upsets.
6. Tea
Infuse the dry leaves with boiling water to make a wonderful natural tea. Very good for sluggish liver and upset stomach.You can mix with nettle leaves or fresh mint leaves for a different taste and more healing properties.
7. In Cooking a Great Alternative to Saffron
Rich in vitamin C, it is a great add on to salads, soups, and pasta or rice dishes. Nice colorful finishing touch for your dish, the petals are pleasing to the eye and the palate as well as healing for the digestive system. When you cook your rice or your sauces with a few petals, they will naturally turn to yellow or orange.
It is easy to plant Calendula seeds. They prefer a light well drained soil with full exposure to the sun. If you were going to use the flowers and the petals for consumption, I would recommend buying organic seeds. This plant reseeds easily so all you have to do is let a few flowers go to seeds for your next year harvest. It is important to collect your Calendula flowers when the flower is wide open and healthy. This is when all of the healing properties are their peak. Plant around April and you can harvest until late in the fall. If you do not have a garden, planting the seeds in window boxes will work very well to.
Catherine Potin is a succesful entrepreneur and publisher of Healthy Facial Care Her drive is to create a multifacet program to healthy skin from the inside out. This concept brings together the interlink of diet for a clear skin, natural facial care and time out in your home spa. Each step is unique and with that makes it easy to choose the appropriate regimen for your skin and well being.
Shopping For Flower Hair Accessories By Lucy House Platinum Quality Author
Shopping For Flower Hair Accessories
By Lucy House Platinum Quality Author
Flower hair accessories come in just about every shape and size imaginable. In most situations, having that kind of choice is a great thing, but with hair flowers it can be overwhelming. If you aren't sure what you want, or what looks good with your hairstyle, you're going to have a hard time finding the perfect match for you. This article will take a look at how different sizes and shapes of hair flowers work with different hairstyles.
When you find a place that sells flower hair accessories it's really easy to get carried away. First, chill out and take a deep breath. You're going to need your wits to make this work as well as possible!
The most important thing to consider when shopping for these is what your hair is normally like. Different hairstyles will accommodate a hair flower differently. Long hair generally works great with large flowers, but if the hair is both long and straight you may not be able to use the same size. "Large" up do's work the best with the larger flowers. A flower that looks great and balanced in a wedding up do can look like a hat on someone with short hair.
Flower for short hair is a bit different. If you have short hair you're going to have a hard time finding a regular sized flower that doesn't make your head look really big. In this situation, use a flower hair clip like an accessory instead of a hair piece. Find two smaller flowers and use one on each side for a good balanced feel.
Finding the look that's best for you either boils down to trial and error or instinct. If you're new to wearing flowers in your hair you're probably going to have to try a few before you get the hang of what works the best. After you've been doing it for a while, you'll know the second you see a flower whether or not it will look good.
Lucy House is an expert at finding off the wall fashion at great prices. She recommends Lucy's Blooms Hair Flowers (different Lucy!) for your hair flower needs. Lucy's Blooms handcrafts all of the basic hair flowers, as well as custom bridal hair flowers.
Type Forsythia
Type Forsythia
1. Flower Carnation
This Flower usually identik with January month;moon, its for beautiful surely beautiful and as according to its name
2. Flower Violet
as according to its colour that is calm violet and fresh usually in Februari
3.Flower Jonquil
its name [is] rather bizzare and likely please.
CALENDULA
Sunday, October 11, 2009
How To Make Paper Flowers
How To Make Paper Flowers
It isn't hard to make paper flowers you will need a few materials and tools, which you probably already have a lot of these things in your home if you do crafting. Such as scissors, craft glue, floral wire, floral tape, wire cutter, either quilters plastic or thin cardboard for making your templates or patterns, knitting needle, and a ruler this is a lot of what you might need.
Next you will need to cut out all the parts for your flowers, then you will start making the flower itself by putting the petals in the order that they need to be, the instructions for your paper flower will tell you how and where they are to be arranged and if they need any type of shaping.
If your flower has a stamen then you can use an artificial one or you can make your own, usually if the flower instructions calls for a stamen then there should also be a pattern for making the stamen for the flower. When making your flower then add the stamen to the stem with glue and sometimes you will need to wire it to the stem to hold it in place on the stem before you add the petals of your flower.
When you make the leaves you may want to add a small wire down the center of the leaf for more support, either on the underside of your leaf or it can be sandwiched between two leaf shapes, I prefer this method all you need to do is place the wire between two leaf shapes, glue the wire down the center of one of the leaves then glue the two leaf shapes together, then using a knitting needle draw a few lines in the leaf (do not press to hard or you may tear your leaf) so it looks like the veins of a leaf for a more realistic look.
The next step is to wrap the flower stem with floral tape, then re-wrap the stem this time adding your leaves as you wrap the stem here and there down the stem to make it look like a real flower stem.
You may want to add a little color to the flower, if so you will need to do this before you put the flower petals together so you can get the color where you want it to go. There are several different ways to add color to your flowers you can use craft paints, colored markers (they may bleed into the paper), crayons, and chalk are some.
To make your paper flowers shine and make them hold their shape better you may want to get a spray gloss that is for paper projects and spray your paper flowers. This will bring out the colors more and give your flowers a nice shine.
For some of your paper flower projects you may want to add a little glitter or beads to add a little dazzle to them. All you need is glitter that you can find in craft stores spray the flower with a little spray glue sprinkle on some glitter let dry and spray with spray gloss, this helps keep the glitter from shedding. If you like beads then get glue that dries clear and add the glue to the flower and stick on the bead, do not use a heavy bead or it will weigh down your flower petals, you can use beads for the flower center or just put them here and there on the petals to make your flower fancy.
This is how to make paper flowers. There are books on the Internet that gives you detailed instructions, patterns, what tools and materials you need for each flower, and shows a finished picture. So if this makes you want to try your hand at making paper flowers then check out the Internet for some of the books and information on them.
For the most and best descriptive book on How to Make Paper flowers since the 1920's go to: