- 1). Clean the glass or crystal vase thoroughly. Scrub it inside and out so it sparkles, then allow it to dry. When dry, add an even layer of colored marbles for dramatic effect and fill it 2/3 full of water.
- 2). Spread the flowers on a table in front of you and discard any damaged ones. Remove leaves and thorns, if any, from the lower 2/3 of each stem, using a sharp knife.
- 3). Stand a flower next to the vase to determine stem height. Keep the stem 2 inches taller than the vase, cutting excess off with a knife, using a sloping cut. Cutting stems at an angle allows them to draw in more moisture, prolonging their life. You want to create a rounded, dome-shaped arrangement, with these four central flowers taller than the ones on the sides. Cut three other flowers to the same height.
- 4). Arrange the four taller flowers in your hand in such a way that each pair is parallel to one another. These four flowers are the central or main flowers. Hold the stems firmly and add the remaining flowers around these, in turn, to form a rounded arrangement. Position these additional blooms 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch lower than the main ones.
- 5). Hold the stems firmly and use an elastic band to secure them together. Turn the flowers upside down and trim the stems of the remaining flowers so they are equal in length to the central flowers.
- 6). Lower the arrangement into the vase. Center it carefully so the stems fit snugly while the blooms spread out at the top to form a dome-shaped arrangement. Surround the flowers with leaves if you want contrasting color and beauty. Use magnolia leaves, ferns or other wide leaves for added color.
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