FloralStylesandDesigns

Contents
Traditional..................................................................................................................................................................3 EarlyPeriodDesigns...............................................................................................................................................3 Egyptian280028BC..........................................................................................................................................3 Greek600146BC..............................................................................................................................................3 Roman28BC325AD.........................................................................................................................................4 EuropeanPeriodDesigns.......................................................................................................................................4 ItalianRenaissance14001600..........................................................................................................................4 Dutch/Flemish1600s1700s .............................................................................................................................5 FrenchFloralDesigns.............................................................................................................................................5 Baroque:LouisXIV16611715...........................................................................................................................5 Rococo:LouisXV17151774..............................................................................................................................6 Neoclassical:LouisXVI17741793.....................................................................................................................6 Empire:Napoleon18041814............................................................................................................................6 EnglishFloralDesigns.............................................................................................................................................6 EarlyGeorgian17141760 ..................................................................................................................................7 LateGeorgian17901830 ...................................................................................................................................7 Victorian18301901 ...........................................................................................................................................8 TussieMussie.....................................................................................................................................................9 ArtNouveau18901915.....................................................................................................................................9 AmericanFloralDesigns.......................................................................................................................................10 EarlyColonial16071699.................................................................................................................................10 LateColonial(Williamsburg)17001780..........................................................................................................11 Federal17801830...........................................................................................................................................11 Victorian18301900 .........................................................................................................................................12 AmericanTraditional19011950.........................................................................................................................12 TraditionalLineDesign .....................................................................................................................................12 TraditionalLineMass.......................................................................................................................................13 TraditionalMass ...............................................................................................................................................13 IntheAsianManner .................................................................................................................................................13 ChineseDesign.....................................................................................................................................................13 JapaneseDesignIkebana...................................................................................................................................14 Moribana ..............................................................................................................................................................15 Nageire.................................................................................................................................................................15 Chabana...............................................................................................................................................................15 ContemporaryStyles ................................................................................................................................................16 LateTwentiethCenturytoPresent......................................................................................................................16 ContemporaryDesignTypes................................................................................................................................16 AbstractDesigns(1950onward)......................................................................................................................16 Assemblage......................................................................................................................................................17 Biedermeier.....................................................................................................................................................17 1

Cascade/Waterfall ............................................................................................................................................17 Construction.....................................................................................................................................................18 CreativeDesigns...............................................................................................................................................18 Echo..................................................................................................................................................................20 FloorDesign.....................................................................................................................................................20 FramedSpatial.................................................................................................................................................20 FreeForm.........................................................................................................................................................21 FreeStyle..........................................................................................................................................................21 HangingDesign................................................................................................................................................21 Illuminary.........................................................................................................................................................21 Kinetic..............................................................................................................................................................22 Mobile..............................................................................................................................................................22 Stabile..............................................................................................................................................................22 MiniatureArrangements.................................................................................................................................22 MilleFleurs.......................................................................................................................................................23 ModernEuropean............................................................................................................................................23 ModernFrench................................................................................................................................................23 Naturalistic.......................................................................................................................................................24 Panel.................................................................................................................................................................25 Parallel.............................................................................................................................................................25 PavDesign......................................................................................................................................................26 Phoenix.............................................................................................................................................................26 Pillar(ColumnarorTubular) ............................................................................................................................26 PotetFleur.......................................................................................................................................................27 Reflective.........................................................................................................................................................27 Small.................................................................................................................................................................27 Stretch..............................................................................................................................................................27 Synergistic........................................................................................................................................................28 TableDesign.....................................................................................................................................................28 Underwater......................................................................................................................................................28 WesternLine....................................................................................................................................................29 Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................30

FloralStylesandDesigns
Traditional
Traditionalflowerarrangingstyletypicallyreferstoallfloraldesignsoriginatingworldwidepriortotheearly TwentiethCentury.Ourflowerarrangingstyletodayisinfluencedbytherichaccumulationofflowerarranging historyfromthepast,primarilyAsian,EuropeanandEarlyAmerican.Americanmid20thcenturytraditional flowerarrangingwastheculminationoftwomaintrendsintheartofarrangingflowers,andthesetrendshave beenoursourceofinspiration.ThesetrendsincludeinfluencesfromAsiawiththeChineseemphasison naturalismtothehighlystylizedlineardesignsoftheJapaneseandtheinfluenceofthemassedbouquetartof Europe,whichincludesallofthePeriodstyles.However,flowerarrangingintheU.S.developeditsown individuality,combiningattentiontobothlineandmass,creatingthemanyvariationsoftheline,linemassand massarrangementsweseetoday. Traditionalstylizedarrangementshavebeencriticizedinrecentyearsforconformingtothecriteriaofa conventionalform.Buttobeastyleperserequiresconformitytocertaincriteria.Agoodknowledgeofthe Traditionalstyleswillprovideabaseforyourflowerarrangingskillandenableyoutomoveforwardinfloral designdevelopingyourowncreativity.Rememberthismaterialistobeusedasaguideandshouldbe supplementedwithyourownresearchandcarefulreadingoftheFlowerShowSchedule.

Early Period Designs

Egyptian280028BC Characteristics:TheEgyptiansusedflowersandplantmaterialtoexpressanexotic,godlikespirit.Arrangements incontainershadanorderlyoutlineofmaterialsandweredignified.Therewasnobunchingoroverlappingof material.Highlystylized,rigidandsymmetricalarrangementofplantmaterial,ofteninthreesorpairs.Littleor noaddedfoliage. Containers:Widemouthedbasins,bowls,andjarsofbronze,pottery,faience,slate,andbasketsmaybeused. Colors:Designsfeaturedonlytwoorthreestrong,brightcolorswithjeweltonedharmonies;nomixedor blurredeffects.Oftenseenaredarkblue,green,black,brickred,turquoise,goldandrose. PlantMaterial:Acacia,acanthus,fig,ivy,lily,lotus,mallow,mandrake,morningglory,oleander,olive,palm, papyrus,pomegranate,poppy,reeds,rose,violet,waterlily,fruits,vines,andberries,andothernatural materials. DesignShape:Tobedeterminedbyschedule,container,plantmaterialandartisticconcept. Greek600146BC EventhoughmanytypesofvasesremainfromtheGreekperiod,itappearsthatnonewasmadesolelyfor holdingflowers.Flowersandfruitwerecertainlycollectedinbasketsandcornucopias,buttheyweremade primarilyintowreathsandgarlands,whichwerewornontheheadandaroundtheneck.Thecustomofwearing wreathswassocommonthatthewreathandgarlandmakerscouldbeconsideredtheflowerarrangersofthis period. Characteristics:TheGreeksusedcutplantmaterialinhomesaspartofreligiousrituals,feastsandcelebrations, andinthecommunityaspartofathleticceremoniesandreligiousfestivals.Simplicity,symmetryandbeautyof form,instylizedpatterns,werethehallmarksofclassicalGreekdesign.Garlands,swags,andwreathswere popular,andfragrancewasimportant.Inadditiontogarlandandwreathsthatwereworn,theywerealsoused todecoratetheinteriorandexteriorofhomes.Textureandcolorweremostimportant.Flowersofbright,varied colorsweremixedtogether.Commondesignpatternsusedwerestylized Containers:Baskets,potterycontainers,traysandcornucopia.Cornucopiabasketscameintousedduringthis periodandwereusedinanuprightposition. Colors:Strong,richreds,black,darkgreen,goldenbeige,saffron,orange,andpurple. 3

PlantMaterial:Foliage:ivy,laurel,olive,myrtle,oak,andvariousvines.Flowers:rose(mostpopular),hyacinth, violet,lily,cornflower,iris,cyclamen,helenium,saffroncrocus,springbranches,poppy,daisy.aromaticherbs, suchasrosemary,mint,thymeandmarjoram.Fruits:grapes,cones,acornsberries,pomegranates. DesignShape:Tobedeterminedbyschedule,container,plantmaterialandartisticconcept.Symmetrical, classicallines. Roman28BC325AD TheGreekandRomancivilizationsareverysimilarintheirclimateandflora.TheRomansadmiredandcopied Greek,culture,architectureandsculptureandcontinuedtheirreligiousandcivicuseofwreathsandgarlands, whichbeganveryheavyandelaborate.AbasketofmixedflowersappearedforthefirsttimeinaRomanmosaic fromthe2ndcentury.Itshowsacharmingmixofroses,anemones,tulips,dianthusandotherflowersina combinationofcolorsandforms. Characteristics:WealthandpowerinclinedRomanstogreaterluxuryandostentationintheirdecorations,but remainedclassicalnonetheless.Romanflowersareweighty,grandiose,andboldlydecorative.WhileGreeks usedbasketsprimarilyforcarryingflowers,Romansarrangedtheirflowersinbaskets.Proportionandcontour areclassicalwiththeuseofvoidsbetweenbranches.Garlandsandswagswereperfectedformsofdecorationin Romanwork.Roseblossomsandpetalswerescatteredlavishlyonbanquettables,streetsandlakesduring festivalsandceremonies. Containers:baskets.Alsoterracottabowls,jugs,amphora,andcornucopia. Colors:Setagainstwallsofporphyryandcolorfulmarble,Romanarrangementswerebright,boldevengaudy withcontrastinghuesandtones. PlantMaterial:SimilartotheGreek.Fragrantblossomsinbrightcolorspreferred. DesignShape:tobedeterminedbytheschedule,container,plantmaterialandartisticconcept.

