The basic techniques you need to master to create a beautiful bouquet of flowers

Floral art is a form of artistic expression that requires creativity and technique. Creating a beautiful bouquet of flowers is not only a question of aesthetic choice, but also of mastering certain fundamental skills. At Bouvard Fleurs, we offer floral art courses to help you develop these skills, whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist.

The fundamentals of floral art

At the heart of floral art are the fundamental principles that guide the creation of each bouquet:

Flower selection and symbolism

Choosing the right flowers is the first crucial step in creating a bouquet. It is important to consider not only their beauty but also their symbolism, seasonality and durability.

Design floral

La compréhension de la manière dont les couleurs interagissent et se complètent peut transformer un arrangement ordinaire en une œuvre d'art. Les principes de design comme la forme, la texture et la taille des fleurs jouent un rôle majeur. Ils doivent être soigneusement équilibrés pour créer un bouquet harmonieux.

Floral design

The structure of the bouquet, whether tight and formal or loose and natural, must match the occasion and the desired message. This choice determines the overall approach to the composition and its emotional impact.

Floral art equipment

A good craftsman needs the right tools to fully express his art:

1. Secateurs: the florist's emblematic tool, essential for cutting flower stems with precision.

2. Knife or opinel: essential for more detailed cutting, to carve the ends of the stems.

3. Flat-nose pliers: for attaching and holding materials, providing a firm grip when handling the various floral elements.

4. Cutting pliers: for precise cutting of finer wires and stems, for fine adjustment of details.

5. Long-nosed pliers: a versatile tool that is ideal for reaching hard-to-reach places, making it easier to arrange flowers delicately.

6. Gutta Percha: an adhesive material used to securely fix the bouquet elements, ensuring optimum stability.

7. Green florist's twine to tie the flowers or raffia: traditional materials used to tie the various components together.

Good quality materials not only make it easier to handle the flowers when creating the bouquet, but also help the floral arrangement to last longer, preserving the freshness and beauty of the flowers for longer.

Techniques for composing flower bouquets

Creating a beautiful, harmonious bouquet requires a combination of techniques and skills. Here are the key stages in the art of flower arranging:

1. Preparing the flowers

Preparation is a key stage in the composition of a bouquet. Start by gathering your flowers, sorting them by variety to make the process easier. Each flower you choose should bring something unique to the composition, whether in terms of colour, texture or shape. Carefully clean the flowers and foliage selected by removing the leaves from the last third of the stem and, if necessary, remove any protective sepals or petals that could detract from the bouquet's aesthetic appeal. Flowers should be selected strategically: include 'stars', the main flowers that catch the eye, and 'garnishes', the supporting flowers and foliage that complement and enrich the composition. By incorporating foliage of different widths and heights, you can add texture and volume to your arrangement, creating a bouquet that is both harmonious and captivating.

2. Spiral bouquet assembly

The main flower, positioned at the centre of the bouquet, plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall shape. It is essential to choose it for its robustness, as it will act as a central reference point. The following flowers are then arranged to the right of the central axis, with their stems fixed at the point of intersection. Each flower is angled to create a harmonious curve, while the third flower is placed behind the second at the same angle. This arrangement creates a natural spiral, with the flower buds following the curve to the left and the stems surrounding the central flower. The variation in the intersection of the flowers, closer to the buds, creates a composition that becomes narrower towards the top, giving the bouquet a more voluminous shape towards the bottom. The balance between fixing the flowers in the centre and the delicacy of the hooping is essential to allow the flowers to absorb water, keeping the bouquet fresh.

3. Finishing

Finishing a bouquet is a stage that plays a crucial role in the aesthetics and durability of the floral arrangement. Finishing techniques encompass several key elements:

● Fixing the bouquet

Fixing the bouquet is essential to maintain the integrity of the composition. Using appropriate tying techniques, such as tying floral ribbon or using discreet wire, ensures that the flowers stay in place and the bouquet retains its desired shape.

● Levelling the stems

Equalising flower stems is a crucial step when making a bouquet. This technique involves adjusting the length of the stems with secateurs to create a harmonious, balanced arrangement. Ensuring that all the stems are cut to the same length not only looks good, but also helps the flowers to absorb water evenly. This prolongs the freshness of the bouquet and contributes to its longevity. This is followed by bevel pruning with a knife, which involves cutting the stems at an angle.

● Careful packaging

Quality packaging doesn't just protect the flowers; it also enhances the bouquet's appearance. Using tissue paper, cellophane or special fabrics to wrap the bouquet adds an elegant finish and can be tailored to suit the theme or occasion. All that's left to do is launch your bouquet!

These finishing techniques are not just a way of embellishing the bouquet, they also play a vital role in the presentation and preservation of the floral arrangement. A well-finished bouquet is a gift in itself, reflecting the care and attention paid to every detail.

By combining these steps, from preparation to maintenance, we can create bouquets that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting. Each stage is covered in detail in our floral art courses at Bouvard Fleurs, enabling participants to fully master the art of floral composition.

FAQ about floral art lessons with Bouvard Fleurs

Which flowers are ideal for beginners in floral art?

Roses and tulips are particularly recommended for beginners. Roses, with their variety of colours and shapes, allow you to experiment with different styles and composition techniques. Tulips, on the other hand, are appreciated for their elegant simplicity and ease of handling. These flowers are not only hardy but also available all year round, providing an excellent opportunity for regular practice.

How long does it take to learn the basics of floral art?

Learning the basics of floral art can vary according to the individual, but generally, a few sessions are enough to master the fundamental techniques. However, floral art is a field where learning is continuous and each creation is an opportunity to discover new techniques and styles.

Are floral art classes suitable for beginners?

Our floral art classes are perfectly suited to beginners. Each class is designed to introduce the basics of floral art in an accessible and enjoyable way, while offering enough challenge to stimulate creativity.

How can I register for Bouvard Fleurs floral art courses?

To register for our floral art classes, you can contact us directly by phone on +41 22 771 48 43 or send an email to info@bouvard-fleurs.ch.