Creating Floral Arrangements

Creating your own floral arrangements doesn't have to be difficult if you follow a few of the design principles of the pros. The design is determined by the occasion, the location and the available materials. Balance refers to both the stability of the arrangement and the colors. Dark colors have more weight, and should be used in the lower part of the arrangements, with lighter colors in the upper and outer areas. Scale deals with the proportion of the materials used in relation to the container. The focal point is usually made up of larger or darker flowers to draw the eye. Harmony refers to the blending of the colors for a unified look.

You can use items you have around the house, such as a large pitcher or a small teapot, to create interesting floral displays. Use clear tape across the wide-mouthed top of a glass container in a criss-cross pattern. Fill in the squares with the floral material. If you don't have florist foam, you may be able to use stones, frosted marbles or sea glass as an informal frog in a vase.

Start simply when you are first beginning to make your own arrangements. A few flowers with some greenery in a narrow-necked vase are a classic. So are masses of the same kind of flower, such as roses or irises, in a simple bouquet. When you are ready to take on more ambitious arrangements, study a few arrangements that you admire and draw on the design principles to create your own masterpieces.