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Here in Portland, we are so lucky to be situated between two amazing East Asian gardens: The Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. In the spirit of these local landmarks, join us in this Idea Book segment to construct an ikebana-inspired arrangement using our 5.5" Black Cube Vase.
To begin, pop open the 5.5" Black Cube Vase making sure the bottom flaps lock into place. Next, tape a ribbon around the upper edge of the box. We've chosen to use a textured bamboo ribbon, but any yellow ribbon will work to accent the cool, elemental colors of the flowers to come. Now, measure and cut your floral foam to size. Soak it in water and flower food, add it to your vase, and you're ready to design!
Start by cutting two lengths of snake grass; bend to form two obtuse triangles and insert into the foam. Next, intersect these triangles with two additional lengths of snake grass. Trust the juxtaposition of geometric shape and calligraphic line to situate your design in the legacy of the ikebana tradition. Balance effortlessness and restraint when you introduce three Freedom roses, gently cascading into a diagonal line across your floral composition. Complete the arrangement by adding lavender stock, salal leaves, and mossy Kermit mums to fill in and frame the outer edges of your vase.
This inventive design unites historic and contemporary floral practices, just in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year - the year of the Fire Monkey. Use the minimal 5.5" Black Cube Vase as the blank canvas for your festive design and, remember, "Less is More!"
Now it's your turn! Send your ideas at Travis@FlowerBox.com. And as always, have a great flowering day!
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The most highly coveted of ornamental plants, the delicate orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. Today we’re using snake grass, orchids, snap dragons, lines of lily grass, and stock in our ode to Asian-fusion!
To start, pop open the FlowerBox cube, making sure the bottom locks. Then add a ribbon around the top. We’ve chosen a yellow variegated bamboo ribbon, but any jewel-toned shade of yellow could work with this celebratory design. Then measure and cut the foam to size and soak in water with flower food. Once soaked, add it to the box.
From there, cut a length of snake grass, about 24 inches, and insert it into the center of the box, spacing the grass just slightly apart. Once inserted, trim all the grass to the same height. Next add snapdragons , using the gentle curve of the flower stem to lightly embrace the snake grass.Then, insert cymbidium orchids into water tubes and add along the front of the design. To finish, add stock around the perimeter of the design to add extra fullness.
In the finished design, add two lines of lily grass to create movement, which can be attached to the top of the snake grass with UGlu dots. This is a fun design, and one that’s easy to modify to different flowers and seasons - especially for the Chinese New Year!
Now it’s your turn! Send me your ideas at Travis@FlowerBox.com. And as always, have a great flowering day!
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