Wire
Wire is probably the most widely used item in the florist shop. It is necessary for practically every design that is created.
Florist wire is usually precut in 18 inch pieces. It comes in weights ranging from 26 gauge to 30 gauge. It is usually packaged in 12 pound boxes and may be green (enamaled) or silver (bright). Usually, the green wire is better because the bright wire tends to rust. Florist wire is used to bind materials, strengthen stems, and construct corsages and bouquets.
Paddle wire is a continuous roll wound on a wooden paddle. It is used to create garlands and to bind large materials.
Chicken wire is available in 12 inch and 18 inch widths in 150 foot rolls. It is placed over floral foam to stabilize heavy stems and to form topiary shapes.
Pins and Picks
Pins and picks are standard items in floral shops, and they are used for connecting materials and securing items in arrangements.
Greening pins are v-shaped and are used to secure moss or ribbon to foam.
Dixon pins are two wooden pins attached in the center by pliable metal. They are usually bent into a v-shape and inserted into the foam. Once they are inserted, the ends release slightly in the foam and lock into place. Also, the wood will swell if the foam is moist.
Bank pins are heavy straight pins used in arrangements where you have lots of pinning to do. They are used mainly in sympathy work where you need to secure ribbon to foam.
Corsage and boutonnières pins are used to secure corsages or boutonnières to clothes. Corsage pins are usually 2 inches long and come in many colors. The favorites are white or pearl. Boutonnières pins are 1 ½ inches and are usually white or black.
Wooden picks come in green or natural, and they are available in lengths from 2 ¼ inches to 6 inches. They can be obtained with wire or without it. Usually, however, they are tapored on one end and wired on the other end. They are used to secure bows to plants, to extend stems for clusters of dried or silk flowers, and to insert accessories into foam. If you are using dried/silk floral foam or Styrofoam TM , you may want to use a little glue to the stems before inserting them.
Another commonly used item is the steel pick used in pick machines. You can find them in several lengths and in bundles of 100 or cases of 2000. Steel picks are used mostly with Styrofoam TM or dry floral foam, and the edges are razor sharp allow for easy insertion.
If you have plants with tall stems and/or large blooms, hyacinth stakes work well. They can also be used to extend the length of flower stems, and they are available in 12 inches, 18 inches, and 24 inches.
One of the most versicle items is the chenille stem which is actually a large pipe cleaner. Chenille stems come in every color imaginable and in various sizes. Some are slim, some are fat, some are fuzzy. They can be replacement stems for certain flowers. They can be used to attach bows in flower arrangements or attach bows to church pews. Chenille stems are also staple items in many crafts and novelty arrangements.
Adhesives
Designers need to be familiar with various types of adhesives,such as pan glue, glue sticks, rubber cement, and florist clay.
Pan glue beads are available in bags and should be melted in an electric fry pan at about 275 degrees. Since pan glue holds securely in spite of changes in temperature and moisture, it can be used in arrangements that are stored in coolers. When properly melted, the glue should be the consistency of molasses. Stems can be dipped into the glue and used immediately. When you finish using the glue, be sure to turn off the fry pan so that the glue will harden. Once it cools and hardens, it can be stored.
The glue gun allows the designer to have greater control. You can apply the hot glue directly to the surface of the object. Be careful not to use it on items that will be damaged by the heat. Do not refrigerate arrangements or items secured by hot glue. The glue tends to separate at temperatures less than 40 degrees. Also, be very careful in handling-the glue gun is very hot!
Glue sticks are inserted into the glue gun and are melted in the chamber when the trigger is pulled. The sticks come in two lengths: 4 inches and 10 inches.
Floral adhesive is a type of rubber cement that does not contain chemicals that are harmful to fresh flowers. Like pan glue, floral adhesive is not affected by temperature or humidity, and it can be used in designs stored in coolers. It is good for wedding and corsage work, but it takes longer to dry than some of the other types.