European Period Designs

ThesedesignstakenfromEuropeanhistoricalperiodsarebouquet(mass)informwithnocenterofinterestand nogroupingofcolorsorkindsofplantmaterials.Quantitiesofgardenflowersareusedfortexture,color,and form. ItalianRenaissance14001600

Characteristics:TheRenaissancesawnonreligiousartandartformsbecomemoreimportant.Floralbeauty, withsymbolicmeaningandrichtexturesdefinedthearrangementsofthisera.Smallflowersofbright,vivid colorswerepreferredanddesignsfeaturedcontrastingcolorsbasedontriadicharmonies.Designshapeswere thearc,ellipse,andtriangle.Theywereuncluttered,symmetricalandoftencombinedfreshanddriedmaterial aswellasfruitsandvegetables,perhapsinfluencedbytheDellaRobbiawreath.Thearrangementwasusually thesameheightasthecontainerornomorethantwotimestheheight. Containers:Flowerswerearrangedinclassical,basicshapesmadeofpottery,metalorglass.Pedestalvases,low bowls,pickingbaskets,andsalversaretypical. Colors:Bright,mixedcolorsinprimaryandsecondarycolortriadswerepopular:red,blue,yellow;andorange, violetandgreen. 4

PlantMaterial:Anemone,apple,bellflowers,carnation,cucumber,daisy,iris,fig,gentian,grape,lily, honeysuckle,jasmine,laurel,lily,marigold,melon,monkshood,narcissus,olive,pansy,pinks,pomegranate, poppy,rose,violetandwheat.Tulips,peoniesandamaranthusarenotseeninRenaissancearrangements. DesignShape:Triangle,arcandellipse Dutch/Flemish1600s1700s

Characteristics:OvalFormwithrhythmicScurve,usuallytallwithfloralmaterial23timesheightofcontainer. Mayhaveseveralcentersofinterestwithmanylargeflowers,someturnedinprofileortotheback.Some materialmayspilloverrimofcontainertothebase. Accessories:Usedmany,suchasfruit,birdsnests,insects,shells,nuts,books,andmusicalorscientific instruments.Somearrangementsappearedtobeusedasdisplaysofeveryavailableplantmaterial. Containers:Stoneoralabasterurns,bronzeewers,pewterjars,amberorgreenglassbowls,vases,goblets; potterybowls,Delft,terracottaurns(noshinymetals) Colors:Strongvibrantjeweltoneswithwhiteandpinkascontrast. PlantMaterial:anemones,carnations,chrysanthemums,dahlias,foxgloves,hyacinths,iris,lilies,narcissus, peonies,roses,tulips,grapes,pineapple,pomegranates,andotherperiodmaterials DesignShape:Oval

French Floral Designs

TheFrencharrangements,withexceptionofthelaterEmpireperiod,werereflectiveofthesoftpastelcolor harmonyoftheinteriordecorativearts.Light,andairy,incontrasttotheotherEuropeanstylesoftheera,these designsstressedthebeautyoftheindividualfloralmaterial. Baroque:LouisXIV16611715

Characteristics:Semiovoidmass;symmetrical;largerflowersusedtodefineshape Containers:Bronze,gilded,orclassicalurnsandcontainersoffinecraftsmanship PlantMaterial:Anemone,carnation,lilac,poppy,snapdragon,tulip,andotherperiodflowers Colors:Harmoniousblendingofmediumrangepink,lavender,blue,putty,rouge,andgold DesignShape:Tobedeterminedbytheschedule,container,plantmaterialandartisticconcept. Accessories:Candlesticks,baroqueangels,boxes. 5

Rococo:LouisXV17151774

Characteristics:Oval,airy,notstrictlysymmetrical;nofocalarea.Scurveoftenevident.Muchtallerthanwide. Lotsofrhythmwithcurves,flourishes,andlinesofplantmaterial.Spraysofflowersaswellasindividualflowers. Restraintshowninuseofplantmaterialsoeachisclearlyseen. Containers:Ceramic,porcelain,glass,crystal,andbronzeurns,dolphinsholdingshells,cupids,shepherdsas stemsofvases,bowls,basketshapes,andepergnes. PlantMaterial:Lilac,delphinium,peony,poppy,tulip,fernfronds,honeysuckle,andotherperiodplantmaterial. Colors:Palepeach,buff,yellow,blue,pink;delicatecolorharmony;onecolordominateswithminorcontrasts DesignShape:Oval Accessories:Fans,figurines,books,masks,boxes,needleworkitems. Neoclassical:LouisXVI17741793 Characteristics:Flamelikeshape;slimstraightlinesandtallcurves;spikedflowerforms. Containers:Tall,slenderurnsandbasketsofcrystal,bronze,andsilver. PlantMaterial:Anemone,stock,larkspur,lilac,andotherperiodflowers. Colors:Mediumtonesofblue,turquoise,green,mauveandgray. DesignShape:Flamelike Accessories:Bisquefigurines,porcelainbirdsandflowers. Empire:Napoleon18041814

Characteristics:Triangularmassofformalbalance;classicrevival;heavierandmorecompactthanearlierFrench styles. Containers:ClassicalvaseswithGreek,Roman,Egyptianmotifsinmarble,alabaster,orporcelain,orvaseshand paintedwithscenesandflowers. PlantMaterial:Ageratum,lily,ranunculus,rose,stockandotherperiodflowers. Colors:Brillianthuesofred,green,white,gold,yellow,andpurple. DesignShape:Triangle Accessories:Clocks,candlesticksanddecorativeboxes.

English Floral Designs

6

Englishdesignsexhibitedthevastarrayofplantmaterialgrowinginthelovelygardensofestatesandinthe countryside.Mostwereformal,large,triangularinshape,withsymmetricalbalance.Theywereinfluencedby decorativeartoftheChineseandoftheItalianBaroquePeriod. EarlyGeorgian17141760

Characteristics:Triangular,symmetrical,heavymass1to2timesheightofcontainer.Flowersspilloverrim;no particularfocalarea. Containers:Classicdesignsinsilver,marble,porcelainvaseswithfacesorscenes,nobrass. PlantMaterial:Rose,babysbreath,QueenAnneslace,gladiola,tulip,salvia,andotherperiodflowers. Colors:Warmandcoolcolorcontrasts,oftenmonochromatic,especiallyallwhite. DesignShape:Triangle Accessories:Medallions,statuettes,Chinesehorses. LateGeorgian17901830

Containers:Footedvases,chalices,goblets,winecoolers,widemouthbowls,tureens,lacqueredturnedwood, andepergnes Characteristics:Triangularshapewithsymmetricalbalance.Lesscompactandponderous;influencedbyFrench Rococotobemoreopen.Sometimescombinedflowersandfruit. PlantMaterial:Roses,snapdragons,lilies,carnations,pomegranates,andotherperiodflowers;texturewasan importantfactor. Colors:Moreharmoniousandsofterhuesofcolor. Accessories:Figurines,rosejars,andflowerslaidontable. DesignShape:Triangle

Victorian18301901

Characteristics:Victorianflowerarrangementsasawholewerecompact,circularindesign,withalmostequal proportionofplantmaterialtothesizeofthecontainer.Flowersofdifferentsizeandshapeweremassed togetherwithoutacenterofinterest.Flowersmighttrailovertherim.Fernsandgrassesmightalsobeused. Nosegays(tussiemussies)wereverypopular.Designswereevocativeofemotionanddrama;usedthe languageofflowers. EarlyVictoriandesignsshowedaFrenchinfluence.Theywerelighterthanlaterdesignswithmoreopenspaces. Rich,heavycolorsweremixedwithlighterhuesandwhite. BytheMidVictorianera,arrangementsweredistinctintheircasualplacementofflowerswithlittlerestraint. Theywereoftenoverdonewithaprofusionofdifferenttypesofplantmaterial. LateVictorianarrangementswereevenmoreponderous,withflowerscrowdedinelaboratevariety. Containers:Flowerswerearrangedinornate,gildedvases,footedtrumpetvases,variousformsofglassvasesof theperiod,aswellascompotes,epergnes,jars,cornucopia.Theyweremadeofceramic,glass,porcelain,silver, alabaster,andvariousmetals. Colors:Bold,darkcolorcontrastswereseenwiththick,heavytextures;however,allwhitearrangementsvery popular. PlantMaterial:Oftenscented,plantmaterialwasfullblown.Inadditiontoflowersusedinearlierperiods, Victoriansusedbleedingheart,calceolaria,chrysanthemum,cineraria,dahlia,ferns,foxglove,freesia,fuchsia, gardenia,heliotrope,honesty,hydrangea,jasmine,lilac,passionflower,peony,salpiglossis,stephanotis,stock, sweetpea,sweetWilliam,tuberose,verbenaandviola. Designshape:GlobeorCircle

TussieMussie

ATussieMussieisasmallcircularnosegayofflowersandherbs,tightlygatheredanddesignedtocarryaspecial messageinthelanguageofflowersduringcourtship.Theselittlenosegayswithmeaningorlanguagehave theirorigininEnglandduringtheVictorianeraandwereusedascoyexchangesofflirtation.TussieMussies werealsosometimescarriedclosetothenosetowardoffthestenchinthestreetsandtheplagueandwere composedprimarilyofscentedherbssuchasrosemary,thyme,andrue. ThereweretwostylesoftheTussieMussieformalandinformal.Theformalnosegayshadconcentricrowsof flowerswitharoseorotherfragrantsymbolicflowerinthecenter.Rowsofflowers,leavesandherbsformed tightringsaroundthiscentralflower.InformalTussieMussiesweremorecasuallyarranged. ArtNouveau18901915

