Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I would guess that many of you are already trying to figure a way to honor your loved ones. That can be a tricky undertaking in today's tight economy.

One option is simple. Instead of purchasing expensive fresh flowers that will only last for a few days, consider making your own Valentine arrangement using silk flowers. Your loved one is sure to appreciate the thought, and the work, put behind the gift.

The first step is think about the color scheme you want to use. If you want the arrangement to be used after Valentine's Day, you might want to forego the obligatory red, white, and pink flowers. Instead, choose colors that will compliment the recipient's home or office décor. Of course, some of you might want to keep the piece strictly a Valentine's Day treat.

Once you have decided on your color scheme, it is time to think about the flowers to be used. Non typical bouquets might include colorful spring flowers like irises, jonquils, daisies, tulips or wild flowers. This option is a good choice for those individuals who might not care for the tried and true. They are also excellent options for preparing a non-traditional Valentine's arrangement. I chose to use a combination of roses and wild flowers in the arrangement pictured with this article.

Roses are a favorite among many women. They are always a safe bet for a Valentine bouquet. If you want to use nothing but roses, be sure to choose silks that include full and partial blooms as well as buds or various colors of roses.

Better yet, try mixing roses together with other flowers like daisies, carnations, or even lilies or mix in some baby's breath, wild flowers, or other fillers. All of these silk flower options can typically be found at arts and crafts retailers like Hobby Lobby or Michael's.
Finally, choose the type of container to hold your Valentine arrangement. To save extra money, consider painting a ceramic or glass container that you already have. You can even upscale the container's look by adding texture. Choose a simple marbleizing or faux granite kit that can be found at the craft stores, through home improvement stores like Lowes, or even discount department stores like Wal-Mart that have a craft section.

If you don't want to make your own container, choose an inexpensive cut glass or plastic vase or a Valentine box that can be purchased at most local dollar stores. For the arrangement pictured here, I chose a pretty cardboard box from Dollar Tree.

If you intend to use a clear vase, you may want to cradle the green floral frame inside of colorful tissue paper for disguise. I used a coordinating heart motif tissue paper to cover the clear heart found in the front of my chosen container. I taped it in place before placing my floral foam inside.

Once all of your choices have been made, it is time to make the arrangement. To accomplish that, get your items and tools together. They will include:

Silk flowers and greenery,

Dried baby's breath or other filler flowers,

Container,

Floral foam,

Wire cutters, and

Ribbon (optional).

You may also require:

Scissors,

Tissue paper,

Scotch tape,

Hot glue gun, or

Floral sticky.

Decide whether the arrangement will go all the way around so that it can be viewed equally from all angels or basically one sided. I opted for the former in the arrangement pictured. It is as pretty in the back as the front.

Next, choose your focal flowers. Cut the stems to the length you want using wire cutters. After securing the floral foam in your container with hot glue or floral sticky, begin placing the focal flowers where you want them. Start with the tallest flower of the center of the bouquet. Then put the other focal flowers into place around it. Bend and mold each flower into the position desired.

Next, begin filling in remaining spaces with the other flowers chosen. With the bouquet pictured, I began with pink roses and then filled in with red roses and purple wildflowers. Finally, I added in filler flowers and extra greenery.

Complete the arrangement with a bow, if desired. I chose a ribbon that coordinated with the box design.

Put the lid of the box on the bottom. That way, the arrangement can be removed and the box can be reused if desired.
For extra pizzazz, add styrofoam, jewel, or small candy hearts into the arrangement as fun filler. Add a bit a lace or braid around the box top or bottom. Top with a balloon or put on top of a heart shaped box of candy.

Although the arrangement pictured is traditional, don't think that is the only option. Try an asymetrical design for fun. Be creative! Have fun and make the arrangement original to represent you or the recipient's personality.
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