Materials :

• l   IGLU*   *An Iglu is a plastic cage that can be snapped open to hold soaked floral or dry foam.  The "cage" helps to support the floral stems, and is self-contained. It has a plastic bottom, that can be hot glued to something or just used as is.  IGLUs are available in most craft or floral shops.  You can also  use a simple wedge/block of soaked floral foam by itself.
• 1 stem mini-carnations, alstromeria, spray roses or other small flower
• 2 stems leather leaf
• 4 stems asparagus fern
• 4 stems needlepoint ivy
• 3 sprigs pittosporum, variegated or solid
• l stem caspia, statice, babysbreath or monte casino
• raffia
• approximately 2 to 4 lengths honeysuckle vine, about 26" long (each piece can be used full length or can be cut into four equal lengths , joined at the  top and tied together with short strips of raffia).   If using the longer pieces, insert all the way through the foam and up to the top,  using two pieces in this way, the gazebo can be formed.
• ***********Optional***********
• Optional: narrow ribbon, pastel colors work best
• 2-6" pieces stub wire
• a faux butterly attached to a wire

1. After forming the "gazebo", place longer lengths of ivy and asparagus fern into the foam, beside the vine, wrapping around the vine as if it is "growing" on the gazebo
2. Place sprigs of leatherleaf, ivy and pittosporum at the base of the gazebo, trailing a piece or two of ivy out at each side.
3. Insert sprigs of transitional material such as caspia on top of the greenery, then place the short-stemmed flowers as a focal point, adding two dainty ribbon bows, if desired.
4. A colorful faux butterfly completes the look of bringing the garden indoors...ENJOY!
           

The "gazebo" may be placed on top of a decorative container. A pretty one can be created by painting a clay pot with acrylic enamel paints from the craft store in the desired pattern, such as the one pictured. (Best to have "fat" brushes, and "skinny" brushes, to make different size strokes.)

Stripes, plaids, polka dots, floral designs,vines, ferns, birdhouses, ladybugs, abstract patterns, sun, moon, hearts.....all make attractive patterns  adding pizazz to an ordinary clay pot, and turning it into a decorative container!  After the  paint has dried, spray inside and out with a clear acrylic sealer. Fill the container with styrofoam "peanuts", a wedge of dry foam, or sand, and place the "gazebo" on top.  The gazebo will stay in place held by the weight of the soaked floral foam in the Iglu.   It is a great gift for a friend!
 

Return to Fun with Flowers