More and more we are seeing flowers and foliage of every variety, being transformed in ways beyond our imagination. Floral Structures magically lush or ones so captivatingly unique their construction a wondrous mystery. Weddings and events alike are embracing floral structures and installations within their designs. Hung from the ceiling as if floating through the air, grand creations meant to create focus or ones creating the illusion as if climbing and wrapping itself around the most unlikely pieces. And these designs are only getting more personal, more beautiful, and always leave a distinct mark.
If you’ve worked with naturally dried stems, you know it requires an even more delicate hand than when working with fresh florals. Even if in tact and sturdy, dried stems and blooms must be handled with care as to not alter their petals/leaves {a few of those elements will naturally fall off}. But their shape is also stiff and stoic, unlike the natural flow and movement fresh flowers and greens embrace. When installations are made with dried stems, designs celebrate the beauty of Structural Movement….
For this November Styling we are getting more technical, and using some floral mechanics. Although you may be perplexed how these pieces are made, once you see the tricks and hidden pieces holding these elements in place, and with a little practice — we can all create gorgeous structural floral pieces.
Inspired by so many creatives I’ve long admired, I’ve loved seeing the evolution of these designs in our everyday. All styles and themes are welcoming these designs, and I couldn’t wait to finally share my approachable creation with you today! We custom-built these long wooden dimensional rectangles as versatile pieces — pieces that could go from statement making centerpieces once styled to appear as if beautiful bougainvillea vines had grown within it but that can then transform into unique pieces to design, style structural florals and decor displays.
Depending on the structural piece you want to decorate, you will need a few key mechanical pieces ::
- Floral Wire + Wire Cutters
- Chicken Wire/Floral Netting, if needed {most times these floral cage pillows will work perfectly for flat/solid surfaces}
- Flowers/Greens of choice {Choose Fresh, Dried or a mixture of Both}
- Here we Used ::
- Dried Antique Hydrangea
- Dried Chestnut Leaves
- Long Grasses & Rose of Sharon Branches, both were partially fresh & drying
- Here we Used ::
- Fishing Line, if needed {this is what helps achieve a clean invisible look, as if floating}
It may not seem like many supplies for a creation that appears daunting, but trust me you won’t need it. In fact, in most designs a big factor one needs to consider is its weight and volume. Because florals can become quite heavy, while structures can be lightweight or delicate — it’s important that mechanics are strong and sturdy without creating unnecessary pressure.
Floral structures are not the kind of design pieces that can be rushed. Often, they must be made on site with great focus and care. It’s one of those decor elements that require you to enjoy the stillness of intentionally mapping out your design. So first, begin by choosing your structure that way you can consider the kind of design it can support. From there, keeping the structural needs in mind, consider your vision by getting creative with different flower selections that could help bring it too life.
Do you want a monotone color palette? Do you want only flowers or embrace a more minimalist bareness? What kind of story to you want your piece to tell, how do you want others to fell when embracing its beauty?
If there is one styling tip I believe always looks authentic and captures the eye, it’s Asymmetry. It’s the thing that makes you fall in love with something, that peaks your curiosity and excites your creativity — the thing you can’t quite put your finger on. And it’s that beautiful and intriguing asymmetrical movement that make floral structures all the more stunning.
In this design, the intention was to great a one-sided piece that was more top heavy, as if despite the hydrangeas being dried, somehow were reaching tall towards the Autumn sun. The dainty textures of paper-like petals and natural wood grains, the strong muted seasonal colors … all telling the story of a serene moment in time. One like nature, allowing us to take a slow deep breath to admire the beauty of nature’s versatility.
A design like this, whether one or multiple pieces, can be used for so many decor ideas ….. if having a celebration or gathering at home, style one alongside a lovely chair to create a lovely corner to snap photographs and create beautiful memories together. At a wedding or party, why not style several along a ceremony aisle, surrounding a head table or unique seating chart display. One piece can serve as complimentary decor for a welcome sign, a favor display or alongside an outdoor bar. The ideas are limitless…
These designs and constructions, require practice and patience, trust me! I’m very much still learning so much about floral techniques, particularly sustainable ones. So do not worry or beat yourself up if you can’t create exactly what you want right away, or if the mechanics seems daunting. Start small and work your way up, always keeping an open mind and heart when creating.
I love the beauty of how things change, it’s one of Mother Nature’s greatest lessons and gifts. Every part evolving, adapting itself to every element of nature — every detail intentional. And that is especially true even when designing an event, or any element for a special occasion.
I hope this inspires you to bring a bit of structural beauty to your next floral creations…
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