Characteristics:ArtNouveau,anoriginalstylewithoutanyearlierreference,grewoutofareactiontothecrude massproductsoftheIndustrialRevolutionandtheweightydarknessofthemidVictorianperiod.Onbothsides oftheAtlantic,leadersinandexponentsoftheArtsandCraftsmovementWilliamMorrisandCharlesRennie Macintosh(furnitureandinteriordesign);TiffanyandLalique(glassandjewelry);Whistler,Redon,Rosettiand Beardsley(painting),amongothersreflectedanewempathyforthingsnatural,simple,handmadeandorganic. TheartofJapanwasamajorinfluence. InArtNouveauarrangements,asymmetricalbalanceanddominanceoflinearekey.Thestyleiseasilyidentified byacurvilinearline,oftencallthewhiplash,whichbecamethemostexpressiveofthedesignelements.A lighterarrangementthantheVictorianandmoreenergeticthantheHogarthcurve,itchallengesthespherical masspreferredbytheVictorians,andreflectsthegeneralinterestinnatureandbotany,particularlyinnatural plantformssuchasfronds,vinesandtendrils. Arrangementsmightconsistofonepure,specimenbloomarrayedagainsttwining,undulatinggreenery,orofa seriesofbloomsofoneflower,stemscutthesamelength.Plantmaterialwasoftenlessthantheheightofthe containerand,sometimes,lessthanhalf.Plantsmightoverhangtherimofthecontainerconsiderably.The importantthingistobetasteful,scorningtheexcessesoftheVictorians. Containers:ArtNouveauvases,usuallyofroundedcontour,wereofamattefinishanddecoratedwithimagesof flowers,insectsorbirds.Gingerjarsandtall,flaringvases,popularizedbyJapaneseporcelains,wereusedalong withpotteryandopalescentglass,asinTiffanydesigns.Cutglasswasusedinbothvasesandbowls.Thetallish, glassvasewasmostpopular.Wedgwoodenjoyedarevival. 9

Colors:ExcavationsinthenearEast,whichrecoveredancientglassesofopalescenthues,broughtcolorssuchas peacockblueandceladongreentothefashionforefront.Coolorwarm,colorswerealwayssoft:mauve,gray, silver,violet,green,buff,paleyellow,roseandpeach.Thewholerangeofcolorswasmoresubduesthanthe Victorianperiod.Toningcolorsandharmoniouscolorcombinationsimportant. PlantMaterial:Acacia,aster,anemone,acanthus,carnation,callaandEasterlilies,daisy,freesia,fuchsia, honesty,iris,lilac,lonicera,poppy,tulip,fern,fruitbranchesandblossoms(cherry,peach,plum);smoketree, camellia,dahlia,hydrangea,pansy,pussywillowandwisteria.Seedheadsandberries.Popularfoliage:Arum, asparagusplumose,acerpalmatum,smilax,parthenocissusvitacea,caladium,Coleus,Croton,Cyclamen. DesignShape:Tobedeterminedbyschedule,container,plantmaterialandartisticconcept.

American Floral Designs

EarlyColonial16071699

Characteristics:SeventeenthcenturycolonialAmericanarrangementswereinformal,reflectingalifestylewith fewluxuries.Flowers,fruits,seeds,podsandgrasses,cultivatedandwild,freshanddried(sometimestogether) werearrangedinsimple,mixedbouquets. Containers:Commonhouseholdutensilssuchaskettles,beanpots,woodenbowls,glassbottles,barkbaskets, earthenwarepitchers,Delftware,pewtermugsandbowls,aswellascopper,brass,orironvessels. Colors:Warm,brightormutedcontrastingcolors,includingred,vermilion,rose,blue,delftblue,lavender, purple,orange,saffron,applegreenandbrown.Oftencomplementingthosefoundinhouseholdfabricssuchas homespun,chintz,embroideryandIndiaprints. PlantMaterial:Oftennativeorwild.amaranthus,artemisia,bachelorsbutton,baptisiapods,bellflower, bittersweet,calendula,canna,cattails,celosia,cherryblossoms,convallaria,corn,daffodils,daisy,dames rocket,dianthus,digitalis,ferns,feverfew,flax,foxglove,geranium,gourds,grasses,hemerocallis,herbs, hollyhock,honeysuckle,hydrangea,hyacinth,larkspur,lavender,lily,lunaria,lupine,magnolia,mallow, marigold,mertensia,mockorange,monkshood,nasturtium,nuts,pansy,pokeberry,primula,roses,rudbeckia, salvia,tansy,tulip,viola,yew. DesignShape:Circle Accessories:Candlestick,Inkwell,Quillpen.

10

LateColonial(Williamsburg)17001780

Characteristics:ReflectiveoftheirEnglishandEuropeanrootsparticularlyGeorgianandFrenchdesigns,butless formaleighteenthcenturyAmericanfloraldesignsbecamemoresymmetricalandsophisticated.Fanand triangularshapedflowerarrangementswerelightlygroupedatthetop,sometimes1to3timestheheightof theircontainers,withflowersmassedatthecontainersrim,oftenalmostconcealingthecontainer.Some arrangementsfeaturedbouquetsofoneflowertype,withafillerflower. Containers:Chineseexportporcelainbowls,vasesandurns;epergnesinsilverandporcelain;cornucopia, cachepots,Defltwareandbricks,wallpockets,fingervases,pewterandothermetalchalices,mugs,bowls; stonewarejugs;Spode;Lustreware. Colors:Colorstendedtowardmutedcontrastswithgreens,blues,rose,andyelloworanges,andwhites. PlantMaterial:InadditiontotheEarlyAmericanlist(seepreviousdesign):aquilegia,asclepias,aster,azalea, buddleia,chrysanthemum,clematis,coreopsis,cranberry;currant,dicentra,elderberry,gallardia,godetia, gypsophila,iris,kalmia,knifophia,lily,larkspur,phlox,poppy,mahonia,monarda,rhododendron,snapdragon, stock,tuberose,verbena,viburnum,yarrow. DesignShape:Triangle,Fan Accessories:Hourglass,Needlework,Oftenfruitsandflowerswerearrangedonthetablearoundthe centerpiece. Federal17801830

Characteristics:TheFederalPeriodinAmericawasaculminationofseveralinfluences,bothhereandinEurope. Alliedbytheirrespectiverevolutionaryexperiences,FranceandtheUnitedStatesinspiredeachotherintastes andstylesoftheday.TheexcavationsatHerculaneumandPompeiireignitedapassionfortheidealsof patriotism,republicanismandArcadia.ThedecorativeartsbegantoreflectthisinterestwithGrecoRoman motifs.Withallthisclassicadornmentcamesparseness,anunclutteredandcleanformality,beautifullysuited totheinteriorstylesoftheday.MarthaandGeorgeWashingtonarecreditedwiththeinnovationoftheFederal Style;hewithimportationofforeignplantmaterialandshewithformalfloralarrangementsadorningtheir home,MountVernon.Designsremainedtraditionalsymmetricalmassesbutwereelongatedortall,flamelike shapesaswouldbefoundinapairofmantelarrangements.Insinglearrangements,thetrianglemightbe elongatedinthehorizontaldirectionasforadiningtable.Inbothcases,theplantmaterialwouldgently overhangtherimofthecontainer.Withinthestablemassshape,theplantmaterialreflectedslimelegance. 11

Containers:Floralarrangementswereoftenplacedintall,footedorpedestalvases,handledurns,epergnesor tieredpieces,cachepots,basketsandbowlsofceramic,silver,metal,ortole. Colors:Restraintmanifesteditselfinmuted,restrictedcolorschemes.Matteorgrayedgreensandblueswith outlinesofwhiteorivoryweremostpopular. PlantMaterial:Choiceofmaterialemphasizedfavoritesoftheancientworld,suchasgoldenwheatsheaves,ivy, oakandlaurelleaves,andwithfruitssuchaspomegranate,fig,peachandquince.Flowersincludedanemone, bachelorsbutton,camellia,hellebore,hemerocallis,hyacinth,lily,narcissus,platycodon,poppy,primrose,rose, andviolet. DesignShape:upsidedowncone Victorian18301900 SeeEnglishVictorian.

American Traditional 1901-1950

Withtheriseofthegardenclubmovement,flowershowsbegantobeheldandthejudgingofarrangements began.UsingthebestfromtheOldEuropeanMastersandtheclassicalstyleoftheJapanese,flower arrangementbegantomergeintothemasslinearrangementsofthisperiod.Designswereorganizedaccording torules,styles,orpreviouslyexecutedideasorpatterns.Theseclassicdesignswerebasedongeometricshapes includingovals,crescents,spirals,triangles,theHogarthcurve,zigzagsorothergeometricforms.Thesedesigns haveonecenterofinterestnearthecenteraxiswherealllinesconverge,butnocrossedlinesareevident. Gracefulrhythm,createdbygradationofline,texture,colorandflowerform,ischaracteristicofthesedesigns. Traditionaldesignsaredesignsinspacewithenclosedspacesoflittleimportance.Alltraditionaldesignsmustbe finishedonthebackandhavedepth.Beauty,unity,andharmonyareachievedbycreativeselectionofplant materials.Thereislittleornoabstraction;plantmaterialsareusedinanaturalisticway. TraditionalLineDesign

Inalinearrangement,thelinepredominates.StronglyinfluencedbyAsiandesign,thelineisemphasizedbya restraineduseofplantmaterial.Linedesignsaresimpleandcleancut,resultinginasharpsilhouettethatis open.Asetpatternisusuallyrequired,e.g.,triangle,vertical,horizontal,crescentcurve,zigzag,etc.Likenessof linedirectionandmaterialsusedarepreferredtocontrasts.Inspiredbytheformsinnature,thisdesigndepends uponnormalpatternsofplantgrowthandexistingcurves.

