I am pleased to welcome Brookelynn Morris, staff writer for Craftzine and author of the beautiful book, Feltique, to share her tips for creating your own beautiful bouquets from fresh flowers for this week’s How-Tuesday. After poring over her tutorial, I have a sneaking suspicion that following my next weekly wander to the farmer’s market, I might just happily strut home with a blooming, colorful bunch of flowers to brighten my own little apartment.
My lovely friend Leandra was willing to let me create anything I wanted for her bridal bouquet this weekend. Her only requirement was that I used “all the colors in the rainbow.” So I went to the San Francisco Flower Mart, and picked out everything that called to me. The morning of her wedding, I set to work, and 5 minutes before she walked down the aisle, I handed off the most amazing, luscious bridal flowers I have ever created.
Making a bouquet for the bride is a very rewarding, but intense task. The pressure is astounding — not only are you trying to give the her the perfect accessory, you’re working with very fragile and perishable materials. The hard part is not going overboard with things, and keeping the bouquet as tasteful as possible. My original concept used hydrangea and green mums, but I had a moment where Tim Gunn from Project Runway came into my head and asked me to “Use my editing eye!”. I left out those flowers because, when I really thought about it, they made the bride’s bouquet look more like a birthday party arrangement. The final piece was the perfect complement to her beautiful, dreamy, colorful bridal style.
Materials:
Flowers
Large clippers
Floral Scissors
28 gauge floral wire
Wire cutters
Floral tape
Rubber bands
3-4 yards of lace and ribbon
Decorative straight pins
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare your flowers by removing all the leaves along the length of the stems. With the roses, I use the floral scissors to cut the leaves, but with the tulips, the leaves wrap all the way around the stem, so I gently pull the leaves downward with my fingers.
Step 2: Florists use thin floral wire to incorporate short stemmed flowers in with the longer stemmed flowers. For this bouquet, I cut the cymbidium orchids from their long stem, and then individually wired the blossoms to to the sturdy stem of a peony.
Cut 1ft of floral wire, and then pierce the stem of the orchid, about 1/4″ from the head of the flower. Carefully push the wire through the stem so that the blossom is centered on the wire. Now, twist the wire around the orchid stem to support it, and then twist the ends to the peony. The result is one long peony, with an orchid floating alongside. Don’t worry that the wire looks ugly, it will be well concealed in the final bouquet. I wired two orchids to two peonies.
Step 3: Once all the flowers are prepped, they can be gathered into groups. I work the flowers in small bundles, then gather those together for the final piece. Just start by placing individual stems into your hand, and seeing how they look together. The trick here is to master your hands. I broke two roses because I was grasping the stems too tightly, so keep your fingers loose. Get as creative as you like, and mix and match the flowers until you find the right combination.
Once you have a bundle that you like, rubber band it together, and set it into water. Then create 2 more groupings that are similar, but not symmetrical.
Step 4: When all 3 bundles are built, remove their rubber bands and combine them together. Trim all the stems to a length that compliments the height of your bride, and then secure the entire piece with one rubber band at the top, and one at the base.
Step 5: My bride’s handle is first wrapped with satin ribbon that has been in the bouquets of other brides in her family. It’s a sweet tradition that they carry on — each new bride gets to use the same piece of ribbon. To create the handle, just wrap the stems. Start at the top, and push a straight pin through the ribbon and into the stems. Then work down the handle wrapping the stems tightly, but not too tightly! Secure the ribbon at the bottom of the bouquet with a second pin. After I wrapped with the ribbon, I went over the handle again with a wide piece of pale blue lace. I went over and over the handle and used almost 3 yards of lace.
Step 6: Pin the lace to the stems using crystal pins. I worked in a line down the inside of the bouquet. Push them firmly into a strong stem, and as you get towards the bottom, angle the pins up as you place them so that they will not poke out the bottom. Mist the flowers with some fresh cool water, and then try not to swoon when you see the bride’s face light up at the sight of her stunning flowers!
Thank you to Brookelynn Morris and the good folks at Craftzine for sharing this project with us.
For more projects and ideas, check out their site.
