If you’re a flower enthusiast, you know the importance of having the right tools to create stunning arrangements. Floral tools are essential for any florist or DIY enthusiast looking to make beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what floral tools are, why they’re important, and how you can use them to create amazing floral creations.
Why Use Floral Tools?
Using the right floral tools can make all the difference in creating beautiful arrangements. Here are some reasons why using floral tools is essential:
1. Precision: With the right tools, you can create precise cuts and placements of flowers and foliage.
2. Efficiency: Using the right tools can save time and effort when arranging flowers.
3. Presentation: The use of floral tools can help elevate the presentation of your arrangements and make them look more professional.
4. Longevity: Properly cutting stems with sharp tools will help prolong the life of your fresh flowers.
Essential Floral Tools
Here are some essential floral tools that every florist or DIY enthusiast should have in their toolkit:
1. Pruning Shears – These shears are used for trimming stems and branches to size.
2. Floral Scissors – These small scissors are used for precision cutting of delicate flowers like roses or lilies.
3. Stem Cutters – These cutters are designed specifically for cutting thicker stems like those found on sunflowers or hydrangeas.
4. Wire Cutters – These cutters are used for snipping flower wire or crafting wire when making boutonnieres or corsages.
5. Florist Tape – This tape is used to bind together stems and wire when creating boutonnieres or corsages.
6. Floral Foam – This foam is used as a base for arranging flowers in containers or vases.
7. Floral Wire – This wire is used for a variety of tasks, including securing stems and creating floral arrangements.
How to Use Floral Tools
Now that you know the essential floral tools, let’s take a closer look at how to use them:
1. Pruning Shears – To use pruning shears, hold them firmly in one hand and grasp the branch or stem you want to cut with your other hand. Make the cut quickly and cleanly just above the node or bud.
2. Floral Scissors – Hold the flower stem you want to cut firmly with one hand and use your other hand to cut the stem with the scissors at a 45-degree angle.
3. Stem Cutters – Place the thicker stem between the blades of the cutter and apply pressure until it cuts through.
4. Wire Cutters – Hold the wire tightly with one hand and use your other hand to make a clean snip with the wire cutter.
5. Florist Tape – Cut a piece of tape to the desired length and wrap it around the stems or wires, pulling tightly as you go.
6. Floral Foam – Soak the foam in water until it’s completely saturated before inserting flowers and foliage into it.
7. Floral Wire – Use floral wire to create structure in an arrangement by bending it into shapes like hearts or circles, then wrapping flowers around it.
Floral Tool Maintenance
To keep your floral tools in top condition, follow these tips:
1. Clean your tools after each use with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly before storing them away.
2. Sharpen your pruning shears, scissors, and stem cutters regularly to ensure clean cuts every time.
3. Store your tools in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting and damage from moisture.
Conclusion
Floral tools are essential for any florist or DIY enthusiast looking to make beautiful arrangements. With the right tools, you can create precise cuts and placements of flowers and foliage, save time and effort, elevate presentation, and prolong the life of your fresh flowers. By following the above guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create stunning floral arrangements with ease.
References:
Floral Design Institute. (n.d.). Floral Tools & Supplies. Retrieved from https://www.floraldesigninstitute.com/floral-tools-supplies.html
WikiHow. (2021). How to Use Floral Foam for Fresh Flowers. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Floral-Foam-for-Fresh-Flowers
