Howcast

How to Make a Braided Flower Princess Crown

Howcast — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:15:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick flowers Pick a generous bouquet of flowers with bendable stems at least 3 inches in length to make a flower crown.
TIP: Daisies and clover are especially easy to make into a flower crown.
Step 2: Hold 3 flowers Hold three flowers in your hands, spacing the blossoms next to one another in a row but keeping the stems together. Then braid the stems.
Step 3: Add flowers Add a flower to the braid before you reach the end of the stems. Hold it with one of the stems and braid as though the two stems were one. Continue adding new flowers and lengthening the chain in this way.
TIP: Alternate flower varieties to enhance color, texture, and beauty.
Step 4: Check length Check the length needed to encircle the girl’s head and continue to add flowers until the crown is long enough to fit.
Step 5: Complete the crown Complete the crown by weaving the end stems into the first flower stems, tucking loose ends into the chain.
Step 6: Add ribbons Add colorful ribbons by knotting them onto the chain to embellish the crown. Now, crown your princess and treat her like royalty for the rest of the day.
FACT: Ancient Greeks wore laurel leaf crowns as symbols of victory.

You Will Need

Handful of flowers
Ribbons

How to Make a Spring Daisy Chain

Howcast — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:01:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick flowers Pick flowers for your chain. Use a variety of daisies with different colors and shapes. You will need about 40 small flowers for a loose necklace, 25 for a crown, and about 15 for a bracelet.
Step 2: Cut the stems Pinch the stems to cut them at about 4 inches. You can cut them longer or shorter depending on whether you want a looser or a tighter, busier daisy chain.
Step 3: Slit the stems Use a fingernail to make slits through the stems, either just below the flower or at the stem’s midpoint.
TIP: If the stems are especially narrow or if you don’t have long enough fingernails, you can make the slits with a knife.
Step 4: Link the daisies Thread the stem of one flower through the slit in the stem of another flower until the bloom is against the slit.
Step 5: Add flowers Continue adding flowers until you achieve the length you want.
Step 6: Finish the loop Finish the loop of daisies by making a second slit in the stem of the first flower and slipping the stem of the last flower through it. Now make crowns and jewelry for all of your friends and look beautiful in your new, all-natural accessories.
FACT: The total number of known flowering plant species exceeds 250,000.

You Will Need

Daisies
Knife (optional)

How to Recycle Valentine’s Day Flowers

Howcast — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:46:22 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Brighten someone’s day Brighten someone’s day by delivering the flowers to a local hospice, nursing home, hospital, or church.
Step 2: Sprinkle in tub Light some candles and sprinkle rose petals into a warm bath for romantic ambiance.
TIP: You can also make a trail with the petals leading to the bathroom or bedroom.
Step 3: Decorate a table Decorate a table by placing rose petals in a basket or bowl.
Step 4: Add a finishing touch Add a finishing touch to a wrapped gift by tying a flower bud to the gift or card.
Step 5: Dry flowers Dry flowers by clipping the flower close to the base with a pair of scissors. Fold a sheet of wax paper around them and place them inside of a book for a week to 10 days to preserve your flowers — and your memories.
TIP: Pansies, hydrangeas, and violets, press especially well.
Step 6: Embellish Embellish note cards, gift tags, envelopes, and wedding invitations with a dried or fresh flower petal.
Step 7: Make someone’s day Make a friend’s day by sharing the flowers with them. Keep the spirit of Valentine’s Day all year round.
FACT: California is the largest producer of flowers in the United States.

You Will Need

Hospice
nursing home
hospital
or church
Candles
Warm bath
Basket or Bowl
Gift or card
Scissors
Wax paper
Book
Note cards
gift tags
envelopes
wedding invitations
Friend

How to Make Silk Flowers

Howcast — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:31:26 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Design the petals Design your petals. Popular varieties include calla lilies, roses, and daisies. Use the fabric pen to trace the petal stencils onto your silk fabric. The number of petals you make will vary depending on the amount of flowers needed. More petals will result in a fuller flower.
TIP: Use a real flower for inspiration while making the artificial one. Examine the shape of the petals and study the shades of color on the body and stem.
Step 2: Cut the petals Cut out the petals, adding color and texture to each petal with your paintbrush and small dabs of fabric paint. Enhance the color and create depth by darkening the edges and tapering the color at the center.
TIP: Real flowers do not grow in a consistent pattern. Mimic nature and layer the petals randomly when finishing your flower.
Step 3: Assemble the petals Assemble your first set of petals. Use two to four petals to form the inner section of the flower. Overlap petals one at a time to create the full bloom.
Step 4: Make the stem Use thin floral wire to the make the stem. Cut it to length with wire cutters. Thread the stem through the petals and secure it with fabric glue.
Step 5: Wrap the stem Wrap the stem wires with green floral tape for a professional, finished look. Dab a touch of glue at each end to keep the tape in place. Arrange your flowers into a teardrop or posy bouquet for weddings or artfully gather them in an eye-catching vase.
FACT: Ivy in wedding flowers symbolizes fidelity.