Elegant Parchment Flowers | Seedling Kit Favors | Fabric Flowers | More How-Tuesday Posts
160 comments
Sign in to add your ownallthepreciousthings says:
I wish this sort of thing was around when we got married (1986). Everyone paid a fortune for flowers that all looked the same - this is much more appealing!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Great How to!!!! Thanks.
1 year ago
caseysharpe says:
Very pretty indeed!
1 year ago
CatchTheEye says:
wonderful guide!
1 year ago
Ayca says:
Thanks for sharing! I love this article!
1 year ago
SilkstoneDesigns says:
Brilliant article, very inspiring! Will have to remember this one :) Thanks!
1 year ago
martice says:
lovely :)
1 year ago
vint says:
How funny, I once met Brookelyn on the plane to Renegade in Chicago, a few years back. Her bouquet project is wonderful!
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
So beautiful! I love it!
1 year ago
TrueOrganics says:
how beautiful! I've got this bookmarked for when I get married to my love in 2 years! :) Thanks for making this!
1 year ago
ktreasures says:
Beautiful and inspiring! I love flower bouquets as you can see from my shop!
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
Wow how helpful is this! Very nice
1 year ago
kissadesign says:
Wow, what a variety of flowers; they all came together beautifully! Thanks for the how-to.
1 year ago
Raceytay says:
Those are breathtaking.
1 year ago
imadeyouabeard says:
so gorgeous! thanks for the tutorial!
1 year ago
candacejean says:
Oooh beautiful! My mom picked up fresh flowers on the way to my kid sister's wedding a couple years back. She and I made her bouquet in the parking lot while hovering over the open trunk of her car immediately before the ceremony! I love all the pretty colors in this one. Vibrant!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
This is absolutely beautiful! I'm sure the bride was thrilled with it! :)
1 year ago
SatinandBirch says:
Very nice for any occasion, thanks so much!
1 year ago
SimplyByBex says:
Great tips! I love DIY because it makes the bouquet more unique! Also, another great alternative could be clay flower bouquet for that special day!
1 year ago
hattricks says:
all beautiful creations!! Thanks for the help..
1 year ago
CarryTheWord says:
Beautiful! Great info!
1 year ago
bringaboutart says:
BeautiFUL! I'm doing the flowers for a friend's wedding in a couple of weeks---I hadn't thought to go to the farmer's market, or to bundle three smaller bunches into one---both great ideas! Thank you :)
1 year ago
6catspinNsew says:
love the lace, my sister and I are always looking for awesome lace. great article.
1 year ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
Awesome! Remins me of whenI got married...tight budget, and I learned lots of creative alternatives to mainstream industry. It really means more that way. Aaah...all these years and more in love every day!
1 year ago
dolphinmaid says:
Lucious indeed! I love the garden picked fresh look. Thank you for the how tue :)
1 year ago
CourtneyDirks says:
Absolutely stunning...I've been wondering how to do this, you must be reading minds! Thank you so much, I've already bookmarked this, I know it will come in super handy someday. All the best to you.
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
Beautiful, I love all the flowers and colors! I will take some of those ideas for some flower arrangements for my home, since there is no wedding in my future (yet).
1 year ago
TinyArtbyJMullin says:
I could do that and I just might! I was thinking that the only flowers I really needed for my upcoming nuptials was a bouquet for myself. I am enjoying all of these etsy wedding features this summer, now that they are relevant!
1 year ago
WhatBowsAround says:
I love how you wrapped the stems with the satin ribbon and then the lace. Getting some ideas now... ;)
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
What a gorgeous arrangement. I love the lace handle that you made. Thanks for sparking some creativity.
1 year ago
FoundDays says:
beautiful! i did the flowers for my own wedding, and a couple friends weddings.. it is nervewracking, but satisfying (and oh so much cheaper than hiring a florist).
1 year ago
TrimsNmore says:
What creative ideas! I love the arrangements. I have some beautiful laces that would look lovely too :)
1 year ago
PaintedHorse says:
Beautiful, simply beautiful! I can almost catch a waft of their scent.
1 year ago
FerntreeFlowers says:
An absolutely gorgeous bouquet you created! Thanks too for including my Hydrangea bouquet in the 'related items'. :) angie
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Gorgeous flower arrangements! Great How To!!! There is nothing more beautiful than the city of roses where we are surrounded by creativity and so much gorgeous flora & fauna. Come visit us and become a part of our LeafandInk family. http://leafandink.wordpress.com/
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
How simple that would have been for a mother of three daughters......
