Volume 1, Issue 16 August 2004

Topiary Tree

Hello Dear Subscribers,

This month I am going to show you how to create a very romantic feminine design.

This is a topiary tree made from long stemmed silk roses in a container.

Sheer ribbon is placed to spiral down and around the rose stems.

The stems are tied together with sheer ribbon to form a bow with long tails.

This design would be suitable for a table centrepiece and would be lovely for a wedding.

This design can also be made in fresh flowers.

The materials used are -
5 large long stemmed silk roses
Silk filler flowers of choice such as Queen Annes Lace and Singapore orchids
Silk foliage of choice such as ivy and box
Container
Dry foam. (Note If using fresh flowers use soaked foam)
Sheer ribbon
22 gauge wire
Floral tape

1. Cut dry foam to the required size and place it in the container. Place crumpled pieces of newspaper around the edges of the foam so it sits firmly in place.

2. Cut rose stems to the desired length and remove excess rose leaves along the stems.
Do not discard these leaves. Insert the stems into the centre of the foam. Position the roses so they sit attractively having the centre rose sitting slightly higher than the other roses. Secure the stems together at the base of the roses with floral tape winding it around 2 or 3 times

3. To give extra fullness use a hot glue gun or craft glue to secure rose leaves you removed from the rose stems around the edges.

4. Take the ribbon and glue one end around the top of the stems. Wind the ribbon spirally down and around the stems and secure in place at the bottom with glue.

5. Cut sprays of foliage to the desired length and wire the end of each stem on double legs with 22 gauge wire x 23cm (9 inches) by placing the centre of a 22 gauge wire behind the centre of the back of the stem and wind the right hand wire twice around and then bring both wires straight down together. Cover each wire stem with floral tape for about 5cm (2 inches)

6. Repeat step 4 with the filling flowers.

7. Insert the foliage into the foam having the pieces extending down over the edges of the container.

8. Insert filler flowers in the foam as shown. Any bare spaces can be filled in with moss.

9. Place the centre of the ribbon behind the stems below the roses and the tie the ribbon in a bow with long ends as shown. Cut each ribbon end on a slant.  

Adding a Personalised Touch

This design can be glamorized by adding an extra touch such as glueing in crystal sprays in amongst the flowers.  Instead of using ribbon you can use narrow silk gold or silver cord for an elegant look.
For a more modern design use bright coloured flowers such as tulips or irises in a terra cotta pot with paper twist or simmaray ribbon. (This is a coarse weave ribbon that looks like a light hessian fabric).
This is where floristry can be so creative. You can use your own touches to make each design individual.
If you are enjoying our newsletter we would appreciate your comments, please email us on info@floral-art-school.com.au

About Our School

For full information on our Floristry Diploma Course please visit our website on  http://www.floral-art-school.com.au
This lesson is briefly explained. In our Floristry Diploma Course we give you step by step illustrated instuctions. The exact measurements and exactly where to position each placement is fully explained.
If you are not already one of our students, enroll today and you will soon be on the way in creating your own artistic floral designs.

I will work with you personally to help you be all you can be in floral design.

That's it for now. Have a wonderful week!
Take care 

Warm Regards
Fay Chamoun,
Principal

Floral Art School of Australia and
International Floral Design School
This newsletter is written by Fay Chamoun,
Principal of Floral Art School of Australia and International Floral Design School.

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