Monday, March 16, 2009

How To Make A Bouquet Completely Out Of Candy


There are lots of different types of candy bouquets you can make. One way is to make a normal bouquet out of flowers, and then add candy afterwards. Another type of candy bouquet is one made JUST out of candy.

In this article, I will show you how to make a candy bouquet without using any flowers. Although there won't be any flowers, I will still add some leaves and ribbons to add some variety.

You will need:
- 1 box of roses chocolates.
- 7 chuppa chupps.
- 1 packet of wrapped toffee candy.
- 1 bunch of thick gauge wire for the chuppa chupps.
- 1 bunch of thin gauge wire for the chocolates.
- 1 roll of white ribbon
- 9 silk rose leaves

Step 1: Wiring and Taping...

Wire and tape all the chocolates, lollipops, toffees and leaves.

Step 2: Add the lollipops to the bouquet...

Hold the wired and taped chocolates and toffees in one hand.

Place the wired and taped lollipops around the outside of the chocolates.

Because the lollipops are on a stronger wire this will help the candy bouquet hold it's shape.

Step 3: Prepare Figure-of-Eight bows...

Next make up nine figure of eight bows out of ribbon.

These will be arranged around the outside of the candy bouquet to help frame it.

Step 4: Add leaves...

At this point you can add your leaves throughout the bouquet. This puts something between the pieces of candy, and helps to soften the candy bouquet.

You can also make up some ribbon loops, and place them in between the candy as well.

Step 5: Add the Figure-of-Eight bows...

Place a small piece of stem tape up near the top of the candy bouquet to hold everything together.

Then add your figure of eight bows around the outside to frame the bouquet.

Step 6: Finishing Touches...

If you wish you can add some trailer ribbons to the candy bouquet.

Finally, trim your wires and do your final taping of the handle.

There you have it!

A bouquet completely made out of candy.

What a yummy idea.

This bouquet would make a lovely gift and children will love it, particularly because they can eat it!

Peta Fletcher has been making bouquets for over 14 years. Her website has lots of free information, including how to make a candy bouquet and how to make a wedding bouquet

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Monday, February 2, 2009

Wonderful Tips for Creating the Perfect Silk Flower Bouquet


Wonderful Tips for Creating the Perfect Silk Flower Bouquet

There are fabulous tips you should know if you want to create the perfect, flawless, impeccable flower bouquet for your home or office. This page will give you a few tips that will help you arrange your silk flowers so they will beautify your home or office and enhance your living pleasure.

Tip 1: Choose the Area of the Room First The first tip is to choose an area in the room where you will place your flower arrangement. Look at the particular area and take note of the different colors, look at the way they blend into each other, and the overall mood of the area.

To determine the mood, figure out this: Is the area vivacious, cheerful, and bright? Or is it a more quiet, relaxed, and calm part of the room? Determining this will help you pick the right combination of colors and create a flower arrangement that will flow with the room and not contrast it.

Tip 2: Silk Flowers of the Same Shade Flow Naturally When arranging silk flowers, it is best to pick flowers of the same shade. Colors of the same shade will always blend well. For example, flowers with blue petals will blend naturally with violets and purples. Take your time to determine the best possible tones.

Apart from choosing colors that naturally blend well, think about choosing different size flowers. The beauty of your artificial flowers is enhanced when the colors of your flowers flow together, but in contrast, also when your flowers are of different sizes. Try it and see how well it mingles with your room.

Tip 3: What Season will my Flowers Express? Flowers are available at different times of the year, and they look differently at the different times. In early spring, some flowers will have their buds just about to open. They look young and fresh and about to mature.

Silk flowers are also produced with different seasons in mind. The magnificent beauty of today's artificial flowers is that you can sculpture them to represent any season you desire. So, to capture the spirit of spring, you close the buds and push the leaves in to imitate a young plant about to bloom. To capture the atmosphere of late summer, you pick a few petals off, lay them on the ground, and let the leaves lean down and outward. Visit us online http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com

Visit us online http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com

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Friday, January 30, 2009

Cookie Bouquet


Many people like to send a cookie bouquet when it comes to birthdays or just thoughtful gifts. You can purchase a cookie bouquet online or at most bakeries and some times even a florist. However, they are not that hard to make and cost very little. In fact, they can be quite fun to make because they require a lot of creativity and vision.