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
Love it so cool :)
1 year ago
lolopetals says:
Beautiful! I love floral design!
1 year ago
postroadvintage says:
Wowza! Looks good enough to eat :)
1 year ago
designsfrommyheart says:
That bouquet is absolutely gorgeous. I wish you were around when I got married 10 years go. That was exactly what I was looking for, but couldn't get in the month of October. I shouldn't complain my bouquet was beautiful with fall flowers. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
CorvidDelights says:
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the tradition of sharing the ribbon to bind the bouquet. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
hiscrazywife says:
A wonderful How-To that makes me want to marry my husband all over again just so I can do it "handmade!"
1 year ago
thelittlemarket says:
I agree! Definetely makes me want to marry my hubby again! Wonder if he'll go for it??? :-)
1 year ago
NaiyaArtBoutique says:
A very easy tutorial!! Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
SSSJ says:
Romantic! Wonderful style! I love seeing all the beautiful ideas on Etsy!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
For my wedding last summer my husband and I grew all of our own flowers and I assembled all of the boquets. We saved thousands of dollars by doing it this way. Due to a very cold midwestern summer, we were short a few flowers come harvest time so we made a trip to our local farmer's market. We found some flowers we loved and arranged to meet up with the "floral farmer" at her farm the day before the wedding and bought them at a wholesale price. Our friends and family had a great time helping assemble arrangements for each table, and at the end of the night we let everyone take home a boquet or two, it was a hit!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Yes romantic and lovely :) love it , merci
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
fresh flowers....whenever you need a smile...... these are beautiful!
1 year ago
salvageshop says:
gorgeous :)
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
STUNNING!
1 year ago
flowersbythevase says:
Lovely article...It shows you its a art
1 year ago
minusplusminus says:
beautiful flowers! so elegant and free at the same time
1 year ago
FloweryDeer says:
Gorgerous!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Beautiful bouquet and I love the lace wrap!
1 year ago
Lotuslulu says:
this bouquet is jaw-droppingly beautiful
1 year ago
PinkOrchidInvites says:
Aww, I love the lace touch!
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
so pretty ! thank you for sharing your secrets! love this! xoxo
1 year ago
themarketintheglen says:
I love the idea of using pinwheels for an outdoor wedding- how magical would that be with them all spinning in the wind? I always want to keep my flowers forever, so it would be nice to have clay or paper flowers that will never die! Thanks for all the tips!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Great article. Lovey flowers
1 year ago
Melindamilkshake says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
mialareine says:
This is lovely! Thank you for sharing. And I love the ribbon tradition!
1 year ago
sukran says:
romantic, beautiful pictures
1 year ago
LilaJo says:
Will keep this in mind for my own DIY wedding!
1 year ago
DarkBluebell says:
Lovely romantic flowers.
1 year ago
mammamiaeme says:
Thank you for sahring for this lovely article!
1 year ago
nowonder says:
Looks great and saves a lot of money! Great idea!
1 year ago
pasin says:
Gorgeous arrengements
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
Absolutely beautiful! I love the idea of having control of precisely which flowers you want. Thanks for sharing! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
TopazTurtle says:
amazing arrangement!
1 year ago
OldTimePickers says:
Fantabulous flowers! DIY is the way to go. Best Pickins'
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
beautiful bouquet! I think I'd be so nervous about doing this for someone else...
1 year ago
aileenrae says:
This is a beautiful bouquet!!
1 year ago
MarilyndaGallery says:
Love your technique of making smaller bundles that then group together for the final larger arrangement. That makes so much sense when you compare it to any other project-start small and work up. Such a lovely arrangement-you have a exquisite sense of color and balance.
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Beautiful!!
1 year ago
EverybodyElse says:
Very neat! I don't have any real occasion to make bouquets, but now I want to try it!
1 year ago
bidesign says:
My name is Buket. It means bouquet. I liked this article.
1 year ago
Tumus says:
Oh that's so pretty! I want to make bouquets just for me now!
1 year ago
jcisco112 says:
So Beautiful!
1 year ago
yourethatgirldesigns says:
beautifully subtle bouquet!
