Preparation of Flowers

• 1). Using the stem stripper, remove thorns and extra foliage on the stems of the flowers. Remove undesirable or loose petals using your hands.
  
  
• 2). Fill your bucket with cool water. While the stems are underwater, cut off the bottom 2 inches of the stems with the sharp knife or stem cutter.
  
  
• 3). Keep the stems of the flowers underwater for 30 seconds so they will stay hydrated, or leave them in the bucket until ready to continue.
  
  

Assembling the Bouquet

• 1). Designate one hand to hold the developing bouquet and one hand to grab one flower or crystal stem at a time.
  
  
• 2). Assemble alternating flowers and crystals to make a square of four crystals and four flowers. Check to make sure their height is even with one another. This will be the bouquet's center.
  
  
• 3). Continue alternating flowers and crystals one at a time around the bouquet's center until the desired size is achieved.
  
  

Securing the Flowers

• 1). Bind the stems, using the floral tape, roughly four inches below the heads of the flowers.
  
  
• 2). Continue to bind the stems in a downward pattern, taking care to wrap securely and tightly.
  
  
• 3). Stop binding the bouquet when roughly two inches of stems are left at the bottom.
  
  

Finishing Your Bouquet

• 1). Cut the ends of the stems to equal length. The stems should be roughly eight inches long.
  
  
• 2). Dry off the bottoms of the stems and any other spots that contain moisture, using a paper towel.
  
  
• 3). Gather ribbon that is roughly three times longer than the stems, or about 24 inches.
  
  
• 4). Beginning at the top of the bouquet, tuck the ribbon into the floral tape.
  
  
• 5). Wrap the ribbon in a downward, spiral motion. Once you have reached the bottom, repeat this spiral wrapping up to the top of the stem.
  
  
• 6). Tuck the ribbon's end through the top of the bouquet's ribbon pattern. Secure the end with pins, making sure the pins reach all the way through to the stems.