Let's Create:
1) Prepare the flowers by allowing the stems to sit in water for at least
an hour or overnight if possible.
2) When you are ready to begin, cut the stems on the diagonal to
about 4 or 5 inches. Strip all the bottom leaves.
3) Beginning with your center flower, hold it in your left hand and encircle it
with your first concentric layer of complimentary flowers or herbs.
Secure the stems as you go along with the florist tape, always applying
tension to the tape so it will adhere to itself.
4) Add another layer of flowers/herbs and continue to turn the flowers in your
hand and wrapping them tightly with floral tape. Continue until you incorporate
all the floral elements you wish to use. It should not be larger than
6 inches in diameter.
5) Using about 5 large leaves (such as hosta, rose geranium, ivy), position them around
the outer circumference of the tussie-mussie to frame it. Secure all the stems
with your florist tape winding from top to bottom.
6) Clip a tiny "X" with your scissors in the center of a paper doily and insert stem end
of the tussie-mussie. Secure with small pins. Catch edges of doily with more
florist tape.
7) Tie decorative ribbon or raffia onto the stem close to the doily.
8) Don't forget to include a little card to convey the lovely meanings of your flowers and
herbs.
Thanks again Elaine for the valuable information.
Remember, don't just send flowers, send a special message
with a "Tussie-Mussie".
For your information here are some suggested flowers, herbs and leaves
with their meanings:
