R-4: Additional General
Guidelines
Some
additional guidelines that will assist the beginning floral arranger are
offered here to add to or expand on those previously given.
As the arrangement proportion is planned, remember to
evaluate the container and materials for any variation from the 1½-2X
guideline. It is also best for proportion and balance if the width is less than
twice the arrangement height. It may be
barely less (horizontal) or very much less (vertical).
While there is form and space associated with every
plant material used in the arrangement, be sure to build additional depth into
the arrangement. Vary the placements and
stem lengths to avoid developing a "flat" arrangement. Space adds interest as well as helps to let
each component be appreciated for its own beauty.
While buds and smaller flowers are placed primarily
at the arrangement top and edges, they should also be merged throughout the
arrangement for unity. Large flowers, on
the other hand, are used at the base and need care if placed in the periphery
lest an unbalanced or top-heavy image develops.
This is often a dilemma as the largest flowers typically have the
longest stems. These will have to be
cut. With multi-flowered stems,
carefully evaluate how each flower may be utilized in the arrangement such that
stem lengths available to the smaller flowers may be maximized.
As lighter colors are used at the arrangement
periphery and darker colors at the base, they need to be intermixed or have a
transition for unity. Use care that no
color zoning or banding occurs.
Contemporary designs are generally best with two or
three flower types, with four to five as the maximum. The same should apply to the number of
different colors.
When possible, use an uneven number when the planned
flower number is limited. Odd numbers
less than 12 are readily recognized and are more comfortable to the eye.
Be sure to finish the base of the arrangement with
flowers and foliages. This not only conceals the mechanics (foam or other stem
holder) but also avoids disunity as all parts have a "finished"
appearance.
Sometimes
seeing examples of arranging problems can aid recognizing them better in our
own work. Nine of the more common faults
or errors are illustrated below.
