A Florist’s Tips on How to Get Creative with Flower Frogs
BY ROXY ALLNUTT
What the heck is Ikebana?
23 SEP - 2023
Save money and get creative with your blooms.
Hey, it’s Roxy here again to chat flowers… I have a number of pieces online at Chatty all about the very special world of flowers (which I am very lucky to be a part of). I’ve been in the trade for five years, and I’ve been looking forward to sharing my thoughts and tips on the trustee flower frog. Read on to get inspired Chums.
You walk into a room, and your eyes lock onto a mesmerising arrangement of flowers that instantly lifts your spirits. It's not just a bunch of blooms hastily thrown together but a carefully crafted piece of art that exudes charm and personality. You might wonder, "How the heck did they do that?" Well, my fellow flower enthusiasts, the answer lies in the magical world of Flower Frogs, also known as Kenzans.
If you're tired (like me) of traditional vase arrangements that scream "basic," then it's time to introduce your blossoms to a little something-something called a Kenzan – a tool that's about to revolutionise the way you arrange your flowers. I am often asked how florists make our sculptural and delicate arrangements that line wedding tables and product launches, this is the secret.
Kenzan
So, what exactly is this Kenzan thing? It’s basically a spiky little bed for your flowers. A flat, often round surface studded with spiky metal pins that keep your flower stems in place, letting you create sculptural wonders without the frustration of flopping flowers. It's magic for minimalists who want their blooms to look effortlessly stylish.
Click to shop
The Kenzan sits snugly at the base of a bowl with a little bit of floral tack, and you can use it to turn any container or bowl into a floral masterpiece. You're going to want to find a bowl that is slightly deep and small, like the one below. I’m sure you have plenty of these kicking around at home, or a short trip to your local Salvation Army will surely have something that suffices.
This bowl from The Foxe’s Den is a recent purchase of mine that I LOVE to flower with.
Creating Your Floral Symphony
Alright, here's the lowdown on how to work your floral magic. First things first, secure your Kenzan to the base of your chosen bowl. Use a bit of floral tack (you can shop this at craft stores) to ensure it doesn't go anywhere.
Prep your flower stems and get rid of any access foliage or dodgy petals that don't fit the vibe. Snip each stem to your desired length and stick them onto the Kenzan. Yes, literally puncture them in. Experiment with different heights, angles, and colours to create a masterpiece that's as unique as you are. Go for a minimalist, modern look with just a few stems, or go all out and create a lush, overflowing arrangement that's sure to turn heads.
Hot tip, you can also use dried flowers here for an everlasting setup of prettiness.
Blackbird Goods
This forage bowl from Blackbird Goods is pure beauty. Handmade with its very own built-in Kenzan. Such a statement piece that will have everyone asking where it’s from.
The Art of Ikebana
"ee-kay-bah-nah" – is the ancient Japanese art of floral arranging. Some say it’s like yoga for your creative muscles. With your Kenzan and bowl duo, you're ready to dive into this art form that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the harmony between nature and design.
As you arrange your stems, consider the principles of Ikebana: balance, harmony, and simplicity. Embrace negative space, and let your flowers speak for themselves, no stem is hiding around here. Whether you're into soft pastels, bold jewel tones, or anything in between, your Kenzan-assisted Ikebana creation will have jaws dropping. Not to mention that Ikebana-ing is a MUCH more cost-effective way of housing yourself with flowers. Just 3-5 stems of pretty things from your local florist is all you need to create a masterpiece. You’ll be spending no more than $40!An arrangement of the same ‘wow’ effect would put you out around $80 minimum.
Isadia Kit
Let's be real – there's a lot of beauty in the world, but not every flower arrangement does it. Why stick with the same ol' vase routine when you can elevate your floral game with a Kenzan? They are super affordable and oh-so easy to use. If I haven't sold you yet, then what am I doing? You can buy this ikebana set from Isadia, which comes with a handful of blooms and everything you need to begin the fun.
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