Floral Arrangements Guide

Unlike most creative arts, floral arrangement has the advantage of natural, not man-made material.

In all the centuries of mankind we have been unable to reproduce the thrilling combination of soft texture, graceful lines, radiant color and delicate scent found in a single rose.

Science has, however, greatly advanced the planting of garden flowers by constant research and experiment.

History shows us that as far back as 562 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon designed the beauti­ful "Hanging Gardens" for his wife, Amytis. They are one of the "Seven wonders of the world."

Today we see about us our own lovely gardens, some formal, some informal, designed to enclose our homes in an aura of enchantment.

The desire to bring some of this beauty into our homes gave birth to the art of flower arrangement, which is by no means a new one.

The Japanese people used it centuries ago in their daily life and re­ligion. There it is called "Ikebana" and is an art for all of us.

All we need is the appreciation of beauty and a few flower arrangement implements.

The fields, woods, brookbanks, gardens, and of course your local flower shop are abun­dant with the many varieties of plant materials used in flower arrange­ment.

As you page through this site, you will find that it tells in simple copy and illustrations, just what you want to know about your new hobby.

The possibilities of Floral Arrangements are unlimited.

Donald Trosper, Author

Unique Cake Decorating With Flowers
Paula Wilkinson

Flowers as a Cake Decoration, unique and easy to place on every one of your cake creations.

Flowers, both real and artificial are relatively simple to use. Read through this article to get some great tips and ideas on using real and/or artificial flowers on your cakes.

Section 1: Artificial Flowers
Section 2: Real Flowers
Section 3: Sugar Glazing Flowers

1. Artificial Flowers

Step 1: Cut the stems from the flowers, approximately 1 ½ inches from the base of the flowers and leaves.

Step 2: Cut a piece of floral wire at least 4 inch. (If you buy the pre-cut ones, typically they are 6 inches which is fine.)

Step 3: Use floral tape to secure the flower to the new stem.

Step 4: After you have done this to all of the flowers and leaves, place them all together and use floral tape to secure them in any order you would like. (Tip: Do not place floral tape all the way down the stems. Only place enough to secure the flowers, making sure that the individual wires do not come out of the tape.

Step 5: Bend the stems carefully using the flower head between your thumb and index finger. Once you have each flower where you want it, cut the excess stems off of the flowers holding onto the floral tape and not the flowers.

2. Real Flowers

Real flowers can be place directly on the cake you have prepared or you can follow the instructions above to add movable stems to them.

Tips for purchasing real flowers:

Tip 1: Make sure you are using an edible flower unless your cake is for show.

Here is a website that has a complete list of edible flowers: http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm.

Tip 2: Make sure that the flowers do not have pesticides on them. You can do this by picking them out of your own yard or just ask the florist that you are purchasing them from. Typically florists have sets of flowers that have never been treated for pesticides.

Tip 3: Make sure you freeze your flowers and apply them to the cake directly before serving or showing it. If you are adding stems, add them as soon as you get the flowers, place them in baggies or an airtight container and freeze them until you are ready to put them on the cake.

3. Sugar Glazing Flowers

Step 1: Fill one bowl with a gently beaten egg white and put some regular sugar in a second bowl.

Step 2: Cut the stems on the flowers or fruits leaving only enough to hold onto with your thumb and forefinger. (Tip: Make sure you are using an edible flower for this.)

Step 3: Coat the fruits or flowers you are sugaring using a pastry brush lightly with the egg white. Make sure you get all parts of the flower or fruit.

Step 4: Using a spoon, sprinkle sugar all over the flowers or fruits. Make sure you cover all parts of the flowers or fruits.

Step 5: Place on a paper towel to dry. This typically, takes a few hours. After they are dry add them to your cake.

You can be as creative as you like with flowers on cakes, they make for a beautiful and unique decoration!

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http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Unique-Cake-Decorating-With-Flowers&id=55159

Floral Decorations

Weddings, Three Steps To Planning Your Wedding Flowers When it comes to Floral arrangements and Decoration for weddings there are numerous options available Floral Decorating options are endless and are limited only by the imagination even the most outrageous floral decorations can be made to fit practically any budget provided there is time spent to do proper research regarding the many ideas that are available out there There are no set rules or limitations for wedding flowers Germany : Munich Mustermarkt 2007 Munich Mustermarkt 2007 is the International trade fair for interior design, garden accessories, glass & ceramics, home furnishings & decoration, gifts, stationery, games forum, creative world and floral lifestyle. Staffordshire White Salt Glazed Stoneware Coffeep Staffordshire White Salt Glazed Stoneware Coffeep Staffordshire White Salt Glazed Stoneware Coffeepot and Cover, England 18th century, pear shape with enamel decoration, tropical bird and floral... Imari porcelain charger with multicolor bird, flo Imari porcelain charger with multicolor bird, flo Imari porcelain charger with multicolor bird, floral and figural decoration, c.1880, 18" in diameter Pair of Chinese porcelain ginger jars with multic Pair of Chinese porcelain ginger jars with multic Pair of Chinese porcelain ginger jars with multicolor bird and floral decoration, 16-1/2" high 'Made in Occupied Japan' can be confusing Dear Helaine And Joe: Could you please tell me about this teapot? It is brown with floral decoration and is marked with "MG" surrounded by "Made in Occupied Japan" in a circle.Comment

Floral Arrangements | Decorations