Arrangements classified into geometric shape groups Exception:
some oriental, abstract, and modern designs Silhouette is its basic
shape Knowing a definite shape can help you before you begin
Selecting container Selecting flowers & foliage 5 th per.
10/31
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1. Placement or location Dictates shape and size of arrangement
Determines if it will be all-sided (viewed from all sides) or
one-sided (viewed from one side)
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2. Table size and shape Round table enhanced with round
arrangement, rectangular table ideal for horizontal design
Slide 5
3. Eye level The level at which the floral arrangement will be
viewed Helps determine: Container, Flowers, Foliage, How
arrangement is assembled Direction flowers/materials face Overall
shape 2 nd per. 10/31 3 rd per. 10/31
Slide 6
4. Types of flowers foliage Client may want specific flowers
for specific meaning Some work well in tall arrangements, others
dont
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5. Container choice Tall vertical container = tall vertical
arrangement Round basket usually means circular design
Slide 8
6. Occasion and purpose Formality of an occasion Symmetrical:
formal (churches, funeral homes, auditoriums, hotel lobbies)
Asymmetrical: informal (casual occasions)
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Consider the factors that influence design then decide on a
design shape Use this idea to set the framework for your design
(basic structure)
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1. Triangular 2. Circular 3. Vertical 4. Horizontal Based on
their emphasis of shape or line Some are a blending of several
forms
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Keep chosen shape in mind Can be constructed with flowers
and/or foliage Skeleton flowers/foliage: first few stems that
establish framework Create the main and essential outline for
forming a specified design shape Set geometric limits Establish
outer boundaries for a design including height, width, and
depth
Slide 13
To increase depth in one-sided designs: Add a skeleton flower
or foliage stem in the front of the arrangement near the rim of the
container and angle it downward To complete visual balance, angle
the tallest stem slightly backwards After framework is established:
Flowers may extend beyond framework edges, or stay within it Simple
framework gives foundation for construction, eases arrangement
process 5 th per. 11/3
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Popular Three distinct sides Three corners, angles, or tips
Generally one-sided Some can be arranged as two-sided Many
variations of height, width, size, and style exist All are
symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical (informal)
Slide 16
Formal When divided in half vertically, each side is a mirror
image of the other Keep framework a mirror image Flowers within
triangle do not need to be repeated exactly on both sides Basic
symmetrical arrangements that offer a traditional formal look
Equilateral triangle design Isosceles triangle design Cone
design
Slide 17
Three sides that form the triangle are all equal in length
Usually one-sided, placed against wall or where people will see
only one side Example: buffet table, front of a church
Slide 18
Generally has three skeleton flower or foliage stems to create
three points of triangle Three sides are equal, not the three stems
that form the corners! Materials forming the base line need
combined length approximately the length of the stem forming the
top center point of the triangle Results in three sides fairly
equal to each other 5 th per. 11/10?
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Symmetrical Two sides equal in length, third or base unequal
Most common has two equal sides that form the height of the
arrangement One-sided isosceles designs popular because theyre
easily created from few flowers Small or large in scale, generally
highly stylized and artistic
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Typical of Byzantine period of design Three-dimensional
vertical isosceles triangle Require foam base for mass flower
insertion In the past, would gather pieces of foam into chicken
wire to form foundation Today, block of foam can be formed to a
cone Manufactured floral foam cones also available Formal,
generally all-sided 3 rd per. 11/3 5 th per. 11/10
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Informal When divided vertically in half, one side heavier than
other To balance, something on less visually heavy side must be
compensated Color, texture, form, or length/angle of stem Appear
more natural More planning necessary to achieve proper balance
Slide 25
Often one-sided, can be made all-sided Rely on use of focal
point for visual success Height shifted to one side Width of
triangle extends out on opposite side Basic designs: Right triangle
Scalene triangle 2 nd per. 11/3
Slide 26
Named for right angle of 90 that forms the design Generally
vertical format Tall vertical line perpendicular to base line of
arrangement Vertical emphasis or height usually seen on left side
Reason why theyre often called L-shape designs Can also be the
right
Slide 27
Can point to the right or left, according to display location
Can be made in pairs to give importance to a picture or object
between the two Also placed in opposite manner to provide direction
and length, with the horizontal base line extending outward in
opposite directions
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Unequal sides and angles Generally has vertical emphasis
Apparent obtuse angle (greater than 90, with height to one side)
Baseline extends downward on the other side opposite to the height
With flower stems facing downward, often necessary to use compote
or taller container If using a lower container, place on mantle or
other location for flowers to fall freely
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Popular Many diverse styles exist, including: symmetrical,
mass, asymmetrical, curvilinear, all-sided, and one-sided
Slide 33
Circular or rounded silhouette Symmetrical Can be made in a
variety of sizes & styles Most categorized as: Round Cube Oval
Fan Topiary ball
Slide 34
Appears the same on all sides and from all viewing angles Also
called: circular, round mound, roundy- moundy, nosegay, and
tussie-mussie No front or back Can be placed virtually anywhere
Arranging in circular manner adds interesting element of repetition
thats pleasing and harmonious Avoid feeling of monotony by using
foliage that offers pleasant contrast to dominant flower forms
Slide 35
If one-sided, appears unfinished and lacks balance Consider
another design if wanting a one- sided arrangement 5 th per.
