Discover the world of floral artistry with our Design Star, Alyssa Lytle of Flowering Minds. In her very first video, Alyssa will be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to create an exquisite cascading floral runner for a table. This design is perfect for events and can be easily transported from your studio to the venue.
She will be using sustainable materials such as wood and Oshun pouches, wire, moss, and flowers. Let's dive in and get started - keep scrolling for the video, materials list, instructions, and beautiful photographs of the finished design. Stay tuned for an exciting new video next month where we continue to share Alyssa's sustainable floral design techniques.
FRESH FLOWERS
Echinops Blue Globe (Thistle): 7 bunches
Blue Cornflower: 5 bunches
Pink Sedum: 8 bunches
Peach Cottage Yarrow: 6 Bunches
Brown Lisianthus: 6 bunches
TOOLS
OshunPouch - 7 total
1 in x 3 inch pieces of wood (red oak) - 2, 2 ft sections and 1, 1 ft section
Paddlewire
To start off, take the three pieces of wood and drill holes in the ends. You can then attach the pieces of wood to each other using wire or zip ties. In this case, wire was used. Place the wood base on the table, with two feet on top of the table and two feet hanging off, with an additional one foot at the very bottom. This design allows for easy transportation from the studio to the event venue.
Take a soaked OshunPouch and place it on the piece of wood. Add a bit of moss at the top to provide a natural look. Use bind wire or zip ties to secure the pouch to the wood. It is recommended to use wire as it can be easily unwound and reused for future designs. Wrap the OshunPouch and the wood about three times, making sure it is tight to prevent any breakage. This will serve as the foundation for the flowers.
Now it's time to start designing the cascading floral runner. Begin by creating sections using different flower varieties. For example, you can start with a section of thistle to create a pile-like feel on the table. Concentrate flower varieties together to highlight their beauty and create a more impactful look with texture.
Next, add cottage yarrow to add shape and fluffiness to the design. Concentrate this flower variety together to create a cloud-like feel. Mix in other flowers to add variety and create a more natural look. For example, add lisianthus to add a pop of color and blend it with the cottage yarrow.
To tone down the brightness of the design, add some sedum. This neutral-colored flower will blend well with the other flowers and create a cohesive look. Remember to keep the stems tight at the beginning to hide the mechanics, but as the design progresses, make it fluffier and more airy.
Continue adding flowers in different sections, mixing them up to create a natural and organic feel. Add more thistle in different locations to create depth and asymmetry. Mix in the thistle with the cottage yarrow and lisianthus to create a blended and cohesive look. Cover up any mechanics with short stems, being careful not to overdo it and change the shape of the design.
Now it's time to add the final touch to the cascading floral runner - the blue cornflower. This vibrant, electric blue flower will add a contemporary feel to the design. Concentrate the cornflower in the thistle sections to create pops of color and contrast. This delicate flower will bring the design to life and add an airy and floating element above the more dense sections.
Take a step back and admire your beautiful cascading floral runner. You can see how the contrast in texture, density, and color creates an aesthetically pleasing design. The tight, fluffy sections, along with bursts of light and airiness, add depth and visual interest.
To finish off the design, cover up any remaining mechanics and ensure that the stems are fairly short to maintain the desired shape. Make sure not to cover up too much and lose the design you love.
Creating a cascading floral runner for a table is a beautiful and impactful way to decorate for events. By using sustainable materials and a variety of flower varieties, you can create a design that is both visually stunning and environmentally friendly. Remember to concentrate flower varieties together to highlight their beauty and mix them up to create a natural and organic feel. Add pops of color and contrast with delicate flowers like the blue cornflower. With these steps, you can create a cascading floral runner that will impress and delight your guests.
Thank you for reading this article and I hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more floral design tips and tutorials.
CREDITS:
Host & Designer: Alyssa Lytle | www.floweringmids.education.com
Videographer: Brian Hummel at Flowering Minds