I got this idea from a floral shop in Lawrence, KS. I decided to give it a try and you can see the results. This makes a great, economical gift that doesn't take long to make.
Supplies:
Yankee Candle (or similar brand) jar candle with lid
Clear Packaging Tape
Flower Foam (Oasis)
Flowers (I get these from Sam's Club)
Wire Ribbon
Directions:
Using the lid as a pattern cut a piece of flower foam to fit the inside of the lid. Place the foam in the lid and soak with water.
Dry the lid completely and tape it upside down, with the foam facing up, to the top of the jar with the packaging tape. This can be a little tricky to get the lid on straight, a second set of hands is helpful.
Arrange flowers in foam. I get my flowers in bulk from Sam's Club. A package each of carnations, alstroemeria, baby's breath or German statice, and leather leaf fern will make 3 arrangements.
Start with one carnation in the center and two on each side. Add two more to make a cross. The center carnation should be slightly taller than the other carnations. Add alstroemeria to fill in between the carnations. Add a second row of small carnations around the bottom and fill in with alstroemeria as needed. Use the baby's breath to fill in any gaps in the arrangement. Place the leather leaf fern leaves around the base of the arrangement to hide the foam and the top of the jar. You will need to pluck off small pieces of the fern as the entire leaf is too big.
Once you're satisfied with your arrangement, cut a piece of wired ribbon about 18 inches and tie a bow to finish it off.
The flowers from Sam's Club (at least from my club) are very fresh and I've had friends say the arrangement lasted 3 weeks! Buying them in bulk saves cost. Also, if you can hit a Yankee Candle sale or use an off brand (be sure the lid will work) you can make this gift for about $15.
Happy Arranging!
