Floral Supplies

How to Buy the Best Floral Supplies: Buying Guide

Whether you're creating a floral arrangement for a special occasion, like Easter or Valentine's Day, or just want to create some unique home decor items, arranging flowers is a fun, creative activity.

If you'd like to give floral design and creating flower arrangements a try, you'll need the right supplies for the job. When you buy quality, appropriate floral supplies, you'll increase the chances of your arrangement coming out well. Quality supplies easier to use and they're often more durable and create a better result than if you try to make a project work without the right supplies.

You don't have to spend a lot to get started with arranging flowers and you only need some basic supplies:

• Greenery
• Floral tape
• Fresh or silk flowers

Before you go shopping, take some time to identify the right supplies for your upcoming project. Sam's Club has a comprehensive selection of floral supplies, so we should be able to help you find everything you need to get started.

Common Questions About Floral Arrangements

What is the art of arranging flowers called?

In America, we refer to arranging flowers in general terms. But in Japan, the art of creating flower arrangements is called "Ikebana." Ikebana translates to "making flowers alive." A great arrangement will do just that, making flowers look their very best, even when working with flowers that have already been cut.

How do you arrange flowers?

Florists use a variety of techniques when arranging flowers. Some trim flowers to their appropriate height and anchor them in floral foam. Others create bouquets that are tightly wrapped with floral wire, tulle and ribbon. Many florists work with fresh flowers, but some also incorporate succulents for arrangements that will continue to live on for years after they're created.

If you'd like to learn specific flower arranging techniques, consider taking a class at a local community college or flower shop for some firsthand DIY experience. Even if you already have flower arranging experience, there are always new techniques to learn and try, which can keep this hobby exciting.

What are the different kinds of flower arrangements?

One of the great things about floral arranging is that you can create nearly countless different types of arrangements:

• Vases and tabletop arrangements or centerpieces
• Corsages, boutonnieres and wedding bouquets
• Garlands
• Wreaths
• Basket arrangements

How do you organize flower arranging supplies?

There are many ways to organize flower arranging supplies, and you can find a storage option that works well for your specific craft supplies and for your space.

• Storing items in plastic totes can help to keep them out of the way when they're not in use.
• Sets of plastic pull-out drawers work well for smaller supplies.
• Don't forget the importance of keeping your boxes labeled, especially if you're not using see-through storage containers.
• Clear, easy-to-read labels can save you a lot of time and frustration searching for the right floral supplies.

If you have a shed or greenhouse dedicated to your arranging work, you might invest in a pegboard and shelving to store your supplies so they're always easily accessible. Glass vases should be stored in a cupboard or other concealed area to protect them from breakage and from collecting dust.

What Should You Know About Floral Foam?

Floral foam is one of the most important floral supplies that you'll need when creating arrangements. This green-colored foam can be cut to any shape, so you can use these blocks as vase fillers or as basket fillers. These green foam bricks anchor the stems of flowers, holding them upright and allowing you to create a precise arrangement. Flower foam also holds moisture, helping to keep fresh flowers looking fresher, longer.

In some cases, you can use styrofoam for arrangements, like bouquets, where the flowers will only be used for a short time period, but floral foam is often better. Styrofoam doesn't retain moisture like floral foam and it's harder, so fresh flowers may break when inserted into plastic foam.

What Should You Know About Using Vases for Flower Arrangements?

Many people get started arranging flowers by using glass vases. Glass vases are easy to find, and because they're available in so many different sizes, shapes and styles, you can use them for many different arrangements. Short, smaller glass vases can create arrangements that you can place on windowsills and smaller tables, while larger vases are ideal for dining table centerpieces.

If you're looking for an easy first project, choose a colored vase that you can't see into. All you'll have to worry about is what the arrangement looks like from the top of the vase and up. Clear vases add a degree of challenge to the arrangement, but they also let you explore different options, like incorporating leaves into the base of the arrangement, or stripping stems clean of leaves and using the stems artistically.

When using clear vases for flower arrangements, experiment with various materials used as vase fillers:

• Rocks
• Clear beads
• Leaves

You'll need to trim stems or choose flowers that are the appropriate height for the vase. Using floral wire or ribbon to wrap the flowers can also add to the arrangement's presentation. Some embellishments, like a bow around the vase, burlap accents or even a doily can complete the arrangement. Be sure to change the water in your arrangement regularly to keep the vase clear and to maximize the lifespan of the arrangement.