The challenge of silk flower arranging is in getting everything to blend together into a pleasing whole.

Here you will learn basic silk flower arranging techniques you must know - how to shape silk flowers, measure and cut stems, and add extensions.

There is also a description of supplies you'll need to start making an arrangement.

During your first centerpiece attempts, keep in mind that you want to get a feel for the process. Get used to handling the materials. Practice bending and shaping silk flower stems and blossoms.

Experiment with color combinations and design balance (or imbalance). Visit florist shops to observe their displays. Cut out pictures from magazines and catalogs for reference. Inspiration can come from many sources. Your silk flower arranging skills WILL improve over time as you continually PRACTICE, EXPERIMENT and OBSERVE.

Silk Flower Arranging:
Supplies You Will Need
Here is a list of the supplies you will need to start on your silk flower arranging adventure:

Styrofoam
A block of this serves as the foundation for the centerpiece. It comes in large sheets (3 ft. x 1 ft. x 2 in.) or packaged bricks, in white or light green colors. Unless a transparent container is used, color makes no difference since the styrofoam will be covered with moss in most cases.

Cling Clay, Double-sided Foam Mounting Tape, or Hot Glue Gun
The styrofoam block needs to be secured inside the container. There are several ways to do this.

- Most popular: a gummy, adhesive clay-like substance that comes on a roll (Cling Clay or other names)

- Double-sided foam mounting tape also works very well for securing styrofoam

- Some crafters prefer to use hot glue for strongest, permanent bonding

Moss
Dried moss can be used to cover the styrofoam for a natural look. It comes in loose pieces or flat mat shapes, in shades of green and brown. You can buy it by the bag. Spanish Moss, which looks like curly spaghetti, is also available in several colors.

Container
Various types of containers, such as baskets, vases, etc., produce different visual effects. The next article will show you how to prepare a container for silk flower arranging.

Silk Flowers and Foliage
Requirements vary. See silk flower shopping tips.

Floral Tape and/or Paddle Wire
Floral tape is used to bind loose items, such as single leaves, to a stem. You can also bind an extension (either stem wire or remnants of trimmed stems) to a stem that is too short. The floral tape is made of a sturdy paper, which when slightly stretched, releases a light-tack glue from its pores and sticks to itself. It works well and looks nice. It comes in green, brown and other colors.

The paddle wire is very flexible and easy to use. You can use it to bind a group of items together before attaching to a stem with floral tape.

You don't need to buy both right away. Choose the one that you feel comfortable with. (I started with, and just kept using, the floral tape.)

Cutting Pliers
To trim stems (from any hardware store).

A Knife
To cut the styrofoam (a steak or butter knife is fine).

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