A Bunch for the Weekend - # 44 - Hot Pink Spray Carnations

This week on 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - I'm featuring some hot pink carnations. The Latin or botanical name is Dianthus.

I have made three small bouquets - all similar but a little bit different.

You'll need:

- 20-25 stems of spray Carnations in any colour you like

- three neutral vases or containers - here I have used different size vintage metal containers - but of the same colour 

- three rubber bands

- ribbons in a colour that matches the container. I'm using two different grosgrain stitched dark grey ribbons designed by Jane Means.

For conditioning the flowers - you'll also need:

- a pair of florists scissors

- a florist bucket filled with fresh water

Condition the flowers by removing any leaves that would end up below the water line in the vase. This is to reduce any growth of bacteria from deteriorating leaves. Also remove any broken or bruised leaves.

Cut the stems at an angle - this is to increase water absorption.  

Put in a clean container with fresh water and leave in a cool, dark place over night or at least for a few hours, to let the flowers absorb the maximum of water, before making the final arrangement.

You might have to re-cut the stems while making the final arrangement to suit the size of the vase or container and to get the right proportions.

While making the bouquet hold the flower stems in one hand and add with the other. Keep adding the flowers one by one and keep turning the bunch as you are adding and make an even dome shaped bouquet. 

When you finished and are happy with your creation wind a rubber band around the stems - this is to hold the flowers in place while you are tying the ribbon.

Next tie the ribbon leaving the ends long. Hold the bouquet next to the container and estimate where to make the final cut. Have the flowers and the bow sit just above the rim of the container.

Remove the rubber band by cutting it and put the flowers in the vase. Lastly cut the ends of the ribbon to whatever length you think looks good. 

The container I have used have quite open or wide necks - but my intention was not to fill them all with flowers. I did fill the smallest one but with the other two I just let the arrangement lean to one side of the vase showing off the ribbon and the stems - a little bit more of a contemporary way of styling flowers.

I have only used one type of flower but in slightly different pinks - some pretty containers and an added ribbon  - voilà you have some attractive, quick and easy bouquets for the weekend.

Have a Happy Floral Saturday and Enjoy Your Weekend!

~ xoxo ~

Ingrid

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer]

[Ribbon designed by Jane Means.]