You Will Need

Fabric pen
Petal stencils
Silk fabric
Scissors
Craft paint
Small paintbrush
Thin floral wire
Wire cutters
Fabric glue
Green floral tape

How to Make Flowers Out of Ribbon

Howcast — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:16:19 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold the ribbon Hold one end of the ribbon and fold the corner down, across the width of the ribbon, at a 45-degree angle.
TIP: You can use ribbons of any material or thickness — satin, organdy, and silk are a few options.
Step 2: Roll the flower core Roll the material left if you began on the right, curling the inner core of the flower, pinching tightly as you go. Continue rolling until you have the diameter you want, making sure to leave enough ribbon for petals.
Step 3: Secure the center Secure what you have rolled with a stitch so you don’t have to hold it when you form the petals.
TIP: Be patient and work slowly as you form the flower.
Step 4: Fold the long end Fold the tail of the ribbon backwards, width-wise, and wrap it as you move back around to the right, winding around the core in your right hand. Pinch the folds against the hanging piece of ribbon, which will become the stem.
Step 5: Repeat to make the full flower Continue to make petals as you go around until the full flower forms, leaving 1 inch of ribbon.
Step 6: Make the stem Put a stitch in the flower petals to hold them in place. Then roll the remaining inch of ribbon around the original folded flap you made to create the stem. Tape the end securely to hold it in place.
Step 7: Insert green wire Insert the green wire to complete the stem and tape that into place. Decorate the center of the flower with a button and wear it behind your ear.
FACT: To collect enough filaments to make 1 pound of saffron spice, 75,000 saffron flowers must be hand-picked. This makes saffron the world’s most expensive spice at about $4,500 per pound.

You Will Need

10-in. length of ribbon
Needle and thread
Cloth tape
Green wire
Satin
organdy
or silk ribbon (optional)

How to Press Flowers & Leaves

Howcast — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:01:12 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Collect flowers or leaves Collect some interesting flowers or leaves.
Step 2: Dry the flowers or leaves in newspaper Place the flowers or leaves between two sheets of newspaper, and let them flatten and dry under some heavy weights for at least one day.
Step 3: Remove the leaves or flowers from the newspaper Remove the partially dried flowers or leaves when they are free of any surface moisture.
Step 4: Place each leaf or flower inside a book Insert each flower or leaf, separately sandwiched between two sheets of wax paper, in the pages of a large book. Leave about 100 pages, or 0.125 inches, between pressings.
TIP: Choose a book that you no longer use or need. This will prevent any damage to books you want to keep.
Step 5: Apply weight to the book Place heavy weights on the book.
Step 6: Press the leaves or flowers for a couple weeks Leave the flowers or leaves in the book for a couple of weeks before removing them.
TIP: Insert labels of where you found the leaves or flowers, or if you were given the flowers, include the card in the pressing.
Step 7: Store the leaves or flowers in an album Store the pressed leaves or flowers in an album. Enjoy looking at them and capturing the memories of nature.
FACT: The color change of leaves in the fall is due to chemical transformations in the leaf pigments.

You Will Need

Flowers or leaves
Newspaper sheets
Heavy weights
Wax paper
Large book
Labels or cards (optional)

How to Learn the Basics of Ikebana

Howcast — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:01:34 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the flower arrangement Layer the flower arrangement. The uppermost layer of the arrangement should point to the sky; the middle layer addresses man, and the lowest layer, earth.
TIP: Ikebana strives for harmony with nature. In keeping with the natural order, a plant found in the mountains should never be placed lower in the arrangement than one found in a meadow.
Step 2: Aim for balance Strive to achieve balance between all elements of the arrangement, including the container.
TIP: There are many schools of ikebana, each with a preferred style of arrangement. Some use tall vases and vertical lines, others use upright arrangements, and still others use shallow containers.
Step 3: Use asymmetry Keep the flower arrangement asymmetrical. Use an odd number of branches with varying stem lengths.
Step 4: Consider how the arrangement will be viewed Consider how the arrangement will be viewed. Traditionally the arrangement was viewed only from the front, but now ikebana arrangements are viewed from different positions.
FACT: Did you know? Chinese monks in the sixth century C.E. brought the concept of flower arranging to Japan.

