Floral Tools of the Trade
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the field or an industry veteran, it is important to be aware of the purpose and tools you use. We want to share the top 10 essential tools for florists and their benefits.
1. Floral Knife
Every designer needs a floral knife. It is important to have a tool that is both efficient and effective when working with hundreds of stems. The best way to use floral knives is to hold the stem and the knife in one hand, then pull away to cut. You need to choose the right tool for you that you are comfortable with. It takes practice to master the technique of using a floral knife.
2. Floral Branch Cutters
Without the right tools, thicker branches and stems can pose a problem in a floral arrangement. Scissors should not be used as they can cause damage to your hands, become dull and break. You will need a pair of branch cutters. A branch cutter is a tool that can be used to cut through stems. It looks very similar to garden clippers, but it’s much more versatile. Branch cutters can be used in a variety of ways, just like scissors.
3. Floral Cages
Floral Cages, made of sturdy plastic and filled with floral foam, are strong cages. Floral cages can be attached with florist wire or floral tape to easels and candelabras. Floral Cages can be used by florists to create sympathy arrangements, large floral arrangements, or weddings and parties.
4. Flower Thorn Strippers
Flower thorn strippers are used by florists daily. This tool can be used to remove thorns from roses. This tool can only be used to remove thorns from roses. To prevent the rose head from falling off, it is essential to leave enough space between the stem and the rose head.
5. Floral Tape
Floral Tape is available in a variety of colours and can be used to wrap items or line vases. The floral tape in green is a great way to disguise stems. It creates a seamless blend of green. You can use clear floral tape, or sturdier floral tape, to line vases and with floral mechanics.
6. Floral Foam
When stabilizing flowers, floral foam is an excellent tool. Flower foam, which is similar to flower frogs will hold flowers in place. The foam can also absorb water, which can prolong the flower’s life.
7. Florist Wire
When flowers are arranged in a particular way, or if they need to be oriented upwards, florist wire is a great tool. You can use it to secure arrangements and make bows. When deciding the use, keep in mind the gauge. The wire with a higher gauge will be more flexible and thinner. However, the wire with a lower gauge will provide greater support but offer less flexibility.
8. Floral Picks
Floral picks can be used as an alternative to Floral Foam and flower frogs. They are very discreet and provide strong support. Because they can increase the size of a stem, floral picks can make any wreath or arrangement look larger.
9. Floral Adhesive
Bondi Florist often uses floral adhesives for making boutonnieres and corsages. The adhesive allows the flowers to stick directly onto either the greens or base and prevents them from falling or moving.
10. Floral Crowing Glory
Crowning Glory acts as a liquid shield for flowers, helping to retain moisture and extend the flower’s life. This keeps flowers fresher for longer periods of time.