Thursday, July 30, 2009

diy pomander

Looking for an alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet? Here’s how to make a green-themed pomander in 3 easy steps.

Thinking of making your own bridal bouquet? This green-themed pomander is a beautiful design for casual or formal events. Bells of Ireland blossoms, removed from their stems in groups, are arranged on a floral foam sphere to create a captivating pomander bouquet. The unusual chartreuse color will accent gowns — brides’, bridesmaids’, or flower girls’ — in many summer hues. Here’s how to make it happen.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bells of Ireland blooms Boutonniere pins Corded tassel Floral tape Oasis floral foam ball Oasis floral adhesive Wired picks

Knot Note: A decorative corded tassel, which has been separated into two elements, serves as the looped handle and the accenting tassel. Both items — the ends of which mu t be taped to avoid unraveling and water wicking — add a little glamour to the pomander.

STEP 1: Preparing the Pomander

Clip Bells of Ireland florets from their stems in groups, leaving the longest stems possible. Insert the groups into a saturated Oasis foam ball; if necessary, secure the placements with boutonniere pins.

STEP 2: Attach the Cord

Attach the cording loop to a wired pick. Dip the pick’s unwired end into floral adhesive, and press the pick into the floral foam ball.

STEP 3: Threading the Cord

Attach the tassel to a wired pick. Dip the pick’s unwired end into floral adhesive, and press the pick into the base of the floral foam ball.

It’s as simple as that — a 3-step process, and you have your bridal or bridesmaid bouquets. Handle with care.

Excerpted from Florists’ Review: 101 Wedding Bouquets. To order a copy of the book, call (800) 367-4708.