Question
QUESTION: Carin,
I would like to try to design the floral saddles for my mother and grandparents' headstones this year.  It would be my first attempt at arranging, but I think I can and would enjoy doing it!

I have researched and located the hardware items I will need (aluminum saddle, dry foam, wooden picks, paddle wire) but I'm having trouble deciding just how much and what kind of floral material to buy.  

For instance, one online provider offers a 12" Medium Sage Ivy Bush (silk) with 106 Leaves - what does this mean?  Will I be able to easily cut this "bush" apart and place the vines throughout my design?  Will this compromise the ivy pieces?  Same question with regards to the flowers they offer that have multiple blooms, say a lilac bush for example?  Or should I try to buy the individual flowers they offer instead?  And overall, how much do I buy?  I don't know what quantity to consider for the pieces.

Thank you for your time!
Melissa

ANSWER: Hi Melissa,
It sounds like you are doing great so far with your project. When the silk bunches talk about how many leaves, they refer to the overall amount of leaves that the entire "plant" will have. Generally, a "plant" of the ivy or flowers will have a big stem at the bottom that all of the wires or "stems" will come out of. You can cut these individual wires to use the stems that the bush has to make your arrangement. Make sure that this doesn't make your stems too short. You could also push your main stem into the foam if the stems will be too short if cut. You can then arrange your ivy trailers around your foam to cover. I would probably start with green moss though to cover my entire brick of foam so I wouldn't have to battle with using so much of the silk to cover my entire brick of foam. Then when you got your moss and cut ivy covering your foam, start adding the flowers for your color pieces. You really would need to decide on how many "focal" types of flowers you wanted for your overall size of the pieces you are making. You could get a couple of large individual flowers if you don't think your flower bush will have enough larger ones. As for the quantity you will need. Maybe draw out on a piece of paper your overall look. Draw your rectangle for your holder, decide how many large blooms across the top, how many on the sides and the ends. Do you want some pieces hanging longer on the sides? You will also have a little greenery from your flower stems, so maybe your ivy can be used more as your hanging pieces to define your overall shape. You might want some "line" flowers such as snapdragons, stock or larkspur to make your lines on the long sides and then your focal and minor flowers to fill in through the top. Have fun. You are doing a really nice thing for your Family. Sometimes I think that the old traditions are going by the wayside. It is nice to hear you are doing such a great project. Take care, Carin.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much Carin, for your detailed reply.  Especially the tip about the moss - I think that will make a big difference and alleviate some frustration for me!  

A final question...the website I've been shopping also sells pre-made swags, usually 24" pieces.  I am imagining that these are just wired together on the back and could be affixed to an aluminum saddle.  I am wondering if I could purchase a swag and re-work it slightly to convert it to more of a saddle piece (i.e. reshape, add focals or line flowers if needed to give it more appropriate shape for a saddle arrangement.)  As far as keeping my costs down this method seems like an advantage, and it would give me a nice "headstart" on the piece.  Overall I just want to honor my family with something that looks well done and beautiful, so if a swag would not lend itself well, I don't want to go that route.  What do you think?...   
Sincere thanks!
Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Thank you for your sweet comments. A swag might be a pretty good way to go. I would only be a little concerned that it might lay too flat. If it is made with all of the flowers wired, as opposed to plastic stems, you could reposition them a little higher to give your arc you would need for your piece. I would attach the swag with either "fern pins" or pieces of 4" long wire that are doubled over and inserted into the foam across the wire backing of the swag. You could also use your paddle wire to really tie it on. A lot of floral design is common sense besides creativity. Sometimes you just have to try it once to see if your ideas work. It sounds like you are thinking it all through really well. Good luck. Carin