12

TraditionalLineMass

ThistypicallyAmericandesignisablendingofEuropeanandJapanesedesign.Alinemassarrangementissimilar toalinearrangement,butthereismoremassingofthematerial,creatingagreaterdepththethirddimension thatispracticallynonexistentinlinedesigns.Additionalmaterialisusedattherimofthecontainertoenhance andstrengthenthelineandcreatesacenterofinterest.Itfollowsthesetpatternsofthelinearrangement(see above).Ithasanopensilhouette,apleasingoutlineandorganizedplacementofmaterialsresultingina predeterminedform.MustpossessthelinearqualitiesofaLinedesignbuttheadditionalplantmaterialprovides gradationandtransitionforbalanceandrhythm. TraditionalMass Atraditionalmassarrangementisafull,profusearrangementwithavarietyofflowersinmanyforms,colors andtexturestypicallyarrangedinaround,oval,triangularorfanshapeddesign.Ithasaclosedsilhouette,more solidsthanvoids.AdirectadaptationofEuropeandesign,massdesignsaresymmetrical,andbalanceisfoundby agradationofsizes,formsandcolors.Flowersshouldneverbecrowdedbutcanbecompactorairydepending upontheschedule.Thereisafullydevelopedfocalareaatthecenteraxisusingbolderflowersformsand brighterhuestoaddandholdinterest.Lightervaluesareplacedattheouteredgesandtopofthedesignfor visualbalance.

In the Asian Manner

Chinese Design
China,theFloweryKingdomortheMotherofGardenswasinfluencedbythreemajorreligiousand philosophicalforces.TheforceswereConfucius,whostressedtheartofcontemplation;Buddha,whotaughtthe underlyingprincipleofpreservationoflifeinallitsforms;andLaoTse,fromwhomthesymbolismofyinand yangcame.Eachofthesestressedtheonenessofmanwithnature. Ancientscrolls,prints,tapestriesandporcelainsof12thto18thcenturyChinashowusthattheChineseusedcut plantblossomsandotherplantmaterialinformallyarrangedinhandsomeporcelainvasesorinplatesor baskets.Chinasuniversalloveofnaturalbeautydictatedthattheemphasisintheirarrangementswouldbeon naturalism,notstylizeddesignlikethatoftheJapanese.Theyarerestrainedwitheconomyofmaterialand regardforrhythmandspace,buttheyareneverstylized.ChineseBonsai,thedwarfingoftreesforpotculture, andPenshing,thecreationofminiaturelandscapesinadish,datefromthe7thcentury. CharacteristicsofChinesestyle: Flowersandbranchesshouldbeinseasonandfromthesameenvironmentorexpressasinglesymbolicidea. Arrangementoftenasymmetricalwithirregularityandstudieddisorderlinessbutwithstrongemphasison balance. Flowersandbranchesarrangedinasnaturalisticamanneraspossible. Maybeone,twooratmostthreekindsoflowersinonevase.Baskets,however,areexceptedfromthis,and showmassedflowersandcolor. 13

Emphasisonlineasanessentialelementwithmassbeingsecondary. Focusonnaturalbeautyoftheflowercasuallyarranged. Eacharrangementincludesastrong,erect,highlycoloredanddominantmaleelementcalledYang;andthe secondaryline,asmaller,finerdelicatelytintedandformedhorizontalfemaleelement,Yingwhichisalso expressedindaintyvinelikeplantmaterials. Budswithopenflowersbreakmonotony. EachChinesefloralarrangementcanbereducedtoaskeletonofstructure.Linesarenotstatic,butareforceful andportrayasenseofmovementandlife. Horizontallinessuggestpeaceandrest,whilecurvedlinessuggestgraceandmotion. Colors:Flowersinonevaseshouldbeofonecoloror,atmost,twoorthreeharmoniouscolors.Strongcontrasts, suchasredandwhite,shouldnotbeusedtogether.However,thevaseshouldcontrastwiththeflowers.Use subduedearthytonesincontainers. Containers:Earlycontainersweretempleandritualwinevesselsofbronzeinavarietyofshapes.Laterporcelain vasescopiedtheseshapes.Bronzevaseswerechosenforwinterandspringarrangementsandporcelainfor summerandautumn.Porcelainvasesareusuallyintricatelypatterned,thoughceladon,inarangeofsubtle greencolors,isusuallyplain.Enamelandcloissonareused.Basketsarealsousedandinvariedshapes.China wasthefirstcountrytomakebasketsspecificallyforflowers. Bases:Basesofcarvedwoodwereoriginallyusedwitheveryvase.Manywereelaborateandlookedlike pedestals. PlantMaterial:Seasonsrepresentedbyplumblossoms(winter),peony(spring),lotus,(summer),and chrysanthemum(autumn).Otherflowersusedwerepeachblossoms,treepeony,pine,bamboo,narcissus, orchid,tigerlily,pomegranate.Allflowerswereconsideredfeminineandweregivenwomensnames.

Japanese Design - Ikebana

IkebanaistheJapaneseartofflowerarrangement,whichissteepedintraditionandsymbolism.Itisdiscipline withalonghistoryandconsiderablebodyofliterature.Itisanartforminwhichnatureandhumanityare broughttogether.Theworditselfmeanslivingflowers.Ikebana,whileworkingwithephemeralmaterials, flowers,leaves,etc.,acceptsthetransienceofallthingsandinattemptingtoexpresstheiressence, acknowledgesmansplaceinnature.ThespiritualaspectofIkebanaisconsideredveryimportantbyits practitioners.Wherewesternflowerarrangersrelyonmassedflowersfortheirimpact,presentingacompleted worktobeadmired,Ikebanauseslineandspace.Thearrangementreachestowardtheviewerandbymaking theviewerthefocalpoint,itdrawsusinandinvitesustoshareinthecreativeact. InthebasicIkebanaarrangement,anditsvariations,threemainlinesorplacementsareused.TotheJapanese theselinesarenotjustaframeworkbuthavespecialsignificanceandnames.NotallJapaneseschoolsof arrangingusethesamenamesforthemainlines,buttheyallhavethesamesignificance.Ifconnectinglines weredrawnbetweenthesethree,theywouldformanasymmetricaltriangle.Additionalmuchshorter supportingmaterialisalsousedtosupportthedominatinglinesandaddgraceandformtothearrangement. Thesemainlinesarelistedbelow: ! Line1,usuallyabranch,shouldbebetween1to2timesthewidthandthedepthofthecontainer. CalledtheShin. ! Line2canbethesamematerialasline1,shouldbeaboutthelengthofline1.CalledtheSoe. ! Line3,whichcouldbeabranchoraflower,shouldbetothelengthofline2.CalledtheHikaeorTai. ! AdditionalshortermaterialiscalledtheJushi Thesemainstemsaresaidtorepresentheaven,man,andearth,symbolizingthatmanisfoundbetweenthe sphereofheavenandthesoilofearthandbyarrangingissupposedtoharmonizethetwo. CharacteristicsofIkebana: Consideredanartandadisciplineleadingtoselfawareness. Asymmetricalbalanceisused. SpaceisaveryimportantpartofIkebana.Itsadynamicelementinthecomposition,notjustemptiness.

14

Materialfollowsthegrowthlineoftheplant,reachingupwardtowardthesun.Arrangementsarethree dimensional,reachingtowardtheviewer. Simplicityinlineisimportant. Employstheuseofminimalism.Excessleaves,shoots,etc.areremovedtoachieveamorepowerfuleffect. Cutflowersandaccessorymaterialsareplacedasinnature,withbuds,bloomsandfoliageastheyarefoundin theirnaturalgrowth,thoughgroomedandprunedtoperfection. Linesarevibrantandrhythmicgivingtheillusionofcapturedgrowth. Containers:Areconsideredakeyelementofthedesign. AllJapanesecompositionsarethreedimensionalandhavefinequalitiesofbalanceandspacing.Emphasisis placedonlineandformratherthancolor.Thefollowingnaturalisticorinformalstylesareonlyafewthatwe mightseeinourGCVflowershowsanddonotbegintoaddressthefascinatingsubjectofJapaneseflower arranging.

Moribana

ConsideredthemostbasicstructureinIkebana,isanarrangementinashallowbowl.Waterisanintegralpartof thedesign.Inwarmweatherthepinholdergoestothebackofthearrangementsothatwegetthecoolingsight ofthewater.Thisisreversedincoolweather.Thepinholdergoestothefront,orback,right,orleftofthe container,withtheemptypartbalancingthedesign.Therearemanydifferentvariationsonthisstyle.The designmaybeuprightorslanted.

