How to Create a SpringThyme Silk Bouquet

Spring Thyme Bouquet

THE INSPIRATION

I was originally planning on creating something to replace the swag pictured above. Things don't always go as planned, though!

THE STEMS

I knew I wanted a wispy feel to my bouquet or swag. I loved the texture of the lamb’s ear in the swag above so I planned to reuse it.

Since I recently organized all my silk flowers, I was able to quickly pick up the rest of the stems I wanted to use.

How to Store your Silk Flowers

lamb's ears and herb stem

larkspur and herb stem

glittery branch with white berries

white geranium bush

wispy white flowers

I decided to use lamb’s ear, a purple & green herb stem, a branch of white glittery berries, pink larkspur, white geraniums with a blush of pink on the blossoms and a wispy bunch of small white flowers.

I actually took the wispy bundle apart and used the green “branches” as a separate piece.

HOW TO CREATE A ONE SIDED BOUQUET

Since I am right handed, I hold the stems in my left hand. With my right hand, I add the the different silk flowers at a slight angle. Because of where I thought I was going to use this bouquet, I made it one sided.

If I was going to use it in a vase on a table where it could be seen from all angles, I would make the bouquet in a round shape. An example of how to make a round hand tied bouquet can be found here:

I like to work with bushes of silk flowers that I can either cut apart with my bolt cutters or needle nose pliers. Some of the bushes are made with individually wired stems which makes it a lot easier to bend and shape the stems however you want them. My geraniums stems were originally part of a bush that I cut apart.

I often add swirls or pig tails to the ends of the stems to add interest. I use a pen and twist the stem around the pen and then gently pull it out, leaving a spiral shape.

I started making the bouquet by placing the lamb’s ear and the herb stem in my left hand. Then I placed the longest stem (glittery white berries) in the back of the bouquet and tied everything together with green florist tape.

Next, I added the three stems of white geraniums, placing two in front and one in the back. Once I was happy with the placement, I secured all the stems together with green floral tape.

Next, I added the wispy white flowers in the back of the bouquet. I “fluffed” the bouquet by moving the stems around and bending them if necessary. Then I secured them with the green floral tape.

Almost done! Thyme to add the two stems of pink larkspur and wrap the stems with floral tape to secure.

I decided to make a collar out of the faux geraniums leaves. I think it adds a little more interest to the bouquet.

Once you have all your stems in place, it is time to tie the bouquet together. I simply used more green floral tape to secure the stems. The floral tape will stick to itself as you stretch it around the stems. A gentle pull is all it takes. If you pull too hard, the tape will rip.

As a final finishing touch, I added a bow. The bow could be left off. It is just a matter of personal preference.

In the end, I decided to use my bouquet as an accent to a tabletop display.

There are many ways to display your bouquet. As long as you are happy with it, that is all that matters!