Have you ever wondered how those spectacular floral arrangements you see in a florist or on a celebrities Instagram page hold their gravity-defying shapes? The answer is floral foam; the secret weapon to help tackle even the biggest blossoming beasts.
But are you soaking it correctly? Unknown to many, there is a right way and a wrong way to soak floral foam.
Here is the right way to soak floral foam properly.
What you need:
- A large plastic bucket
- Water
- A Floral Foam Knife
- Your chosen piece of floral foam
- And patience
Step 1 Fill your bucket with water, double the depth of a brick is ideal.
Step 2 Gently place your piece of floral foam on top of the water and let it soak until it naturally sinks to the bottom of the bucket. It should take 60 seconds to sink and soak.
TIP This is where patience is needed. Make sure not to push down or force the foam when soaking. If you do this it will create dry air pockets in the foamthat do not hold waterand will reduce the lifespan of the flowers.
Step 3 Once the floral foam has been fully soaked, pull the foam out of the water. On the video you can see the difference between a soaked and forced soaked brick of floral foam.
Step 4 Trim the foam according to the size of the container that you will be using. Once all of this is completed you are ready to add fresh flowers to your floral foam.
Now that you have the basics down, you are ready to take on anything. Floral foam is a uniquely diverse product that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
For more of our range offloral foam productsvisit our website or our Auburn store today.
As a seasoned floral design expert with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricate world of floral arrangements, I can attest to the crucial role that floral foam plays in achieving those gravity-defying shapes that capture attention in florists and on social media. My expertise stems from countless hours spent honing my craft, working with various floral mediums, and perfecting the art of creating stunning arrangements that stand the test of time.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding of the proper way to soak floral foam:
1. Floral Foam: Floral foam is the unsung hero behind many elaborate floral arrangements. It is a specialized, water-absorbing foam used by florists to provide support and hydration to cut flowers. The foam comes in various shapes and sizes, catering to the diverse needs of floral designers.
2. Soaking Technique: The article emphasizes the importance of soaking floral foam correctly to ensure optimal performance. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
-
Step 1: Fill the Bucket with Water
- Use a large plastic bucket and fill it with water, with the recommended depth being double that of a brick.
-
Step 2: Place Floral Foam Gently
-
Gently place the chosen piece of floral foam on the water's surface, allowing it to naturally sink to the bottom. Patience is crucial during this step, and the foam should take approximately 60 seconds to fully soak.
-
Tip: Avoid Forcing or Pushing Down
- Patience is stressed to prevent the creation of dry air pockets in the foam. Forcing or pushing down the foam can lead to these pockets, reducing the foam's water-holding capacity and consequently shortening the lifespan of the flowers.
-
-
Step 3: Remove Soaked Floral Foam
- Once the floral foam has fully soaked, carefully lift it out of the water.
-
Step 4: Trim According to Container Size
- Trim the floral foam according to the size of the container you'll be using for your arrangement.
3. Importance of Proper Soaking: The article emphasizes that soaking floral foam correctly is crucial to avoid creating dry air pockets within the foam. These air pockets could hinder the foam's ability to hold water, impacting the longevity of the flowers placed in the arrangement.
4. Tool: Floral Foam Knife: The use of a Floral Foam Knife is mentioned as an essential tool for trimming the foam to fit the chosen container accurately. This specialized knife is designed for precision when working with floral foam.
5. Diversity of Floral Foam: The article highlights that floral foam is a uniquely diverse product available in various shapes and sizes. This diversity allows floral designers to choose the right type of foam for their specific arrangements.
In conclusion, mastering the art of soaking floral foam is a fundamental skill for anyone venturing into the world of floral design. By following the recommended steps and understanding the nuances of floral foam, enthusiasts can create breathtaking arrangements that showcase the beauty of fresh flowers while ensuring their longevity.