If you would like to make your own cookie bouquet follow these steps. First, you will want to make simple sugar cookie dough. Some times sugar cookie dough requires some chilling so make sure you choose one that fits your time. The second step to making your cookie bouquet is to roll out your dough to around a half an inch thick. Then you can get creative. Use different shapes to make different themed bouquets. If you want it to look like flowers, try to get flower and leave shaped cutouts. You can make any shapes that you want in your bouquet, but it looks nice if there is a theme.

Next, arrange your cookies on a cookie sheet and bake as recommended. As soon as you pull, the cookies out of the oven (you will want them to be a little soft still) insert a stick in the bottom side of the cookie. You should leave your cookies on the tray for an additional five minutes because then the cookies will harden and the stick will stay. You may add more than one stick to each cookie, depending on size. If you don't think the cookie will hold up, you can put some royal frosting around the stick.

This will act like glue. Next, you can paint your cookies with frosting. Make sure the frosting is thin enough to harden. To arrange your cookie bouquet, you will need a decorative pot, Spanish moss, and floral Styrofoam. Cut the foam to fit your pot. Then you can line the top of the form with some Spanish moss. Once that is done you can begin to let your creativity flow again and arrange the cookies in the pot.

Although it sounds like a lot of work, it can be a fun activity for mother-daughter days or even as a holiday gift. The guest will appreciate the hard work you put into the cookie bouquet, you will be surprised how the creativity flowed, and the final results. If you want to make a small bouquet and fast, you may want to get dough that's already for you to roll. This can be found in the coolers of any local store. Even though you probably could purchase a cookie bouquet faster, the extra work will pay off and you'll feel good about giving it as a gift.


For more information about cookie bouquet, visit http://www.cookiebouquet-online.com

Vigdis T Andersen: http://www.cookiebouquet-online.com

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Bouquet Preservation Best Practice


Preserving your wedding flowers is a lovely way to remember your most important day; here Hilary Jones, Managing Director of Flowers Forever, gives some advice on how to achieve the best outcome for you.

With a national network of outlets and the long established market leader Flowers Forever has vast experience in preserving wedding bouquets.

* Although all types of flowers and foliage can be preserved successfully we recommend that brides discuss their wedding bouquet with a floral designer in advance of choosing. Ask to see examples of other brides bouquets that have been preserved.

* Roses, cala lilies, lisianthus and aspidistra leaves are very popular in wedding bouquets and come out of preservation well. There may be slight colour change however with professional colour enhancement techniques this should not be a problem.

* Preserved flowers should be framed using uv glass which will help protect them from sunlight damage.

* Check the quality of the flowers your florist intends to use. Wedding bouquets should always be made up using first quality flowers but less reputable florists may be keen to keep their costs down and use inferior flowers, this is hard to tell on the morning but by the evening poor quality flowers will be half dead whereas first quality flowers will be fine for a few days.

* Make sure your flowers are delivered as soon as possible to the preservation specialist as the better condition the flowers are in when they are preserved the better they will look when they are hanging on your wall as a lasting romantic memento of your special day.

* Choosing a hand-tied style of bouquet means that the flower stems can be put into a vase of water and therefore stay in better condition.

* Never spray flowers with water, keep them in a cool dark place until they are handed to the preservation specialist.

*Never put the flowers in a freezer, you will kill them.

* Prices should start from under ?100 for a small bouquet or corsage preservation, it depends on how many flowers you are having preserved. A whole wedding bouquet preserved in a large frame will cost around ?300 - ?400. Prices could be higher than this for special work. Make sure you get a written quote in advance before handing over your flowers.

* Check how long it will be until you get your preserved wedding flowers returned to you; you should plan on around 3-4 months. Ask your flower preservation company to give you an estimated delivery date and to phone you on progress.

For more information please visit www.thehitchingpost.co.uk

The Hitching Post is one or the largest UK Wedding websites offering extensive information and services on all aspects of weddings. Also now producing a TV show appearing on Sky 639

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

How To Make A Fruit Bouquet


Fruit Bouquets are quite interesting to make, and look delicious. They can be made out of real fruit or fake fruit- in this article I am using real fruit. If you decide to use real fruit then be aware that the bouquet will have to be eaten in a few days... otherwise the fruit will rot.