Nageire
Nageiremeansthrownin.Acylinder,atallcurvedvase,bamboo,oranytall,heavycontainercanbeused. Glassorlightweightcontainersareunsuitable.Forkedstickstraditionallysupporttheplantmateriel.Materialis traditionallyarrangedsothatonehalfofthecontainermouthisleftopen.Thedesignmaybeuprightorslanted

Chabana
Chabanaisanarrangement,sometimesdoneinatraditionalwovenbamboobasket,andusedtogracetheTea Ceremony. PlantMaterial:Mostseasonalgardenflowers,branches,leaves,etc. Containers:Unadorned,simple.containersappropriatetothestyle. More"intheAsianManner"photographs

15

Contemporary Styles
Late Twentieth Century to Present
Inthemiddleofthe20thcentury,flowerarrangingbecameincreasinglyrecognizedasanartform.Modern arrangersfoundthemselvesstillinspiredby19thcenturynaturalism,buttheywantedtobefreedfromthepast restrictionsofspecificperioddesigns.Asabstractartdeveloped,manyarrangersbegantobeinspiredbythisart formandtocreateabstractfloraldesigns.Otherarrangerswantedtobreakawayfromtraditionalrulesand patterns,butdidnotfeeldrawntoabstractformsandsocreatedothernewdesignstyles.Today's contemporarydesignsareanoutgrowthofthesetwoinfluences.Asaresult,Contemporarydesignsmayposses varyingdegreesofabstraction,rangingfromnoabstractionatallinwhichthecomponentsareuntreatedand areorganizedintoanaturalisticmannertoadominanceofabstractionasyouseeinapurelyabstractdesign.

Contemporary Design Types

AbstractDesigns(1950onward)

Creatingabstractdesignsisaninnovativeandcreativeprocessinwhichunusualorreformedplantmaterialis arrangedinanonnaturalisticwaytocreatenewandexcitingshape.Toabstractistoreducesomethingtoits simplestform,torenderitunrealistic,toextractitsessenceandcreateanewimage.Designingwithspaceas wellasinspacemakesacompletebreakwithtraditionalfloraldesign.Anyplantmaterialthatintereststhe designermaybeused.Plantmaterialisutilizedaspureline,form,andtexturetocreatenewimages. Characteristics:Abstractdesignsareboldincolorandform.Anabstractarrangementdistillsaconcepttoits essence,therebyreleasingthedesignfromnatureandrealitytobecomepureart.Everythingusedmustbe essentialtothedesign.Plantmaterialisnolongerseenforwhatitis,butratherforwhatitrepresentscolor, line,texture,form.Freshanddriedplantmaterialmaybeusedinanonrealisticmanner,i.e.,upsidedown, sideways,suspended,moving,orclusteredtocreateanewform.Clipping,stripping,bending,tying,folding, 16

placement,etc.mayabstractfreshplantmaterial.Freshplantmaterialmayneverbetreatedwithsubstancesto changecolorortexture.Containers,ifused,areusuallynontraditionalandappeartobepartofthedesign. Componentsmaybemanmadeornaturalitemsnotoftenassociatedwithflowerarranging.Eachitemshould beselectedforitscontributiontothedesign.Whenmechanicsareused,theyneednotbeentirelyhiddenif theyappeartobeapartofthedesign,areneat,anddonotdetractfromothercomponentsorthedesignasa whole.Thereshouldbenoonefocalpoint;interestisequallydistributedthroughoutthedesign Abstractcanbedividedintotwocategories: Objectivedesignsareinterpretive.Themayhavespecificmeaning,representathemeoremotion,orinterpreta classtitle. NonObjectivedesignsarepurelydecorativeandinspiredbythematerialsused. Containers:Abstractdesignsarecleanerandstrongerwithouttheuseofacontainer.Plantmaterialmayarise directlyfromthebaseand/orbackground. Assemblage Athreedimensionalcreative,abstractdesigncombiningdisparate,foundobjectsandplantmaterialintoa unifiedwhole.InfluencedbyartistsPicassoandBraquesearlyprototypicalassemblages,whichincorporateda varietyofobjectsfromeverydaylife,flowerarrangersadoptedthestyleandmadethemuniquewiththe additionofplantmaterial. Characteristics:Thedesignismadeupofseveralunattachedparts,orseveralpartsfastenedtogethertoforma singleunit.Componentsarejuxtaposedinnonrealistic,nonnaturalistic,andnonrepresentationalway.Use previouslyunrelatedfoundnonartobjectsandplantmaterialforartisticeffect.Foundobjectsarenonart itemsnotproducedfordecorativepurposesandnotpreviouslyusedtogether.Thearrangercreativelyrelates theitemsthroughtheiruniqueelementsofline,formcolorandtexture. Material:Foundobjectsmaybemanmadesuchasmetal,plastic,rope,wire,electricalormechanicalpartsor theymaybenaturalobjects,suchasshells,stones,andwood.Theobjectsmaybepaintedbutshouldremain recognizableandnotcontrived. Containers:None Types:Freestanding,sculptural,nichedisplayed,ormountedtoapanel.Acombinationofthesemaybeused. Biedermeier Adesigninwhichpavtechniquesareusedtocreateconcentricringsofflowersarrangedinacompactrounded orslightlyconicalshape. Characteristics:BeidermeierstyleoriginatedinAustriaandGermanyduringpostwaryearsof1815to1848and isassociatedwithaheavystyleoffurniture.Inthesebouquetstylearrangementseachringcontainsonetypeof flower,whichcontrastswiththeringadjacenttoit.Thecontrastofcolor,formandtexturecreatesinterestin thedesign.Manyvariationsofthedesignarepossiblewithspiralpatternsorloosermixedflowerplacements whilekeepingplannedalternatingpatterns.Berries,leaves,nuts,smallvegetablesorfruitsmaybeusedinthe concentricrings. Containers:Lowbowlsorfootedcompotes Cascade/Waterfall AdesignstylederivedfromthefloralcascadesoftheArtNouveauperiod. Characteristics:Characterizedbyadownward,loosetrailingflowofmaterials,oftenheavywithfoliage representingacascadingwaterfall.Plantmaterialflowsfromthecenterofthedesignoutandoverthecontainer edges.Layersofalternatingflowersandfoliagecreatedepthandtexture.Trytobuildupanarrangement comprisedofmanylevels,whichiscohesiveinspiteofthevarietyofplantmaterialandtextures.Theremaybe useofveiling,sheltering,decorativebindingorothertechniques. PlantMaterial:Long,pliableflowersandfoliage.Beargrass,sprengerifern,plumosafern,conifers,vines,ivies, twigs,orchidsprays,stringsmilax,clematis,Smallfragmentsofmirror,feathers,yarn,ormetallicthreadcanbe incorporatedtogivetheappearanceofreflectedsunlightoffthecascadingwater. Containers:Tallcontainergenerallyneeded.Containercanbecontemporaryglass,pottery,metal,etc.If arrangementisdisplayedonapedestalaplantsaucerorlowbowlmaybesufficient.Makesurethereis adequateroomforthematerialstocascadedownward. 17

Toseephotos,clickhere. Construction Acreativedesigninwhichastrongarchitecturalqualityisthedominantfeature. Characteristics:Useofgeometricformorformscombinestocreateasingleunit,whichmustbegrounded withstrongstability.Itmusthaveafoundationlikeanarchitecturalstructureandnotseemtobefloatingin space.Internalorvolumetricspaceisvitaltothedesign.Itmustappeartobeasingleunitbutisacreationwith aminimumnumberofboldplantandmanmadematerials.Additionalplantmaterialmustbeaddedtoenhance theconstructionregardlessofwhattheformismadeof. PlantMaterial:Manmadematerialssuchaslumberorplexiglassorstronglinedplantmaterialsuchasbamboo, treebranches,mullein,palmspathes,etc. Containers:Theconstructionisthecontainer. CreativeDesigns Developedinthemid20thcentury,creativefloraldesignreferstodesignsinwhichcreativity,imagination,and originalityarebasic.Traditionalrulesandpatternsdonotapply.Thearrangercreatesnewconceptsandforms byborrowingfromdifferentstylesand/orperiods.Arrangementsarenotacopyofadesignpreviouslycreated, butratheranexpressionoftheindividualdesigner.Therelationshipbetweenformandspaceplaysamajorrole increativearrangements.Todayscreativedesignsarecontinuallychanginginspiredbythecurrentdesignworld andtheimaginationoftodaysfloralarrangers. CharacteristicsofCreativeDesigns: ! Creativedesignshavefewrulesandnosetpatterns. ! Plantmaterialmaybeusedonlyforitsinherentdesignqualities. ! Boldinform,sizeanduseofcolor. ! Strongcontrastincolors,plantmaterials ! Restraineduseofplantmaterialandcomponents. ! Mayhavemorethanonefocalpointandmorethanonepointofemergence,butclarityofdesign paramount. ! Mayhavesomeabstraction. ! Littletransitionalmaterial. ! Asymmetricalbalanceisemphasized. ! Rhythmmaybeirregularandunpredictable. ! Tensionbetweenelementscreatesimpact. ! Anypartofthedesignmaybedominant. ! Spaceisincorporatedwithinthedesignandbecomesanimportantpartoftheoverallimpact.Both elements,solidsandspace,areconsideredsolidsandareequallyimportanttothearrangement.Thatis whyyouoftenhearthephrase,Creativedesignsareanarrangementofspace,notanarrangementin space.Thegoalistocreaterhythmandmovementthroughtheuseofsolidandspace. Containers:Thecontainermayplayanimportantroleinthedesignortheremaybenocontainerusedatall.Ifa containerisused,itisusuallynontraditionalandmayhaveseveralopenings.Itshouldbeboldanddramatic. Sometimestwoormorecontainersmaybeusedtogetherinacreativemanner.Pottery,ceramic,wood,metal areappropriate. PlantMaterial:Boldmaterialsareessential.Oftenexoticflowersandleaves,suchasprotea,antherium,birdsof paradise,callalily,fatsia,croton,caladium,palm,tileaves,aspidistra,grasses,beargrass,etc.Dramatic brancheslikewisteriavine,willowvine,kiwivine,andmonkeypuzzlevine.Branchesmaybefresh,driedand/or manipulated.Othercreativematerialssuchasdriftwood,bamboo,weatheredwood,seedpods,vegetables,and manmadeobjectslikewire,cable,plastic,andrope. DesignShape:Creativedesigns,likealldesigns,arebasedonthegeometricformsofthecube,cone,cylinder, andsphere.However,increativedesign,thesebasicformsmaybedistortedandcombinedandaremore difficulttodiscernthanintraditionaldesign. Whilecreativedesignsbreakfromtraditionalrulesofflowerarranging,thebasicprinciplesandelementsof designarethebenchmarkforevaluatingthesenontraditionaldesigns.Thearrangersshoulddemonstratea 18

