Elements of Floral Design | Principles of Flower Arrangement (2024)

The science of post-harvest-physiology, known as flower care and handling is ever changing and improving. In this video Leanne reviews the basics of flower care and explores the new science for keeping flowers alive and beautiful as long as possible in a floral arrangement. Enjoy!

A growing trend is the use of ribbons and bows in floral design. In this video Leanne discusses various types of ribbon as she demonstrates how to create a classic florist bow, the tailored tie bow, the tuck bow and bouquet ribbon streamers. Enjoy!

To create a complementary color harmony refer to your color wheel and pick two colors on opposite sides of the wheel. An excellent example is red and green. Arrangements built on a complementary color harmony are bold and dramatic. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

A Triadic Color Harmony is composed of any three colors equally spaced on the color wheel. The colors may be primary hues, secondary hues or tertiary hues. A bouquet designed in the triadic color scheme is often bright and vivid. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

The Analogous Color Harmony is composed of adjacent colors in any 90 degree section of the color wheel. Also known as a blended color scheme it is a favorite among floral designers. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

A monochromatic color scheme is composed of the tints, tones and shades of a single color hue. Leanne explores and defines this color scheme as it relates to floral design. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

A dynamic line is a visually energetic line that conveys a feeling of motion or force. Dynamic lines may be curved, slanted, zigzag, contorted or meandering. In this video clip Leanne defines and demonstrates the use of dynamic lines.

The classic asymmetrical form is a scalene triangle (three unequal sides and angles) in shape. It is characterized by asymmetrical balance, equal visual balance but unequal volume on either side of the vertical axis. The design has radial insertions into a single binding point and the contour is clearly defined by the material.

Ultimately, any formula that allows for a fair price for the customer and a reasonable profit for the designer is a good formula. This creative formula is easy; saves time compensates the designer for labor and allows the use of more expensive flowers without pricing the design out of reach.

The formula used for establishing the price of retail flowers does not have to be complicated. However, it does have to start with accurate and complete wholesale pricing of materials, factor in labor and fixed expenses and allow for a reasonable profit. This formula uses a simple multiplier and is popular with studio florists.

The pricing of flowers for retail sales can be very frustrating for both the beginning and experienced florist. There is no one “fits-all” formula. In this video clip Leanne explains the Classic Formula. This formula has been used by traditional flower shops for decades and is a starting point for the discussion of pricing.

Space is the three dimensional area in and around the components of a floral design. Space is typically described as either negative space or positive space. Positive space is that portion of the design that is physically occupied by something. Negative space is a planned area in the design that is devoid of any materials,

Accent, also referred to as focal point, is the dominant area within a design. In most arrangements, the accent is the center of gravity with all lines emerging from this area. In this video clip, Leanne shares how to maximize the visual impact of the design principle accent.

Texture is rough or smooth, shiny or dull, course or fine. Texture is a study in contrasts. It is an element that is both tactile and visual. In this video clip Leanne explains the features of this design element as she creates a unique floral design filled with texture.

Line, Mass, Form and Filler; you may have heard these terms before, but what do they mean? All flowers and foliages have different shapes or forms which influence the style of a floral arrangement. In this video clip Leanne explains these flowers forms and their effect on a floral composition. She also demonstrates the use of flower forms in creating an arrangement.

One of the Elements of Design is Form. Form is the three dimensional shape of a floral arrangement. In this video clip Leanne demonstrates how to create a Classic Round Design as she discusses the essential fundamentals of constructing a sell designed round floral arrangement.

A static line is a motionless, non active line which establishes strength and stability within a floral design. In this video clip Leanne defines and demonstrates the use of static lines as she creates a formal linear floral design.