You can use all sorts of different fruits, from apples to apricots, to peaches. There are certain fruits that make it easier to learn how to make a fruit bouquet, and I will use them in this article. Once you know what you are doing, you might want to try different fruits.

You will need:
- 7 Large Plums
- 11 Strawberries
- 15 Large Leaves
- 5 Small Rosebud Heads
- Cellophane
- 4 Feet of Ribbon
- Thick, semi-thick, and thin gauge wire
- Stem tape

Step 1- Prepare the fruit.
Remove any stems or stickers from the fruit, and clean if needed.

Step 2- Prepare the cellophane
Cut squares out of the cellophane to wrap the plums in. The squares don't have to be too big, just big enough to encase the plum entirely. Twist the cellophane around the plum.

Step 3- Wire the plums
Wire the plums, using thick gauge wire.

Step 4- Tape the wire
Tape the wire. The plums should now look a little like a toffee apple on a white stick.

Step 5- Prepare the strawberries
Remove the leaves from the top of the strawberries, and then prepare them the same as the plums. Use the same size squares of cellophane as before.

Once the cellophane is twisted around the strawberries, cut the cellophane so only an inch or so is left.

Step 6- Wire the strawberries.
Wire the strawberries, using semi-thick gauge wire. The wire needs to be near the larger end of the strawberry, so the pointy end of the strawberry will be seen in the bouquet.

Make sure you are gentle with the strawberries, as they are quite squishy!

Step 7- Prepare the leaves.
Wire and tape the leaves using thin gauge wire.

Step 8- Shape the fruit bouquet.
Assemble everything into a posy shape. Do this by...
- Holding the plums in a bunch, using 2 hands.
- Fan everything out slightly.
- Insert leaves between the plums.
- Add the strawberries and the roses.

If you have any unfilled gaps, then fill them in then fill them in with two figure-of-eight bows. Cut off the excess ribbon, so that you only have loops.

That's it! A quick warning though... if you used real fruit, make sure you put the fruit bouquet in the fridge, otherwise it will start to go off (and smell a bit funny), in a few days.

About the Author

Peta D'Silva has been making bouquets for over 14 years. Her website has lots of free information on making your own bouquets, including more details (and pictures) on How to make a fruit bouquet and How to make a candy bouquet

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Friday, June 20, 2008

Wedding Bouquet: How To Make The Right Choice

Choosing your wedding bouquet is an important part of the planning process as bouquets of flowers have always been a big attraction at any wedding. Bouquets are already part of the wedding tradition on all races. A bouquet of flowers symbolizes a blossoming maiden and reflects her emotions.

Therefore, wedding bouquets should be carefully selected and planned the same way you plan for your wedding gown. Here are just a few tips in choosing your wedding bouquet:

1. It is recommended that you choose a flower that is on season to save money and time. This will not give you hard time trying to order the flower as well.

2. You can choose other alternatives like silk flowers especially if the flower you would like to use is not in season. Silk flowers are also suited in formal weddings; fresh picked flowers may not fit a very formal party.

3. Your bouquet should not drown you. Be sure that it will not cover your figure. If you are petite, the weight of the flower might be too heavy for your built and may affect your posture and how you carry your gown. Remember that your bouquet should not be too big so as not to cover your elegant gown and should be easy to carry.

4. The flowers you chose should last for the entire day. Make sure that your flowers still hold up even at the end of the day so that you will still look glamorous when taken pictures. Using a bouquet holder is suggested to keep the flowers fresh during the entire day. Also take the advice of your florist on which flowers easily wilt so that you can avoid choosing them.

5. Don't let your florist imagine the flower design you like. You may take a picture or a printed copy of the bouquet style you prefer. Also bring a sample fabric of the gowns so that the florist can choose the correct shade of flower that will match the color of the gowns. Some bouquets may be decorated with ribbons, lace and silk materials. You can advise the florist on what specific designs would you like to add for your flowers.