creativeandimaginativeuseofplantmaterialanddesignprinciplesaswellaseffectivelyusingcolor,form,line, texture,andspace. Whilethefollowingdesignsarelistedspecificallyascreative,rememberthatthesedesigncharacteristicsapply tomanyothercontemporarydesignstylesinthishandbook.

Creative Botanical
Acreativedesignstyleinwhichplantmaterialischosenforitssuperiorhorticulturalquality.Plantmaterialmust dominatethearrangementandcreateexcitementbyitscolor,form,textureorplacement.Thedesign representsnaturebyshowingallthephasesoftheplantmaterialslife,butitdoesnotputtheflowersintheir naturalenvironment.Rememberthisisacreativedesignwithboldnessandsimplicityandothercreative characteristics.ItdiffersfromtheNaturalisticBotanical,whichpresentstheplantmaterialinitsnaturalsetting. Characteristics:Arrangementdoesnotappearcontrivedorartificial.Varyingstagesofplantdevelopmentare shown,emphasizingthebotanicalfeaturesoftheplantmaterial.Manmadeornaturallinematerialmaybe usedtohighlightthefeaturedplantbutnotdominateit. PlantMaterial:Homegrownplantmaterialonly.Noabstractingofplantmaterial.Rootedplantsmaybeused. Containers:creativecontainerswhichharmonizewiththeflowersandothermaterialsofthedesign.

Creative Line

Acreative,opendesignstylethatemphasizeslineandvisualmovement. Characteristics:Creativelinearrangementsareboldlydramatic.Theyhavenosetpatternandmayhavemore thanonefocalpoint,andpossiblymorethanonepointofemergence.Theemphasisisonline,contrastofform andtexture.Plantmaterialiskepttoaminimum,withtheemphasisontheirbeautyandform.Don'toverdo thesearrangements!Letthebeautyoftheflowersandthelinematerialprevail.Thelinemaybehorizontal, vertical,oblique(movementhalfwaybetweenhorizontalandvertical)orzigzag.Unlesstheschedulespecifies thedirection,thechoiceisuptothearranger,andtheonlycriterionisthatthedesignbepredominantlyline. PlantMaterial:minimalmaterial,beautyofblossomsorfoliageemphasizedbyskillfulplacement.Linematerial maybenatural,manmadeorfoundobjects. Containers:Modern,creative

Creative Line Mass

FollowtherulesforaCreativelinearrangement;however,moreplantmaterialisused,whichresultsinslightly deemphasizingtheline. 19

Creative Mass

Acreativedesigncharacterizedbymassedboldformsgroupedintypearrangedtogiveasculpturalappearance emphasizingcontrastinformandtexture. Characteristics:CreativemassdesignsgivethedesignerachancetousemorematerialthantheCreativelineor Creativelinemassrequire.Theuseofenclosedspaceisconsideredpartofthemass,asignificantchangefrom TraditionalMassdesign.Asymmetricalbalanceistypicalwithcolorandtexturalgroupingsofcomponents providingcounterbalancingweightandrhythm.Strikingcontrast,simplicity,restraint,andalackoftransitional materialareothercharacteristicsoftheCreativeMassdesign.Smallamountsofseveralplantmaterialsorlarger amountsoffewertypesareused.Plantmaterialisgroupedbylikecolor,form,ortype,andthenmassedalong linesorspacescreatedbylines. PlantMaterial:Manipulatedleaves,driedleavesofcontortedforms,boldblossoms,fruits,vegetables.Material canbebundled,layered,terracedlooped,pinned,stapled,orotherwisemanipulated. Containers:plainceramicorpottery,geometriccontainersorirregularassemblagesofglass,woodandmetal. Boldcontainers. Echo Muchlikeasynergistic,butmayhaveonlytwocontainers,ormore.Thecontainersmaybethesameshape,but adifferentsizeorcolor,usuallythesmalleronewouldbeplaceinfrontofthelargerandoffset,echolike,no connectingmaterialisused.(SeeSynergistic.) FloorDesign FloorDesignsaretypicallyverytallandstageddirectlyonthefloor.Theyaregivenunlimitedheightunless prohibitedintheschedule.Theyareoftenattachedtoabaseforstability.Underlaysmaybeusedaslongasthey donotelevatethedesign.Thedesignoriginatesfromthefloor.Theshowcommitteemaychoosetodefineeach exhibitorsallottedspaceonthefloorwithtape.Proportionisthemostimportantelementofdesign.Becauseof theirsizetheyrequirebolderindividualcomponentsorgroupingsofsmallercomponentstosatisfythegreater dimensionofferedtothedesigner. FramedSpatial

20

Thisisaminimalistdesignorganizedasasingleunitsuspendedwithinaframe.Anontraditional,lightairy designwithanunconventionaluseofplantmaterialcombinedintoasingle,unifieddesign,whichisthenstaged withinavolumeofspacedefinedbyaframe. Characteristics:Nomovementispermitted,butisimplied.Theunitissecuredbyusingmonofilamentorthread soitappearstobefloatingwithintheframe. Thedesignmaynottouchtheframe,butmayexceedthedepthoftheframe. Thefeelingofthiscreativearrangementislightandairy.Thesuspendeddesignmustbecreative. FreeForm

Asthenameimplies,thisdesignisaclosedsilhouetteinwhichoutlineisfreeandflowing,likeanamoeba,nota geometricshape. Characteristics:Itisacloseddesign,withnointersectingorstraightlines. Plantmaterialismanipulatedbybendingortwisting.Negativespaceisveryimportant,andbalanceis asymmetrical.Plantmaterialisusuallyplacedonorwithintheenclosedform.Theremaybemorethanone pointofinterest. Restraintisusedintheamountofplantmaterialsoasnottoconfusethedesign. Containers:Naturalobjectssuchasweatheredwoodorpiecesoffungus. Selfmadecontainersthatreinforcethelineandmayhaveseveralopenings. Orientalstylecontainers.Simplebowlsorrusticpotterythatdontdetractfromthedesign. PlantMaterial:Mostflowers,vines,andbranches FreeStyle ThisissimilartoaJapanesestyleofarrangementinthatthereisonepointofemergence,andheaven,earthand manaresuggested. Characteristics:Designsarelesscontained,lessorderedthantheJapanesewithanopen,dynamic,linear quality.Thenaturallinesoftheplantmaterialareemphasized,andcreatetheshapeofthedesign,which radiatesfromagivenpoint.Mayhavemorethanoneareaofinterest.Simplicityisemphasizedwithalimited amountofplantmaterial. Designsarenottwodimensional,musthavedepth. HangingDesign Adesignthatissuspendedandviewedateyeleveloralittleabove. Therearetwotypesofhangingdesigns:onethathasnomovementandissuspendedfromaflatsurfacesuchas adoor,wall,easel,etc.Theothermayhaveoneormoremoveablepartsandissuspendedfromabove,ona hook,fromalightfixture,orwithinaframe.Inbothtypesofhangingdesigns,theremaybetwoormoredesigns thatarecombinedtocreateaunifiedcomposition.AlsoseeKineticdesigns. Illuminary Acreativedesign,whichincorporateslightasanintegralpartofthedesign. Characteristics:Notjustadesignwithalightfocusedonit.Lightsofvarioustypesareincorporatedintothe designitself.Lightscanbeplacedabove,underneath,behind,orwithinthedesign,butnotinfrontasa spotlight.Emphasisisoncolor,patternandbalance.Mechanicsmustbeconcealed.Lightsourcesmayinclude LEDlights,ropelights,lightedtubing,coloredlights,stringsoflightsandshouldbebatterydrivenifpossible.The lightscontributeanadditionalqualitytothedesign,extendingareasofinterest,addingbalanceofcolor,and 21

creatingagreaterdepth.Bemindfulthattheprimarycolorsoflightaredifferentfromthoseofthepigment system,andyoushouldbeawareoftheresultingcolorswhenyoucombinelightsandplantcolors. Kinetic Anabstractdesignwithreal(mobile)orimplied(stabile)movement. Mobile Afreehangingdesignsuspendedfromabovewithrealmovementcreatedbyaircurrents.Thisisachievedby creatingperfectbalanceamongthegroupingsofthefreelymovingparts.Itmusthaveequalinterest throughout.Forms,textures,andcolorsarebalancedaswell.Mechanicsandconditioningofplantmaterialare mostimportant. Stabile