You Will Need

Plant materials
Container
Viewing position

How to Dry Flowers

Howcast — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:31:36 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick in the spring Pick flowers for drying from early spring to late fall.
TIP: Choose blooms that have not fully matured. The blooms will open as they dry.
Step 2: Choose wisely Choose healthy-looking flowers that are insect and disease free.
Step 3: Air dry Air dry the flowers. Cut the stems to no shorter than 6 inches in length and pull off any excess foliage.
Step 4: Tie to a hanger Tie the stems to a hanger with dental floss. Tie them individually or bunch the stems together with a rubber band.
Step 5: Dry Allow the flowers to dry upside down in a dark, warm, and well-ventilated area for two to three weeks.
Step 6: Spray hairspray Spray the flowers with hairspray after they are completely dry. Display your dried flowers around your home, keeping them out of sunny areas.
FACT: No species of wild plant produces a flower or blossom that is absolutely black.

You Will Need

Pruning shears
Hangers
Dental floss
Rubber bands
Dark
warm
and well-ventilated area
Hairspray

How to Make a Candy Corsage

Howcast — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:01:39 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make tear drops Make teardrop shapes with your 3-inch lengths of ribbon and hot glue the ends along the perimeter of the piece of plastic.
TIP: Overlap the ends of the ribbon to make your teardrop shape.
Step 2: Make more tear drops Make a second layer of teardrop shapes out of the 2-inch ribbons and glue them on top of the first layer.
Step 3: Fill in empty spots Glue pieces of tulle and decorative beads among the ribbon teardrops. Be creative with your design.
Step 4: Hot glue candy to plastic piece Glue your candy to the plastic to complete your corsage.
Step 5: Glue to tie tacks Glue three tie tacks to the back of the plastic piece and pin the corsage on your girl.
FACT: The average American consumes approximately 25 pounds of candy each year. The average American consumes approximately 25 pounds of candy each year.

You Will Need

Assorted 3-inch lengths of ribbon
Assorted 2-inch lengths of ribbon
A hot-glue gun
A 2- by 1-inch piece of plastic
Tulle
Decorative beads
Candy
3 tie tacks

How to Make a Corsage

Howcast — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:32:39 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the stems from the flowers and trim the leaves to a short length.
TIP: After cutting the stems, leave the flowers in room-temperature water for a few hours.
Step 2: Thread floral wire lengthwise into each stem shaft. Run the wire vertically up into the flower and wrap the stem with floral tape. The wire will facilitate shaping the stem during assembly.
Step 3: Bunch the wired flower stems together so they are pointing toward each other and hidden beneath the flowers. Fasten with floral tape.
TIP: Use an odd number of flowers, such as three or five, or one large bloom.
Step 4: Tape baby’s breath or other filler into two bunches. Add one bunch to either side of the taped flowers and secure with floral tape.
TIP: Add smaller flowers if you want to embellish the corsage or make it fuller.
Step 5: Position the leaves into a bed beneath the flowers, framing the flowers with the greenery. Tape the leaf stems to the flower stems.
Step 6: Cut a length of elastic tape in a color that matches or blends well with the flowers. Measure the wearer’s wrist and cut the elastic to the wrist measurement plus one inch.
TIP: You can also stick a hat pin into the back of the corsage if you want to attach it to a dress.
Step 7: Attach the elastic securely to the corsage using either floral tape or wire. Camouflage the stems by wrapping them with ribbon, while minimizing the visibility of the wrist elastic.
FACT: The orchid, a popular corsage flower, is the key ingredient in the frozen Turkish dessert salepi dondurma.

You Will Need

Flowers
Leaves
Scissors
Wire cutters
Floral wire
Floral tape
Babyu2019s breath or other filler
Colored elastic tape
Ribbon
Hat pin (optional)

How To Make a Boutonniere

Howcast — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:35:30 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick your flower Choose a small flower as the centerpiece of your boutonniere; carnations or roses are often used. If you’d like, pick a color that matches your date’s dress or the theme of the event. You can also use artificial flowers.
Step 2: Prepare the flower Cut the stem of the flower with the scissors until it is 3 inches long. Remove the leaves and set them aside.
TIP: If you’re using artificial flowers, cut the stem down using wire cutters and remove all plastic appendages, leaves, and extra buds.
Step 3: Prepare the flower accents Use a small bunch of baby’s breath and greenery to accentuate the flower; lay the baby’s breath on top of the greenery. Keep these pieces slightly longer than the flower.
Step 4: Wrap the stems Use green floral tape to wrap the flower tightly with the baby’s breath and greenery.
Step 5: Tie the bow Use the silk or satin ribbon in a complementary color to hide the floral tape and tie a pretty bow.
Step 6: Store the flower in a special case Place the flower gently in a clear plastic case and leave in the refrigerator until the event. This will help keep it fresh until the big event.
FACT: The word boutonniere is French, meaning buttonhole.

You Will Need

A small flower
Scissors or wire cutters
One bunch baby’s breath
One piece floral greenery
Green flower tape
1/4-inch silk or satin ribbon
A small
clear plastic box