Designing Corsages and Boutonnieres

Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed!

CCSS.ELA Literacy. RH .11‐12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CCSS.ELA Literacy.RS T.11‐12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.

CCSS.ELA Literacy.RST.11‐12.3 Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.

Bell Work / Student Objectives

1. Identify and describe supplies needed to create a corsage.

2. Describe corsage design mechanics and techniques.

3. Identify and describe styles of corsages and boutonnieres.

4. Discuss proper placement and pinning of corsages and boutonnieres.

Vocabulary

Daisy hook method Design techniques Dip dyes Finishing dips or

sprays Floral spray Floral tape Florist wire Gauge

Hairpin method Nestled boutonniere Pierce method Ribbon Stem dyes Tip spraying Tulle Wrap around method

Interest Approach

How many of you have given your mom a corsage for Mother’s Day? Or perhaps bought one for a date dance? You can save yourself some money next time by

making the corsage yourself. All you need are the proper tools and a little bit of time. Corsage making is also a great way to raise money for your school program.

What Supplies are Needed to Create a Corsage?

Basic corsage supplies include the following: Floral Tape - made from

paraffin-coated paper and is used to cover wires and stems

tape is not sticky until it is stretched and wrapped onto itself

comes in two sizes and many colors

Florist wire - sold in 18-inch lengths and comes in a variety of gauges (diameter of the wire); the higher the number, the smaller the diameter. Small diameter may be bought in a roll.

ex. #26 used for bows; #24 used for lighter flowers such as carnations; #22 for heavy flowers such as roses

Ribbon - has its own measurement system; there are several ribbon finishes: satin, cotton, silk, chiffon and burlap

Uses of Ribbons

#1 and #3 is used for corsages

#9 used for potted plants

#40 is used in large arrangements such as sympathy pieces

Color Changing Supplies

1. Floral spray is an opaque paint that will cover any color of flower.

2. Floral tint is a translucent paint that will allow color from underneath to show through.

3. Floral glitter gives flowers a metallic finish, creating a glitter touch.

4. Stem dyes are color solutions which are transported through the xylem and into the petals.

This service is often provided by the wholesalers if you ask them in advance.

5. Dip dyes are semi-transparent in color. Actually dip the flower heads right into the color solution and

allow them to dry.

Supplies continued

Other supplies include: 1) Glues and adhesives are used to attach

flowers when making corsages or headpieces. 2) Cotton balls are often used to supply water to

flowers. Place a small, moist piece at the base of the cut stem,

then tape over it.

3) Other items include silk leaves, pearl sprays, rhinestones, chenille stems and tulle.

Tulle is a florist netting that can add color, texture and support to the corsage>

4)Packaging supplies are materials that will protect the corsage until it is to be used; they include:

a) Finishing dips or sprays seal the stomata of the flower preventing further water loss.

– ex. Crowning Glory b) A misting bottle is used to apply a fine spray of

water into the bag. c) Corsage bags are made of plastic or cellophane

and come in many sizes; they prevent moisture loss and protect flowers from temperature extremes.

d) Corsage pins usually contain a pearl ball on the end (makes them easier to use).

– Florist will put one into the corsage and one to close the corsage bag.

e) Boxes often made of cardboard or clear plastic provide additional protection from smashing or crushing the corsage.

What Techniques are Used to Create a Corsage?

Design techniques are used to hold the components of the corsage together. They provide a good foundation for

floral design work. Proper taping, bow making and

wiring are essential to creating the desired corsage.

Wiring techniques are used to remove bulky stems from the flowers; wire actually replaces the stem 3/4” below the flower head.

Wiring Methods

Pierce Method - involves placing a wire through the calyx. Start taping at the calyx,

covering the pierced area and continuing down the length of wire.

Double pierce method uses two wires at 900 angles from each other.

Gives additional support for heavier flowers.

Calyx

Use with roses or carnations

Daisy hook method - involves placing a wire up through the stem of the flower pokes up through top of the

flower form a hook with the top 1/4”

of wire gently pull it back through

the flower head until it disappears

Works best with daisies or mums

Wrap around method - is used on clusters of small flowers. Take the cluster and place

half of the wire parallel to the stems.

Wrap the other half around the wire twice.

Tape begins where the wire is wrapped.

Use with leatherleaf, baby’s breath and statice

Hairpin method - is used on multi-flowered stems by bending the wire into the shape of a hairpin. Place the hairpin through

the flower cluster. Pull the hairpin down until it

rests on the stem. Wrap one wire around the

stem and tape.

Use on stephanotis or other tube shaped flowers

Design Techniques Continued

Bows - most consumers feel that a corsage is not complete unless it has a bow. They are usually the final step but are not

always necessary. You do not use a bow on a boutonniere; only

exception would be a small color treated ribbon to commemorate an occasion.

Bow making varies from designer to designer; check your book for a suggested method.

How Many Different Styles of Corsages and Boutonnieres Are There?

There are numerous styles of boutonnieres and corsages: a) A single flower

boutonniere is the most common type.

It’s made of a medium flower, foliage and filler.

Steps: Wire and tape the flower head; add filler by taping it to the stem; add foliage by placing it behind the flower, taping it into place; choose a stem finish.

b) A multi-flowered boutonniere uses a variety of smaller flowers in proportion to a single flower.

Steps are the same except the different flower heads need to be positioned at varying angles and slightly forward.

c) A nestled boutonniere is made by placing a small flower, such as a rosebud, in the center of a larger flower.

Requires the smaller flower to be wired and placed through the center of the larger flower head.

A nestled boutonniere

A variety of stem finishes add style to boutonnieres and corsages

Stem Finishes

d) Multiple flower corsages use a variety of flowers to create a floral piece.

Two-flower and five-flower corsages are the most common.

e) Single flower corsages use large flowers, such as orchids, to create a corsage the size of a multi-flowered one.

Steps in Making a Multi-Flower Corsage

1. Select five flowers that range from small buds to fully open flowers. remove the stems, wire

and tape 2. Add foliage and filler to

each of the five flowers. 3. Place the corsage

flowers starting with the smallest at the top and increase their size as you move down .

Tape each flower into place; zigzag from left to right filling in the holes with foliage and filler flowers.

The fourth and fifth flowers should be at a downward angle.

4. Position the bow in place and tape.

5. Additional foliage may be needed at the back.

6. Determine and create the stem finish.

Corsage Styles Continued

f) Wrist corsages are created to be light and worn on the wrist

There are many ways to attach a wrist corsage

most common are plastic latch type bands or elastic

How Should a Corsage or Boutonniere be Properly Worn? A corsage is worn on a person’s left shoulder.

This dates back to the Victorian Age when flowers were placed over the heart of loved ones.

Corsages should be placed higher on the shoulder and secured with two pins.

One pin through the stem and the other higher through the flowers to prevent shifting.

Wrist corsages are worn on the left wrist. Boutonnieres are placed on the lapel near the

buttonhole. one pin is sufficient to hold it in place

Summary

What are the supplies needed to create a corsage or boutonniere?

Name a couple of ways that you can color flowers? What wiring method should be used to wire a

carnation? A rose? Baby’s breath?

What size(s) of ribbon can be used in a corsage? Why should you put corsages into a plastic bag or

box? Describe how to make a single flower boutonniere.

Summary continued

What is a nestled boutonniere? What are the most popular styles of corsages? Where do women wear a corsage? Where does a boutonniere go on a man’s jacket?

The End!