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
Simply stunning! The color choice of flowers you picked are gorgeous! ~Wren http://www.ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles!
1 year ago
Adeleshop says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
DanaLaymon says:
i wish i had thought about making my own when i got married! it would have saved so much money and that bouquet is beautiful!
1 year ago
BrightWallVintage says:
I want to be as DIY as possible as I plan our wedding! I love the bouquet created here. Thank you for sharing some great info!
1 year ago
abbigayle says:
A beautiful prolific bride's bouquet. I absolutely love and admire the arrangement and lace pinned handle.
1 year ago
SugarFlower says:
Gorgeous!!!
1 year ago
AntikaModa says:
Very pretty! For my wedding (2006) we did something similar, only minus the lace...I just love that style :)
1 year ago
perebags says:
beautiful!! thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
somsstudiosupplies says:
Lovely article and will be a lot of help to all brides-to be.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
A very useful informational how to - not having a wedding soon, but I will be using the wires to add more colors and flowers to my own home decor floral arrangements - thank you for sharing these great tips!
1 year ago
jargonhead says:
Fabulous! My mom and I assembled all the decorative flowers for my wedding, and we had so much fun doing it. It was a great way to bond. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
beachglassshop says:
beautiful! My sister created all of the flowers for my neice's wedding, and they were stunning! Thank you for the article!!!!
1 year ago
artofjane says:
I love the originality! Most wedding flowers look all alike.
1 year ago
Mymothersgarden says:
That really is an exquisite bouquet! I like all of the unusual flowers and textures you put together...especially the purple thistle.
1 year ago
joannemackensen says:
This is so helpful - thank you very much for the informative and easy-to-follow instructions!
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Great article! I my job (at the age of 16) was working in the floral dept of our local grocery store! I thought all I would have to do is water plants (basically)! Oh no, I had to make last minute corsages and arrangements from people coming in off the street! OH MY was that a rude awakening for a 16 year old! Arrangements, bouquets, and corsages are definitely a work of art!
1 year ago
akcArt says:
My bad....I meant 'My job'...not I my job....not sure what happened there! :)
1 year ago
rule42 says:
gorgeous!
1 year ago
NorthwestBridal says:
Wonderful article! I use a similar method when I make the bouquets in my photographs, but I had not ever thought of making 3 different bunches and then combining them, that is a great idea I am sure to use! Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
JewelryByJLy says:
PERFECT! Now all I need is a wedding!
1 year ago
LaBellaCandela says:
♥THANKS FOR THE TIPS!♥
1 year ago
mykonos says:
I love flowers!!
1 year ago
HeartfeltLetters says:
I've created two bridal bouquets myself and I know the joy of creating something beautiful for someone's special day. Thanks for inspiring others to do so also!
1 year ago
StringsnTings says:
My best friend (who is recently engaged) will definitely appreciated this post! Sharing it with her right now, thanks so much!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Gorgeous! I love bouquets like this--so chic and pretty. Too bad I'm already married. I should make an everyday bouquet and parade around with it!
1 year ago
lilabelledesign says:
oh so fabulous, very good demo of how to do a bouquet ;o)
1 year ago
AntoinettesWhims says:
Beautiful! I did the same thing 20 years ago for my own bouquet. It was just 40 white roses, it was big, beautiful and shocking to see that many roses.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
beautiful. marking for future reference.
1 year ago
frostingcoutureshop says:
Gorgeous! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
1 year ago
thedoghouse says:
Wow - so pretty & fresh looking! A real inspiration to make the bouquet for my own wedding next year... ;-)
1 year ago
GatheringSplendor says:
I am inspired to pick wild flowers and make a bouquet for my neighbor. This was a lovey way to spend a few minutes. Thank you for sharing your talent.
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
love to see the stems wrapped like that, so many possibilities for lace and ribbon.
1 year ago
MariyaAli says:
Simple beautiful!
1 year ago
LittleMissDressUp says:
very pretty
1 year ago
bedouin says:
individualism rocks! belle belle bouquet
1 year ago
PattiTrostle says:
Lovely!!
1 year ago
MadeByScarlett says:
Love it! Absolutely gorgeous!
1 year ago
cocokato says:
love the colour and texture. so beautiful!
1 year ago
michaelangela says:
WOW! Great job!!
