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

Tools of the Trade

There are a lot of opinions out there about which tool to use when cutting and arranging flowers.  Floral shears, knives, Bonsai scissors, clippers, everyone has their favorite.   Regardless of what tool you choose, it must be sharp.  When working with flowers, it is very important that you are making a clean cut and thus not damaging the stems. 

I received a pair of Bonsai scissors from a floral class I attended.  Although very pretty, I wasn't a fan.  The metal handles are hard on your hand, and because there is no spring action, your hand has to both open and close the scissors.  I know, isn't that how scissors are supposed to work?  But it became tiresome after working on a large arrangement.  Just my opinion.  :-)

Floral clippers are what most of my workshop participants choose to use.  They are easy to manage, and I would suggest them for beginner arrangers.   

These are Skakagen Florist Scissors, which are the preferred tool of famous florist Jeff Leatham of the Four Season's George V Paris Hotel.  I don't own a pair so can't comment, but I would love to try them sometime.

So which tool do I use?  A Swiss Army knife.  Two reasons: first, I find it quicker to make arrangements since you don't have to put the knife down and, second, it is easier on your hand and arm.  If you are a professional florist using a clipper all day, the constant squeezing can cause problems with wrists and elbows.