As a child of the 70s, I recall all too well the artificial flowers of the 80s. They were bad. Really, really bad, y’all. If you’re shaking your head in agreement, then you probably have the same aversion to them that I’ve had for over three decades. It was just a HUGE no-no. Kinda like white pants after Labor Day. But we don’t really listen to that rule now, so why can’t we give artificial flower arrangements another try?
*This post contains affiliate links*
Of course, not all artificial flowers are made equal – some are still pretty bad. But if you try, you can find great choices at great prices, like the ones I used here from Ikea. At around $2 a stem, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t cost much more than grocery store flowers, yet last a lot longer.
So if you’re ready to give them another go, don’t just toss them in a vase. Make your own artificial flower arrangements. And these easy tips will help get you started:
- Choose the right container. I like shallow, wide vessels to make wide arrangements. That way you can spread it all out, which makes it look far more professional than a simple pitcher or vase. (Click here for the dish I used)
- Use the right foam for the job – in this case, dry foam. Cut it down with a serrated knife to fit the container, then use floral tape across the top to secure it to the container before starting your arrangement.
- Pick your favorite flower, then cut the pieces apart if there are several on a stem. Think ahead to make sure they are cut long enough for your container. I tend to cut a little long and trim more as needed. I used these ranunculus for my artificial flower arrangements.
- Start with your greenery. Put bigger pieces in the top of the arrangement, on each side & a few around the bottom. Don’t completely fill it in, just give the biggest pieces a place to create structure for the arrangement.
- Use your biggest flowers first. I had three different size blooms, so I cut them all apart and put the largest all around the arrangement (including the back).
- Fill in with the smaller flowers. From biggest to smallest. Remove greenery from flowers as needed to fit your flower arrangement.
- Stand back and check your flower arrangements from all angles at a distance to see where you may need to adjust it.
- Finally fill in with the greenery, both of the original kind and the filler from the flower stems.
- Keep them clean with the help of your blow dryer for dusting or with silk flower cleaner.
Would love to see some links to places that sell good artificial flowers & greenery or brand names to look for. Thank you!
Thanks for the suggestion Gennie, I will look into it, and believe it or not, I got the flowers in this post from Ikea…they look so real!!
I really liked your arrangement! I also liked all the tips you gave us. I usually get my flowers at Michael’s or Hoby Loby.
Thanks so much Sarita, if you have an Ikea near you, they have really added some amazing artificial flowers and the prices are great!
Great tips…..your arrangement looks so pretty and real!
Do you just use the blow dryer right on the flowers?
Thanks!
Thanks so much Ilene, and yes you do 🙂
Great tips and beautiful arrangement and thank you for sharing
Thanks so much Norma!
Great post – have never had much success with these in the past but looking forward to trying it again with your suggestions! Keep up the good work- really enjoy your work!
Thanks so much Margaret, good luck to you 🙂
I love Ikea’s flowers! I’m terrible at arranging though. If you do another arrangement, it would help me to see a photo after each small addition to the arrangement. I’m that bad at it, that I need more help.
I love the flowers ! Great job!
GINA, WE NEED EASTER CRAFT/DECORATIONS IDEALS.. THANK YOU LADY. LOVE THIS ARRANGEMENT!
Thank you so much, Gina. I found some real looking peonies at Walmart.
Oh yea, I’m so glad!! Have fun 🙂
So Gorgeous, Its really looks stunning.. I love this amazing post…
Thanks so much Jenny!