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LEARNING THE BASICS - WIRES FOR FLOWER ARRANGING

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There are a number of different wires for a variety of purposes.. strengthening stems replacing stems attaching accessories creating bunches decorative applications support

DECORATIVE WIRES New varieties of decorative wires, available in lots of colors, can be added to arrangements as a component in themselves, whether or not they have a mechanical purpose.   Colorful 12-gauge Aluminum wire is malleable but still strong enough to serve a support purpose. Colors include Apple Green, Red, Silver, Gold, Copper, Turquoise, Strong Pink, Soft Pink, Blue, Purple and Black. 28-gauge crimped Bullion wire adds a glint of metallic sparkle to your design and is available in 9 colors. Wrap a thin leaf to add a surprising element. Create unity in a design by drizzling this fine wire throughout the blossoms and foliage. Wrap boutonniere stems. Same colors as above, plus duo-color blends - two wires wrapped together for extra pizzazz. 24-gauge Metallic wire, in gold, silver, copper, and 6 other colors, is great for decorative binding.  Drill holes in small nuts and cluster them by creating a bunch with a colorful metallic wire.  Wrap pine cones and create a hanging group for the holidays by using red metallic wire.  String cranberries on gold or green wire to add to mantel arrangements. NEW Angel Hair Wire from the Smithers-Oasis company. This lovely and delicate wire adds volume and shine to your arrangements.  Available in Silver or Gold. (Click on thumbnail to see larger image. Foreground wire is gold Aluminum wire wrapped around Wimale bark. Angel hair wire appears in the background.)
BINDWIRE Bindwire is one of the most useful wires to have on hand for flower arranging and many other purposes in the home and garden. fasten accessories securely to baskets or containers create a grid across the top of a container to support stems create supports for climbing vines in the garden. tie plants to supports	There are a number of different ways  wires can be used to support flowers. Bunching - Lay a straight wire next to a group of stems.  Starting at the top, wrap the remaining wire around the stems and the wire itself. Add stem wrap on a bias, stretching it slightly, to cover the wire mechanics. Piercing - Run a length of wire through the flower calyx. Bend the halves down and twist together. Cover with stem wrap. Hairpin - Bend the tip of a wire into a hairpin shape. Push the straight end of the wire through the blossom from the top, pulling the hairpin crook through the flower center. Ring support -  Wrap the end of a wire around a pencil to form a small circle. Bend it down at a 90o angle to the remaining wire. Run the stem through the circle until the blossom rests on the circle. Stem wrap covers the wire resting along the stem.
STRAIGHT WIRE Straight wires are sold in 18" lengths. The thickness is determined by the gauge - the higher the number, the thinner the wire.   It is helpful to have a variety of gauges in your toolbox. 18 gauge is heavy and 28 gauge the thin. Hollow stemmed flowers can be strengthened with the insertion of a section of wire through the stem, although this shortens their vase-life.  A piece of straight wire, inserted in horsetail or rush, will allow you to bend the reed to a desired shape.	CHICKEN WIRE Chicken wire can be used by itself. Crush a small piece into an opaque container to make a support structure for flower stems. Or, you can use it in conjunction with floral foam.  Some particularly heavy stems may break the foam and need extra support.  Place and tape your foam and then stretch a piece of chicken wire over the top to provide extra support.
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