By Natasha Price of Alaska Knit Nat
We’re gearing up for spring here in Anchorage and although I don’t have time for spring cleaning, the least I can do to spruce up our home is to shove fresh flowers in a vase.
Since Mother’s Day is the next floral holiday on the calendar (and often the busiest day for florists) I thought I would share a step-by-step tutorial on how you can make your own flower arrangement. Whether you’re a son, a daughter or a DIY bride, this should be helpful for anyone who is looking to be florally frugal.
If you’re in Anchorage, you can purchase beautiful greenery by the stem at Alaska Wholesale Flower Market. They range from $1.89-2.99 a stem. They also have gorgeous blooms there, but in an effort to save money I purchased grocery store flowers using a buy one, get one half off coupon.
DIY flower centerpiece
What you’ll need for this particular arrangement:
- 4 alstroemeria stems
- 5 football mums
- 4 baby’s breath stems
- 1 seeded eucalyptus branch (with at least 4 smaller branches)
- 1 baby eucalyptus branch
- one medium vase
- a roll of 1/2-inch transparent tape (purchased at Fred Meyer)
- garden shears or scissors
Step 1: Create a grid of tape across the top of the vase. There should be nine quadrants in the grid. To keep the grid from breaking while arranging, wrap tape around the top edge of the vase two times.
Step 2: Fill your vase with water and if you have a little nutrition packet, pour that in.
Step 3: Start with your seeded eucalyptus. Trim small branches off the main branch and arrange them around the vase. I try and put the droopier branches in the front to cover up the rim of the vase. If you cover some of the rim it will give your arrangement more flow.
Step 4: Now add baby’s breath to the arrangement. Not only is this good filler but it also gives your arrangement some structure so the other blooms will be better supported. If you’re not a fan of baby’s breath, waxflower is a beautiful substitute.
Step 5: Find your most stunning chrysanthemum. You’ll use this as your focal point. Trim the stem at an angle and remove any extra leaves. Determine where the front of your arrangement will be and place your mum a little off center and facing toward you. Then trim and add two more mums, turning the vase around as you place them so it can be enjoyed from all angles.
Step 6: Break the leaves off the alstroemeria stems and cut the stems at an angle. Start filling in the gaps of the arrangement with the alstroemeria. Look at the arrangement from a bird’s eye view to determine where these gaps are. Nestle in these blooms so they are tucked nicely into the arrangement.
Step 7: Trim small branches of the baby eucalyptus and place them here and there in the arrangement to fill it out and cover any gaps.
Now place your arrangement in a spot that brings you joy, such as the one moment your dining table is clear of debris.