1 year ago
MariyaAli says:
These just look fantastic.
1 year ago
aquacitrine says:
the best part about this how-to? the outstandingly simple and yet naturally beautiful accompanying photos. how very lovely.
1 year ago
nikkivain says:
So cute!! My friend had the same type of bouquet with black polka dotted silk and black pearl push pins.
1 year ago
mark13148 says:
Nice flowers, love them
1 year ago
KynaHsiao says:
Great how-to! Gonna go out and buy materials today!
1 year ago
camilita says:
Love it! Colors are so pretty!
1 year ago
SouthernBelleOOAK says:
Nothing beats fresh flowers to brighten your day! I love the way you lined up the pins on the lace around the stems. It looks like the buttons on the back of a vintage bride's gown. Beautiful colors!
1 year ago
NatalieBriggs says:
I made my own flowers for my wedding this year, its so nice to make something personalized by you for your wedding :)
1 year ago
petiteflowerjewelry says:
I love the color combination of your flowers.
1 year ago
jguilddesigns says:
pretty! and I love the idea of passing the lace down for future generation brides- so romantic!
1 year ago
simplychiclily says:
I used to design bouqets too, your are beautiful!
1 year ago
gormanstudios says:
Soooo gorgeous! I love the multi-colours lusciousness!
1 year ago
MyFavorsandFlowers says:
Gorgeous bouquet!
1 year ago
WoodPigeon says:
Beautiful!!! Must remember for an upcoming friend's wedding.
1 year ago
carefullycrafted4u says:
Lovely! I am all for handmade stuff for weddings..my reason for decorating home-made hand-hennaed candles for weddings and other events..keep up the great work!
1 year ago
Butterflyjewelry says:
Thank you for the info =0)
1 year ago
dandelionland says:
so pretty and memorable to make them yourself and with family.
1 year ago
LouisaDesigns says:
Brides today and for a few years now really like the free-form design and lots of color and textures. Beautiful flowers I am sure it was a very beautiful wedding.
1 year ago
PaperAffection says:
i LOVE! this how to!
1 year ago
newhopebeading says:
That's beautiful!
1 year ago
designMatter says:
Adorable gift:)
1 year ago
brownsco says:
What a beautiful bouque of flowers for the bride. What a sentimental arrangement for the bride to have this prepared especially by a special friend! Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
dabbledesigns says:
Awesome step by step instructions! I love the the variety of florals and all the colors. Makes for a very unique bridal bouquet!
1 year ago
dabbledesigns says:
a great variety of florals and colors. Makes for a very unique bouquet!
1 year ago
aressa says:
Lovely demonstration on how to make a bouquet. Seems rather simple to do.....
1 year ago
AMSkrafts says:
wonderful demo, and the bouquet is beautiful! working with fresh, perishable materials is difficult, but this article is a great way to introduce flower arrangement to everyone.
1 year ago
whimsygraphicdesigns says:
okay can I have her create my bridal bouquet? It looks amazing!!
1 year ago
mark13148 says:
love your flowers
1 year ago
KIMONOS says:
Instructions are great, I have a feeling I can make one on my own now, Thank You...
1 year ago
avintagebride says:
beautiful..
1 year ago
TheEverlastingPosy says:
Very pretty!
1 year ago
handmaderomance says:
yay! this is fantastic...think i might give it a go myself now too : )
1 year ago
ourhobbytoyourhome says:
Great Tips... The how to instructions were very easy to follow and thank you for breaking it down for us non floral professionals. :) Thank you for the great tips!
1 year ago
panachebride says:
Slipping your handmade floral bouquet into a really unique and beautiful bridal bouquet handle adds a little pazaz to your finished bouquet and is a great alternate solution to wrapping the stems with ribbon.
1 year ago
TansyPansy says:
how beautiful...
1 year ago
nancydupree says:
very beautiful
1 year ago
anakim says:
Adorable!
1 year ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
beautiful. i'll pass this on to a very special bride/groom
1 year ago
ElegantPartyBoutique says:
I love the idea of doing little groupings of flowers and using the rubber bands to hold them together until you are ready to make the final products. You did a wonderful job for your friend.Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
pasin says:
Very nice, thank you so much.
1 year ago
pasin says:
Very nice, thank you so much.
1 year ago