Acreativedesignwithafixedbase,butmotionisimplied.Thedirectionmaybevertical,horizontal,ordiagonal andmustbedynamicorflowing.Thesenseofmovementisachievedbytheselectionofcomponentsandavery restrainedusedofplantmaterial.Thedesignmayrisefromacontainer,standaloneonapedestalortabletop, besuspendedfromabase,orstabilizedinanothercreativemanner.Allcomponentsincludingthebaseand mechanicsshouldcontributetothisdynamicfeelingofimpliedmotion. PlantMaterial:Ferns,grasses,orvinesaresomeexamplesofplantmaterialthatcouldbeusedtoimplymotion. MiniatureArrangements

Anystylearrangementwhichdoesnotexceedfiveinchesinanydirection. Characteristics:Miniaturescanbeofanystyleoranydesign(period,oriental,massline,etc.)Employallthe rulesofartisticdesign.Scaleandproportionarethemostimportant.Thelargestbloomshouldnotexceedone thirdthesizeofcontainerandthearrangementshouldbeapproximatelyonetooneandahalftimestheheight orwidthofthecontainer.Asmallamountofplantmaterialisdesirable.Avoidcrowding.Conditioningis essential. Containers:Thecontainershouldbesmall,sothatitdoesnotdominatethedesign.Useminiaturevasesor createfromhouseholditems:matchboxes,saltcellars,snuffboxes,perfumebottles,toothpickholders,buttons andnaturalmaterials(shells,driftwood,stones,etc.). Colors:Onecolorshoulddominatethedesign.Useoftoomuchcontrastcanoverpoweraminiatureorsmall design.This,ofcourse,doesnotapplytosomeperioddesigns. PlantMaterial:Somesuccessfulplantmaterialincludeslilyofthevalley,babysbreath,miniatureroses, boxwood,smallwildflowers,violetsandherbs.Largerflowerssuchaslilacoryarrowmaybeseparatedinto 22

smallerparts.Somedwarforminiatureflowersmaybetoolargefordesign.GCVrulespermitalteringplant materialunlesstheschedulestatesotherwise.Youcancutaflowerdownwithscissorstoensureproperscale. Accessories:Accessoriescanenhancethethemebutmustbeinthesamescaleandtoomanyaccessorieswill detract. SpecialTipsandHelpfulHintsforMiniatureandSmallArrangements ! Researchtheschedule.Thenfindacontainerandcreateyourzingerthenovelideathatgivesthe designdistinction. ! Scale:themostcommonfaultisanoutofscaledesign.Usually,forafiveinchminiaturearrangement, thecontainerisnomorethantwoinchesandthematerialnomorethanthreeincheshigh. ! Flowerchoice:Blossomsizemustnotbemorethanonehalftothreefourthsinch. ! Display:Knowyourspace,backgroundcolor,andstaging.Backgroundsofsoftgrayandceladonare mostpopular.Usenomorethantwothirdsofthespaceallowed.Adisplaybasecanenhancethe arrangementandisnotconsideredanaccessory. ! Conditioningisessentialtohardenplantmaterial.Soakmaterialuptoheadsinwarmwaterforseveral hours.Arrange,mist,coverwithdampfacialtissueincoveredcoolerovernight. ! BasesandAccessories:Choosecarefully.Neveruseanirreplaceableitem.Youmayneedtostabilizewith glue,clayorstickum. ! Transporting:Itissomucheasieronthenervestodothearrangementathome.UseaStyrofoam container,amuffintinoraneggcartonwithdoughnutshapecottonsupporttokeeparrangementfrom movingenroute.Carryinyourcoolerwithice. ! Mechanics:Waterwithamedicinedropper.Mistwithaperfumeatomizer.Usefingernailscissors, tweezers,toothbrushbristlesandtoothpicksfortools.Usetweezersforplacingflowersandmanicure scissorsforpruning.Usecutpotato,oasis,sand,steelwoolorgrapestosupportmaterial.Thereare miniaturekenzans.Useasturdyboxorcakestandtoelevatearrangementasyouwork. ! Practice,practice,practice.Developyoureyetoseepossibilitiesintinyflora,containersandaccessories. MilleFleurs ThisisFrenchmeaningathousandflowers.Thisdesignisroundedorfanshaped.Manydifferentkindsof flowersandcolorsareemployed. Theyshouldbearrangedinalight,airyfashioninacontemporaryvase. Athreedimensionaleffectisdesiredandachievedbythecarefulplacementofflowersanduseofcolor. ModernEuropean NewmillenniumEuropeanarrangementsaredistinguishedbyshape:tightandroundwithanemphasison texture.Colorsmaybemonochromaticorcontrasting. Asof2002,moredaringstyleshavebeenemerging,offeringmanycreativepossibilities.Thekeycharacteristicis theuseofflowersinabizarre,unexpectedway,i.e.,upsidedown. ModernFrench

Thedesiredoutcomeofthisstyleistocreatetheillusionthattheflowerswerecasuallythrowntogetherwithno attentiongiventothearrangementoftheflowers.Thenatural,casualstyleprojectsthefeelingthatonemerrily strolledthroughthegardenpickingflowersandcasuallystuffedtheminavase. 23

Naturalistic Designsthatarebasedonnatureandcapturetheessenceofanaturallandscapescene.Thedesigndoesnot seemcontrivedorartificial,butrepresentsasliceofnature.Theplantmaterialshouldbeofhighqualitybut doesnothavetobeahorticulturalshowqualityspecimen.Theproperscaleisvitalforthesedesignstobe successful. Containers:minimalcontainerswhichcomplimenttheflowersandothermaterials.Aslittleofthecontainer shouldbeseenasispossible.Avoidoverbasingthedesignwithtoowideorthickabaseorwithtoomanylevels. Accessories:shouldbeinkeepingwiththenaturalisticdesign.Ifyouwishtoaddbirdsoranimals,usethose whichlookrealisticwithamattefinishandkeeptheminscale. Therearethreetypesofnaturalisticdesigns,andtheyallreflectsomeaspectofthenaturalworld. Botanical

Characteristics:Theentirelifecycleofasingleflower(oftenabulbflower)isrepresented. Thedesignincludesthestem,foliage,buds,bloomsandrootsinvaryingstagesofdevelopmentandemphasizes thebeautyoftheflower. Thereisnomanipulationoftheplantmaterial,useitasitappearsinnature. Otherflowersmaybeusedaslongastheyaresubordinatetothemainflower. Thematerialsarearrangedasifgrowinginnature,withtheuseofmoss,pebbles,twigs,etc. Thefeaturedflowermusthavebeengrownbytheexhibitor,notafloristorprofessionalgrower. Landscape Characteristics:Thisdesigndepictsalargeareaofnature,butinaplannedmanner. Usealarge,lowcontainer. Materialsareorganizedsothattallermaterialsareintheback. Asymmetricalplacementisimportant. Grouplikecolorsandmaterialstoreflectnature. Materialsusedmustgrowinsameenvironmentandduringsameseason. Finishdesignwithmoss,pebbles,etc. Avoidcreatingascenewhereabranchrepresentingatreeisthesameheightastheflowers. Vegetative Characteristics:AsinaLandscapedesign,usealarge,lowcontainer. Thearrangementshouldnotlookplanned,butasifyoutookaphotoofanaturalsettingwithnoimprovements. Lotsofvariationinheightandtexture. Materialsmayoverlapandintermingle. Plantmaterialsshouldnotbealteredandshouldbeshownwithblemishes,holes,etc. Itshouldbefinishedtobeviewedfromallsides.

24

Panel

Panelisacreativedesign,whichincludesapanelorpanels,plantmaterial,andothercomponents.Thepanels mustbeintegratedwithinthedesign.Thepanel/scaneitherbeselfsupportingorbesupportedbytheother componentsinthedesign.Abackgrounddoesnotconstituteapanel. Parallel

Characteristics:Paralleldesignshavethreeormoreunitsofstrong,parallellineswithopen(negative)spaces betweeneachunit.Unitsmaybeofthesameorvaryinglengthswithclear,dominate,directionalthrust.They maybehorizontal,vertical,orobliqueoracombinationofthese.Unitcompositionmaybeoneoffourpossible compositions: ! Unitshavingseveraldifferentplantmaterials,nonerepeatingintheotherunits. ! Allunitshavingthesametypesofrepeatingplantmaterial. ! Eachunithavingasingleplantmaterial. ! Oneplantmaterial,repeatedineachunit,combinedwithotherplantmaterial. Unitsmustappearasonecomposition,emergingfromasinglecontainerorwhatappearstobeasingle container.Unitsappeartobeindependentofeachotherbutrelatedbycolor,texture,pattern,formoranother elementofdesign.Plantmaterialorothercomponentsmaybeplacedatthebaseofthedesigntoconnectthe units,achievevisualweightandbalance,andunifythedesign. VegetativeParallelfollowsnaturalplantgrowthhabitwhileDecorativeParallelmaybestylized,abstractor manipulated. Containers:Twoormorecontainersmaybestackedorplacedagainstoneanotherbuttheymustappeartobe one.Plantmaterialcanbeblocked,bunched,bundled,bound/tied,layeredorterraced,andmassed/clustered. Plantmaterial:Achilleaheads,smallhydrangeaflowers,heuchera,ivy,mahonialeaves,conifer,hebe,poppy seedheads,berries,chilipeppers.Allium,BellsofIreland,andbamboosticks,areexcellentverticals.Carnations androsesarefavoriteflowersformassingingroundworkandusinginverticalplacements.Lichen,andassorted mossesmaybeusedtocreateareasofrestandtocoverthefloralfoam.Vegetables,fruitanditemssuchas spheres,stonesorpebblesaddinterest.

