Thursday, February 28, 2013

Flower Frogs

A flower frog holds flowers in place, usually with short metal spikes, a glass disk with holes, or a wire grid.  They can be simple, utilitarian designs or elaborate figurines.  They can anchor a large arrangement or hold a single stem in a shallow vase.  

Flower frogs were popular in the mid '20s and '30s in the United States, although a quick Google search shows they date back to 16th century Europe.  I have no idea why it is called a 'flower frog'--maybe because it sits in water like a frog.  Regardless, it is a very useful tool when arranging flowers and worth adding to your flower tool box. 

My small collection of  flower frogs--most found in antique stores
A nice selection courteous of Martha Stewart


It's easy to use a flower frog--just place at the bottom of your vase or container.  Because I'm using a flower frog I'm able to arrange in a very shallow container without adding additional support (chicken wire or floral tape) or building up a base of greens.  To secure the flower frog I used green tacky floral tape.  Do this before adding any water; otherwise, the frog will not stick as well to your container.  


Now you're ready to design, just insert the stem in the floral frog.  The frog will support the stem, allowing you to place your flowers exactly where you want them.  Very easy.  



I used gorgeous dahlias found at our local farmer's market and then came back in and added pink hydrangea from my yard.  Okay, I'm busted--I started this post last September, when I made the arrangement.



Here are some other fun ways to use Flower Frogs...

Great for organizing your desk, craft area or make-up table
Fun idea for table place cards 
Easy way to hold photos







Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day

I planted a Hardenbergia vine last year and it is beginning to bloom.  Flowers in February is one of the benefits of living in California.  Spring arrives early.  Of course after all the cold weather we have had this year it couldn't get here early enough.

I love this vine for it's prolific purple, lilac-like flowers and thought it would be pretty in an arrangement  so picked up some tulips and mums at our local Trader Joes and put this together this afternoon.  
Happy Valentine's Day to me.  :-)


Hardenbergia Violacea



Pretty in Pink (and purple) in a cement container - love the contrast