Containing your beaded flowers

You’ve made your french beaded flowers, and now you want to display them well. If you wish to create an arrangement in a container, there are many ways you can accomplish this. Remember, you are working with beaded flowers, which are quite heavy due to all those lovely little beads, and you want to be certain you have plenty of weight in your container so your arrangement won’t tip over!

An often-used material is modeling clay, particularly if your container is made from pottery or opaque glass.  This clay comes in blocks, and doesn’t harden. Heat a small chunk of the clay in your microwave for 10-second intervals to soften it to a workable state, then press it into the container. Placing your stems into the clay, it will hold your flowers upright. There is a good bit of weight to the clay, so it will also anchor the container and prevent tipping. Now cover the surface with some pretty dried moss.

A lovely way to anchor your container, especially a clear glass container, is to partially fill it with glass marbles or stones. These can be purchased inexpensively and will also hold your flowers upright while anchoring your vessel. Just be sure not to tip it over and have all those marbles rolling onto the floor!

If you’re feeling particularly brave, try the ‘fake water’ preparations. These seem to be a type of resin, with two formulas that need to be mixed together prior to use.  I love the look of this, but have to admit I find them difficult to work with. The mixture is thick and very sticky, and somehow I manage to get it all over myself and my work surface. But the end result is wonderful, and to me it’s worth the mess.

Some tips for using these …

• Follow the package directions carefully, mixing slowly to avoid bubbles.
• After mixing, pour into a plastic bag and snip a corner of the bag, creating a hole from which to pour the mixture down the center of the vase opening – try to avoid getting the ‘water’ on the sides of your vessel.
• Before pouring, place some glass marbles inside the vase and pour the mixture over these. This allows you to fill several vases with a single package of the rather pricey mixture.
• Allow to cure the required length of time before moving the vase or components within. (Don’t ask me how I know this!)

You’ll think of other ways to contain your beaded flowers; I’ve given you only a few here. However you decide to mount them, though, you are certain to enjoy your arrangement for years to come!

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