In this video, Alyssa Lytle discusses some of her favorite mechanics that can be found at most hardware stores. These mechanics are reusable and easy to find, making them a great addition to any floral design project. She will be covering three specific mechanics: suet cages, wire shelving, and PEX pipe. Using these mechanics, Alyssa designs a stunning floral tapestry that can be used for various purposes, such as a ceremony backdrop, a photo backdrop at an event, or hanging behind a bar. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any event or floral installation.
FRESH FLOWERS
White Spider Gerber: 90 Stems
White Allium: 60 Stems
Disbud White Mum: 30 stems
White Scoop Scabiosa: 120 stems
Anthurium Olive Green: 50 Stems
Calla Lily Aethiopica White: 50 Stems
White Carnation: 120 stems
Allium Mohican Red: 20 Stems
Brown Sedum: 30 Stems
TOOLS
Wire Shelf
Suet Cage
PEX Pipe
Wood Excelsior
Chicken Wire
Mechanics & The Design
Suet Cages: A Replacement for Chicken Wire
The first mechanic Alyssa talks about is the suet cage. Originally designed to hold bird seed, suet cages can be repurposed as a replacement for chicken wire in floral designs. Unlike chicken wire, suet cages are more stable and can hold the weight of flowers without losing their shape. You can stuff them with wet moss, wood excelsior, or even use Agrawool or Oshun pouches. Simply wire the cage shut and attach it to the structure you're designing on. These suet cages are durable and can be used for years, making them a great investment for large floral installations.
Wire Shelving: Versatile and Easy to Use
Another useful mechanic is wire shelving. Available in different lengths and depths, wire shelving can be used in a variety of ways in floral design. One popular method is to take two pieces of wire shelving and sandwich them together, creating a sturdy base. You can then fill the shelving with moss, wood excelsior, or even use Agrawool or Ochun pouches as a water source. Wire shelving can be hung above head tables, allowing flowers to hang down or be designed on the top and bottom. It can also be used to create makeshift walls for events, providing an easy floral backdrop that can be brought in sections.
PEX Pipe: A Flexible Armature
The third mechanic Alyssa highlights is PEX pipe. Found in the plumbing section of hardware stores, PEX pipe is semi-rigid yet pliable, making it ideal for creating armatures. It can hold the weight of flowers and mechanics while still maintaining its shape. PEX pipe is perfect for creating unique and intricate designs. Whether you're designing a centerpiece or a larger installation, keep PEX pipe in mind as a versatile tool.
Creating a Floral Tapestry
Now that we've discussed these mechanics, let's dive into a tutorial on how to create a floral tapestry using wire shelving, PEX pipe, chicken wire, wood excelsior, and other materials.
Start by creating a base using two pieces of wire shelving sandwiched together with wood excelsior in between. Hang this base from a piece of wood. From there, you can start adding different shapes using PEX pipe, chicken wire, and wood excelsior. These shapes can be filled with moss, soaked moss, or even Agrawool.
As you progress, you can hang the shapes and start adding flowers. Alyssa chose to use spider Gerbera daisies and allium to create a textural and fabric-like effect. She cut the flowers fairly short and secured them with the wood excelsior and chicken wire. She also added anthurium, arranging the flowers in the same direction to create a pattern and texture.
As Alyssa continued designing, she realized that the all-white color scheme wasn't working as she had envisioned. She decided to add more contrast by sprinkling in darker accents. She also deconstructed and rearranged some of the flowers to break up the rectangular white shape at the top. With the help of her husband and assistant, she was able to bring the design together and create a balanced floral tapestry.
The final design can be used for various purposes, such as a ceremony backdrop, a photo backdrop at an event, or hanging behind a bar. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any event or floral installation.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored three mechanics that can be found at most hardware stores: suet cages, wire shelving, and PEX pipe. These mechanics are reusable and easy to find, making them valuable tools for floral designers. We also followed Alyssa as she created a stunning floral tapestry using these mechanics and various flowers and materials. The end result was a beautiful and versatile design that can be used in a variety of settings.
If you're looking to add some unique elements to your floral designs, consider incorporating these mechanics into your projects. They offer endless possibilities and can elevate your designs to the next level. So next time you're at a hardware store, don't forget to check out the plumbing and gardening sections for these useful tools.
CREDITS:
Host & Designer: Alyssa Lytle | www.floweringmids.education.com
Videographer: Brian Hummel at Flowering Minds