The incredibly adorable and talented florist, Karen Chang of Huckleberry Karen Designs held a DIY flower workshop this weekend. I learned some valuable information for my own flowers, and even had a beautiful bouquet that I made to take home. We learned how to hand-wire and arrange our own boutonnieres, corsages and bouquets. Karen will be doing the majority of the flowers for my wedding day, and I will be taking care of the bride’s bouquet and a few other details the night before the wedding.A rose Boutonniere being made:
Stem is wired, floral tape applied, and greenery also applied with floral tape.
Stem is trimmed, ribbon added, and I went from zero to florist in 1 hour flat.

Here are some more pics from the workshop…
Karen working her floral Mojo:
Prerequisite Bridal-Bouquet Shot with bride-to-be Jackie and the fruits of our labor:

Taping my bouquet:

My bouquet, finished, using Roses and Cymbidium orchids. And nothing says Klassy like a Bud Light pint glass/vase:

Callas and orchids, SO pretty! I’m so amazed these bouquets were made by first timers:

Beautiful Bouquets:

Here are some tips that Karen provided about buying loose or boxed flowers:
-When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
-Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don’t forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
-Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist
-Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing 1 to 2 inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you’ve prepared.
Source: www.aboutflowers.com
Wow the florals turned out great! Sounds like a fun experience you had!