11/11
Slide 36
Not actually in the shape of a cube Round, circular mass design
made in a glass cube or other cube-shaped container Container may
be elongated into a tall rectangle Versatile, variety of sizes and
styles Usually made without floral foam To prevent tipping, stems
must be angled and interlocked within the container to form a tight
grid
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Slide 38
Symmetrical Commonly made in both all-sided and one- sided
arrangements Offer extension of round form, with circular shape
elongated vertically All flowers/foliage placed to radiate out from
central location similar to round designs Stem lengths more varied
to form the oval 2 nd per. 11/10 3 rd per. 11/10
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Slide 40
Also called radiating design One-sided, similar in shape to fan
or half-circle Line flowers/foliage often used to set framework
Stems should appear to radiate from a central location
Symmetrically balanced with formal, planned appearance Voids or
negative spaces between stems give importance to radiating lines,
emphasizing fan appearance
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Slide 42
Perfectly round sphere Shape appears the same from any viewing
angle Round topiaries are symmetrical and offer formal decorating
in a variety of styles, sizes, and applications Can be hung if
attached properly Floral pomander: small topiary that can be
carried Ribbon or string must be inserted into the ball before the
arrangement is completed
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Gives emphasis to curving lines of the design, rather than mass
Generally highly-stylized, one-sided, may be all-sided Curved lines
create unique and sophisticated appearance and display graceful
rhythm Require curving stems to form important rhythmic lines Some
naturally curved, others are not
Slide 45
Main types of curvilinear designs: Crescent design Hogarth
design
Slide 46
Portion of a circle with one concave edge and one convex edge
Similar to shape of the moon just before first quarter or after
last quarter phases May be used in pairs Requires skill and
experience Also referred to as a C-shape design Variety of sizes,
heights, widths, and styles Requires a lot of negative space Focal
point near container rim for visual balance
Slide 47
When inverted, use upright container and flowing plant material
to create downward curve
Slide 48
Also called S-curve or Hogarth curve design Sophisticated
asymmetrical appearance Must be constructed in a compote or tall
vase Rhythmic line easiest to achieve with vines, pliable branches,
and naturally curving flower stems Formal type of design Only
design shape named for a person rather than geometric shape
Slide 49
William Hogarth 1697-1764 Shape comes from self-portrait
Portrait of a Painter and His Pug(1745) all beauty based on
serpentine s-line Line of Grace 3D s-line
Slide 50
Not as popular as other designs More difficult to construct
Requires curving stems Requires taller/heavier container (adds
expense) May tip easily during delivery 2 nd per. 11/11
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Height emphasized by exaggerating vertical emphasis Creates
dynamic appearance of strength Vertical container
enhances/strengthens vertical line Space-saving Variety of sizes,
heights, and styles Bud vase designs: small Stylized vertical
designs: larger 5 th per. 11/14
Slide 53
Simplest vertical design Single flower or limited grouping
Flowers repeat shape of tall slender vase in which theyre placed
Generally one-sided, can be made all-sided Placed on small table or
in small room or area Containers are tall and narrow Holds flowers
in place
Slide 54
Some containers may be too narrow for number and thickness of
stems Rule of thumb If you cannot fit your thumb down the neck of
the vase, it is probably not suitable for more than 1-2 stems of
plant material Forcing flowers can crush stems
Slide 55
Constructed in vertical containers with or without floral foam
Generally one-sided, may be all-sided May have narrow line of plant
material To achieve visual interest and balance, often require
focal point near rim of container or at upper edges
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Parallel with tabletop or other surface Restful, peaceful
feeling Generally symmetrical, can be asymmetrical All-sided, can
be one-sided Can be combined with triangular or circular shape to
give slight height Made in low, long containers Candles commonly
used Keep low so they dont interfere with conversation across a
dinner table