6. Why not choose a flower that has special meaning? That will not be difficult since most flowers have their meanings. Stephanotis stands for happiness in marriage, Rose means love and being true, and Tulips stand for perfect love and declaration of love.

7. One of the first things to consider when opting for a bouquet is the style. Choose the bouquet style that will suit you and your personality. Bouquets are more personal nowadays and reflect the brides' personalities. For Nosegays, where flowers are clustered in a round form, can vary in sophistication and will fit any personality. In Cascade bouquets, flowers are arranged in a descending form. These bouquets are voluptuous and can be the center of attention.

They are recommended for traditional weddings. There are flowers where stems are wrapped around in ribbons and they are called Hand-tied bouquets. These bouquets bring a casual aura and are recommended for garden weddings. There are also Contemporary bouquets where flowers are arranged in style but with no geometric form. These arrangements of flowers represent the individuality of a bride and are mostly used in sophisticated weddings.

8. The top wedding flowers are Rose, Lilly, Orchid, Hyacinth, Tulip, Stephanotis and Daisy. You may want to follow the trend and choose these flowers for your bouquet.

For a free course on planning discount weddings and where to find the best discount wedding invitations, visit http://www.discountweddingguide.com/ today.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

How to make a candy bouquet


A bouquet is usually made just from flowers, but that doesn't have to be the case. You can make your bouquet more interesting by adding other items, such as candy.

Yeah, you read correctly, I said, Candy!

Candy Bouquets are fun to make, look great, and they are a fantastic talking piece. I promise that everyone that sees your candy bouquet will feel compelled to comment on it. Young children in particular, will be absolutely delighted when they see your candy bouquet!

To make a candy bouquet, you will need:
- 5 Silk Rose Buds
- 1 Bunch of pearlies
- 2 Thin Gauge wires
- 1 Thick Gauge wire
- 9 Lollipops.
- Silk Leaves
- Stem tape (green or white)
- Ribbon

Step 1: Trimming the lollipops
Trim the lollipop sticks to about an inch or two in length, or just below the wrapper. Later, we will wire and tape the sticks just like normal flowers. We do this so that the lollipops can be moved around and positioned more easily.

Step 2: Trimming the Rose Buds
Trim the stems on the rose bud heads, and then wire and tape them.

Step 3: Wire the lollipops
To wire the lollipops you will have to put a twist in the wire around the stick of the lollipop. You will probably have to do this twice, to make sure that the wire is tight and wont come loose. The easiest way to do this is to use long-nosed plyers, and to squeeze the wire around the stick.

Step 4: Wire and Tape the Pearlies
Although you don't need pearlies in your candy bouquet, they can work well to soften the bouquet, and make it appear more like an everyday floral bouquet.

Wire and tape the pearlies. Place the wire alongside the white part of the pearly strand, and then stem tape in place.

Step 5: Assemble the Candy Bouquet
Now start to assemble the candy bouquet. Start the bouquet with the lollipops in a bunch, in one hand.

Then slowly insert the leaves between the lollipops.

Fan the lollipops into a circular shape, with the leaves facing out.

Place the flowers in next, keeping two lollipops between each flower.

Fill any gaps left over at the end, with leaves and pearlies.

Step 6: Add Figure-of-Eight Bows
Make eight figure-of-eight bows, for the last layer of the candy bouquet, and fan them around the base. You can use normal ribbons or curling ribon.

Step 7: Prepare the handle
The last step in making a candy bouquet is to trim and tape the handle.

That's it! Simple isn't it?

All you have to do now, is resist eating the bouquet long enough for some other people to see it!

Peta D'Silva has been making bouquets for over 14 years. Her website www.visionsofsilk.com, has lots of free information on making your own bouquets, including more details (and pictures) on How to make a candy bouquet

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Saturday, February 9, 2008

Bridal Bouquets - A Guide to Picking the Right Bouquet for You!