25

PavDesign

Thisarrangementrequiresplacingindividualmaterialscloselytogethertocreateaflat,jewellikepatternin whichnomechanicsareseen.Thistightclusteringstyleemphasizescontrast,color,andtexture.ThePavdesign andthetechniquedevelopedfromthejewelryindustry,whichusesthetermtodescribesettinggemsclosely together. Characteristics:Tightclusteringofplantmaterial.Contrastingtype,color,andtextureforaddedinterest.Canbe helpfultolayoutpatternbeforeyoubegintoarrange. Container:low,flat,inconspiciuoscontainers PlantMaterial:blossoms,leaves,fruit,pods,mosses,stones. Phoenix

Thisdesignisbasedonthemythologicalbird,whichlivedfor500yearsormore,setitselfonfire,androsefrom theashestoliveagain.Rebirthandaroundsymmetricalformarethebasisofthisdesign.Theplantmaterialat thebaseistraditionalandcompact,aradialdesignwithverylittlespacebetweenthematerial.Aburstof materialemergesfromitscenter.Form,Scale,andProportionareimportantelementsandprinciplesofthis design. Characteristics:Thisdesignhasabaseofflowers,whichiscompactandround.Risingfromthecenteraretall, floweringbranchesorotherlinearmaterial,representingrebirth,renewal.Thestemsshouldradiateoutatthe top. Containers:Lowcontainersaresuggested. Pillar(ColumnarorTubular) Acreativedesignfeaturingthedominanceofthecylindrical(tubular)form.Plantmaterialmaybedensely packedwithinthetubeandsoaringupward,butstillechoingthecylindershape.Plantmaterialmustbekept withinthevisualboundariesoftheform.Thedesignmayhavemorethanoneunit. Containers:tubesmayconsistofmetal,cardboard,plastic,glass,orfabric.

26

PotetFleur

Thisdesignconsistsoftwoormorerootedplantsandcutplantmaterialinasinglecontainer.Itshouldnotbe organizedasalandscapeorterrarium.Rootedplantsmaybeallflowers,allfoliageoracombinationofthetwo. Plantsmaybekeptintheirpots,placedinplasticbagsorplacedinaplantingmedium.Cutfreshflowersmaybe insertedinsmallbottles,floraltubes,orfloralfoam,andhiddenamongtheplants.Otherplantmaterialsuchas fruit,nuts,orbranchesmaybeaddedforembellishment.Mossmaybeusedtocoverthetop. Containers:Basketsorpotterybowlsoftenused. Reflective

Thisisacreativedesigncontainingmaterial,whichreflectsanimageorlightbacktotheviewer.Thesereflective componentsareintegraltothedesignandmustappearthroughoutthedesign.Therearefewplantmaterials withareflectivequality,soarrangermustusemanmadeitems.Somematerialsthatmaybeusedmightbe: plexiglass,foil,metallicpaper,orbrokenpiecesofmirror.Reflectivebases,background,containersmaybeused butdonot,bythemselves,fulfillthedesignrequirements. Small Asmallarrangementmaynotexceedeightinchesinanydirection.Scaleandproportion,asinminiature arrangements,areofutmostimportance,andgoodconditioningisessential.Pleaseseedescriptionunder miniaturearrangements. Stretch

27

Acreativedesign,whichconsistsoftwounits,onelargerthantheother,andhavingacomponentconnecting thetwo.(thestretchcomponent).Thisconnectivebetweenthetwounitsshouldbedynamicandimply tensionasifthetwounitswereinvolvedinatugofwar.Theunitsshouldappearasiftheyhadbeenone,with someofthesameplantmaterialineach,buthavebeenpulledapart.Theplacementofthetwounitsiskeysoas toenhancethetension. Synergistic Thiscreativedesignconsistsofthreeormoreunits,whichhaveagreaterimpactwhenviewedtogetherthan theywouldontheirown.Alltheunitssharethesamecolors,texturesandforms,creatingbalance,rhythm,and harmony,buteachunitshouldnotappearasacompleteddesigninitself.Aconnective(eithermanmadeor plantmaterial)maybeusedtoconnecttheunits. TableDesign

Atableexhibitisoneinwhichthecomponentsdishes,linens,plantmaterial,etc.areartisticallyarrangedto presentacoordinatedconcept.Thepracticalserviceoffoodneednotbeimplied.Objectsareusedfor decorativeeffect,butflatwareandfooditemsshouldnotbeused.Therearetwotypesoftable designs,functionalandexhibition,andbothrequiredecorativecomponents.Afunctionalexhibitscomponents aresetlogicallyasiffoodwouldbeserved.Forexhibition,componentsarearrangedartisticallywithnon functionalplacement.Theprinciplesofdesignshouldbeadheredtointheartfulplacementofthecomponents. Avoidovercrowding.Varyheightstoaddinterest. Underwater

Anunderwaterdesignmusthavesomeorallofitscomponents,includingplantmaterial,visibleunderwater. Underwaterdesignsmaysubmergeonlyapartorpartsofthearrangement.Theamountofplantmaterial submergedisdictatedbythedesignprincipleofproportion. Plantmaterialshouldbeassembledinthecontainerbeforeaddingwater.Uponcompletion,allmaterialsinand outofwatershouldappearasaunifieddesign.Iftransportingtoashow,watershouldbeaddedwhen arrangementisinplace.Itisimportantthatallcomponentsarepristine.Addwaterclosetotheleveloftherim unlessthedesignisenhancedwithanotherheight.Thewaterlinebecomespartofthedesignandisdistracting ifpoorlyplaced.Yourmechanicsshouldnotbevisible.Oftenasmallweightsuchasafishingsinker,marbleor 28

rockattachedtofishinglineisusedtoanchorplantmaterialunderwater.Waterandglasshaveawonderfuland uniquewayofdistortingadesignandcangiveanadditional,andsometimesunexpected,dimension, Containers:usuallyclearglassandanyshape,butacircularcontainerprovidesthebesteffect. Plantmaterial:thisisthemajorchallengeforthearranger.Tropicalflowerssuchasanthuriums,birdsof paradise,andheliconiaworkwell.Alsolilies,roses,evergreensandcitrusaregoodchoices. WesternLine

AWesternLineisacontemporarylineararrangement,whichemphasizeslineandvisualmovement. Characteristics:AWesternLinearrangementisadramatic,distinctivedesign,eithersymmetricalor asymmetrical,basedonanopenscalenetriangle.Clean,tautlinescombinedwithunclutterednegativespace withinthetriangleareveryimportanttothedesignandadddistinctiontothearrangement.Thebodyofthe arrangementisnotfilledin.Nogradationofplantmaterialisusedtodeveloptheline.Tallheightisemphasized, andstrongdownwardlinematerialaddsdramatothedesign.

29

Bibliography
Aaronson,Marian,TheArtofFlowerArranging.(London,UK;GrowerBooks,1983). Aaronson,Marian,FlowersintheModernManner.(London,UK;GrowerBooks,1984). Ascher,AmalieAdler,TheCompleteFlowerArranger.(NewYork,NY;SimonandSchuster,1974). Belcher,Betty.CreativeFlowerArranging.(Portland,OR;TimberPress,Inc.,1993). Berrall,JuliaS.AHistoryofFlowerArrangement.(London,UK;TheSaintAustinPress,1997,2000). Blacklock,Judith.TheJudithBlacklockEncyclopediaofFlowerDesign.(Bournemouth,UK;TheFlowerPressLtd., 2006). Coake,David,Urban,Shelley,andLanker,Terry.FloristsReviewDesignSchool.(Topeka,Kansas;FloristsReview Enterprises,Inc.,2003). Curtis,ChristinaD.ContemporaryFloralDesign.(London,UK;TheNationalAssociationofFlowerArrangement Societies,2004). DesigningbyTypes.(St.Louis,MO;NationalGardenClubs,Inc.,2008). GuidetoPeriodFlowerArranging.(London,UK;TheNationalAssociationofFlowerArrangementSocieties, 2006). Hannay,FrancesJ.PeriodFlowerArrangements.(Philadelphia,PA;NationalCouncilBooks,Inc.,1948. Haml,EstherVermae.TheEncyclopediaofJudgingandExhibiting.(St.Ignatius,Montana;Ponderosa Publishers;1966,Revised1968). Healey,Deryck.TheNewArtofFlowerDesign.(NewYork,NY;VillardBooks,1986. Hunter,Nora.TheArtofFloralDesign.(Albany,NY;DelmarPublishers,Inc.1994). Lersch,Gregor,PrinciplesofFloralDesign.(Munster,Germany;DonauVerlagKriener&PotthoffKG,1999). Miller,MarieS.NewDimensionsinFloralDesign.(NorthBend,OR;WegferdPublications,1981). NationalCouncilofStateGardenClubs,Inc.;TheHandbookforFlowerShows;St.Louis,Missouri,1987. PeriodGuideII.(London,UK;TheNationalAssociationofFlowerArrangementSocieties,2002). Riester,DorothyW..DesignforFlowerArrangers.SecondEdition(NewYork,NY;VanNostrandReinholdCo., 1971).

30