Supplies and Containers
It is essential for every successful florist-as it is with every other business-to obtain and maintain the proper tools and supplies for the trade. Professional floral designers must have a knowledge of the various containers and of available supplies and their uses to ensure the success of their designs. There are many different types of containers for every occasion, and choosing the right one can greatly enhance the success of your floral arrangement.
Containers
Containers come in many sizes, shapes, textures, and price ranges. You can choose from glass, pottery, wicker, plastic, and brass. When you are shopping for containers, always look for quality rather than price. Always keep in mind how functional, practical, and deliverable the container will be in relation to its cost.
Containers are a very important part of the design. When determining the proper container for an arrangement, consider two important factors: (1) size and (2) decorative qualities. Will the container hold all the materials? The container must be the appropriate size to hold the arrangement and the proper amount of water. The arrangement and the container must be in the proper proportion to each other. One must not be too large or too small for the other. The container must also be sturdy enough to balance the weight and breadth of the arrangement.
The container's decorative qualities may be of little interest, or they maymake a positive contribution to the design with their color, form, or texture. The container should share the characteristics of the design-it should be equally formal or casual, and be related in color. But it should not be so intense or varied in hue or so textured that it competes with the flowers. After all, the flowers are the main ingredients. The color, texture, and style of the container should be in keeping with the setting or mood of the occasion. It should also be elegant or informal according to the purpose of the arrangement and where it will be located.
Styles of containers include cylinders for tall, long-stemmed flowers, such as gladioli, roses,and garden flowers. Bowls and trays are good for basic everyday arrangements. Flat, shallow bowls and ceramic cylinders in solid colors are the most versatile. The easiest container to to use is a large round bowl or a rectangle 7” by 14” or 10” by 12” with 3” deep straight sides.
Large containers, such as urns, are elegant-looking footed containers, and are appropriate for large church arrangements. Often urns will have handles and will reflect the Roman Period.
For special occasions, there are unlimited novelty containers, especially for babies. There are pink and blue teddy bears, baby shoes, baby rattles in ceramic; and some are even music boxes. There are novelty containers for practically every occasion.
You should also consider the composition of certain containers. For example: paper mache containers are for temporary use and are mainly for sympathy work. They may hold a half block or a quarter block of floral foam. Because moisture may leak, these containers can be placed inside other containers.
Plastic containers are probably the most popular and the most affordable. They can be found in almost any shape, style, and color. Some are decorative while others are utility and are made to go inside other containers. In choosing a plastic container, be sure to shop for quality. Other containers popular for everyday use are glass, pottery,and wicker. Some containers require liners to hold saturated form. In that case, use polyfoil or plastic.
Tools
Each designer in a flower shop should have his own set of tools. Purchasing quality tools and pocket knives are becoming very popular. Sharp quality scissors are also a must in any design room. Ribbon scissors have a slender blade and are used only for cuttin ribbons and fabric. Serrated scissors are used to cut heavy materials, such as florist wire and plastic. They are never used to cut ribbon. Wire cutters are available in different sizes and styles. Most designers prefer cutters with a spring-action handle because they are easier to operate. Wire cutters have short blades and are ideal for cutting wire, corsage stems, and other heavy materials.
Tapes
Floral tape is waxed paper that sticks to itself when it is stretched. It comes in two widths, and it is used to wrap stems, wires, and other materials. It is a necessity in assembling corsages and wedding bouquets. Floral tape is available in many colors, but the most widely used are white, green, and brown.
Waterproof tape is available in green, white, and a few other colors. It comes in widths of ¼ inch and ½ inch. It is used mainly to secure floral foam or Styrofoam to the container.
Aisle runner tape is designed to secure aisle runners to floors, usually in churches. It comes in white or beige and is 3 inches wide. It is extremely sticky and is good for large areas.