There are so many different types of flowers to choose from that it may be difficult to choose which ones to have in bridal bouquets. You may be swayed by color or fragrance but if you are looking for a bit more of an unusual source of inspiration you might consider the meanings of some of the most common flowers used in bridal bouquets. Here are a few to get you thinking:

  • Amaranthus - Immortality
  • Apple Blossom - Better things to come
  • Baby's breath - Pure heart
  • Bachelor Button - Delicacy
  • Bamboo - Strength, Loyalty
  • Bluebell - Constancy
  • Blue Violet - Faithfulness
  • Camellia - Gratitude
  • Carnation - Fascination and love
  • Chrysanthemum (red) - I love you
  • Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth
  • Cyclamen - Modesty and shyness
  • Daffodil - Regard, joy
  • Dahlia - Good Taste
  • Honeysuckle - Generosity
  • Hyacinth - Loveliness
  • Hydrangea - Boastfulness
  • Iris - Warmth of affection
  • Ivy - Eternal fidelity
  • Japonica - Loveliness
  • Jasmine - Amiability
  • Lemon Blossom - Fidelity in love
  • Lilac (white) - Youthful innocence
  • Lily - Majesty
  • Lily-of-the-valley - Return of happiness
  • Magnolia - Perseverance, Nobility
  • Maidenhair - Discretion
  • Mimosa - Sensitivity
  • Orange Blossom - Purity and virginity
  • Orchid - Ecstasy, Nobility
  • Peach Blossom - Captive
  • Poppy - Fantastic, Extravagance
  • Reed - Music
  • Rose (red) - Love
  • Rose (white) - Worthiness
  • Rose (other colors) - Love and beauty
  • Rosemary - Remembrance
  • Snowdrop - Hope
  • Sweet Pea - Delicate pleasures
  • Tulip - Love
  • Veronica - Fidelity
  • Violet - Faithfulness
  • Wheat - Riches, Friendliness
  • White daisy - innocence
  • Wisteria - I cling to thee
  • Daisy - Innocence
  • Flax - Fate, I feel your kindness
  • Fern - Fascination and sincerity
  • Flowering Almond - Hope
  • Forget-me-not - True love and remembrance
  • Gardenia - Joy
  • Grape - Charity
  • Hemp - Fate
  • Heliotrope - Devotion and faithfulness

    Bridal bouquets should compliment the colouring of the bride’s outfit and accessories, including make-up. Also bear in mind any theme that the wedding is following. Wedding bouquets should be of lighter colored blooms if the event is to be a romantic one or brighter if the theme is a brighter occasion.

    Remember to consult with your florist at the earliest opportunity to ensure that they have sufficient time to procure the required flowers and decorations. The more exotic wedding bouquets are going to be or the more detailed your requirements, the longer your florist will need.

    Find out more about organising all aspect of your special day at http://www.a1-ourwedding.com

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    Saturday, December 1, 2007

    Wedding Flowers - 3 Steps to Hiring Your Florist

    Even if you plan to create and arrange your own wedding flowers, consulting with a florist first is still a good idea. A florist's first-hand knowledge and years of experience can prove extremely useful, ensuring that you don't overlook small but important details. Hiring a florist ensures your wedding flowers and floral scheme match your vision. Not sure how to even begin hiring a florist? Follow these steps, and you will be sure to find the florist that suits you.

    Do Your Research

    It is never too soon to begin exploring your options. If you don't already have a favorite florist, research and find local florists. Your wedding facility coordinator or recently married friends are a great place to start. Browse Elegala.com's directory of local florists for a complete list of preferred florists in your area. Once you have a list of local florists, make appointments to review their work and discuss your floral vision.

    Meet with Potential Florists

    Plan to review portfolios and discuss your overall vision during your first appointments with potential florists. Your florist's previous work should match that vision. Remember that these portfolios showcase their best work, so if you don't like what you see, continue shopping. When they follow-up with proposals for your wedding based on your discussion, you should be able to make a decision on which best suits both your vision and wedding budget.

    Determine the Details - Pick your Wedding Flowers

    Now that you have selected your florist, schedule planning meetings at the ceremony and reception locations to determine the wedding flowers you'll use and their placement (or provide photos so that the florist will have an idea of what the locations look like) Consider your wedding facility as a blank canvas upon which your florist will create his/her work of art. The look and feel of the setting will lead your discussions, determining both the wedding flowers you choose and where they will be placed.

    For ideas and inspiration to help you plan your floral scheme, visit Elegala.com's complete Wedding Flowers guide.

    Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles.

    For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.

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