Silk Flower Stems: Types
and Tips On How to Use Them
Silk flower stems and artificial flowers, foliage and greenery products range widely and go by the category names of Stems, Sprays, Floral Picks or Bushes, Branches, Cuttings, Bundles and Drop-ins. Here we will take a closer look at these types of artificial flower stems and learn how they differ. There are also tips and ideas for using them in a silk flower arrangement or bouquet.
Please consider this a general overview of stem types. Bear in mind, people may sometimes interchange or overlap some of the terminology used.
Let's sharpen your floral craft shopping expertise and explore...
Types of Silk Flower Stems
STEM or SPRAY
A Stem generally has a flower blossom or two and maybe some leaves. The stem length varies from approximately 14 to 36 inches.
A Spray (pictured) is similar but usually has several blossoms of a single flower variety, with leaves.
Offers better 'fill' in an arrangement, more value for your money.
CUTTING
Similar to stem or spray, a Cutting has a short stem length of approximately 12 to 18 inches, with medium to large blossoms. No trimming needed, these silk flower stems are optimally sized for quick placement in a container.
NOTE: In Aldik's Chelsea Cuttings line, the stem base is fully sealed and waterproof.
You can use these to make wedding centerpiece table arrangements that look real by displaying several stems in a glass container or vase with water. Scent can be added. Also excellent for creating a hand-tied bridal bouquet.
BUNDLE or DROP-IN
A Bundle or Drop-in is a group of loose stems tied together with a short length of twine, raffia or ribbon. Can consist of a single flower variety or a coordinated selection of flowers and foliage, or even just foliage and branches. They are available pre-assembled by the manufacturer, although it's easy enough to make your own drop-ins. Stem ends usually meet evenly across the bottom. Lengths can vary from 8 to 40 inches.
The silk tropical flower drop-in at right measures about 36 inches in height, and can be placed as is in a tall container.
You could combine two or three small or large bundles to make a fuller, quick and easy decorative floral display.
PICK
Short-stemmed (6 to 15 inches), Picks can be single accent items such as a bead cascade or a feather. A Floral Pick is a pre-made coordinated grouping of flowers, greenery, berries, fruit, gourds or other items.
By using several of these small clusters, you can quickly add a variety of interesting accents to a floral design, saving time and money.
FLORAL BUSH
Similar to a floral pick and drop-in, a Floral Bush is a manufactured grouping of coordinated artificial flowers and foliage, all joined into a single, thick molded stem. Generally of small to medium size.
Although floral bushes are available with only a single flower type like the Calla Lily bush at left, a mixed floral bush that includes different flowers and colors can be more interesting.
Can be placed in a container and displayed as is.
Better yet, can be used to jumpstart the making of your own silk wedding flower centerpiece or reception table arrangements for any celebration. Simply add several stems of another flower variety, and some filler stems (like Baby's Breath) all around the base.
Consider using a small or medium floral bush as a thrifty throw bouquet for a wedding. Wrap and glue some fancy ribbon around the stem area and add a big bow to dress it up.
BRANCH
Generally a tree branch, large foliage or flowering foliage branch. Length can vary from 20 to 70 inches.
A single Branch can add visual impact as a backdrop to medium flower arrangements. Large floor arrangements can incorporate several long branches for dramatic accent.
LEAVES and PLANTS
While not considered silk flower stems, let's not forget that artificial plants and leaves can beautifully enhance silk flower arrangements.
A well-placed Palm Leaf or Orchid Plant (pictured) adds darker areas that can help colorful blossoms to really stand out.
It's exciting to see that artificial floral manufacturers are expanding their offerings of enhanced products, giving more attention to botanical correctness of petals, blossoms, leaves, and even stems. The inclusion of nature's imperfections and blemishes adds to their illusion of being real - and we are seeing truer colors, too. High-end quality and realism are finally taking root!
There is also a growing assortment of artificial vines, weeds, gourds, pods and feathers to add textural interest to your silk flower arrangement.
A Floral Design Trend
The increasing availability of high-end, botanically-correct silk flower stems happens to coincide with the latest trend (2004-2005) of floral arrangements exhibiting a simpler, more casual, untailored look. Dropping a cluster or two of mono-botanical cut flower stems into a vase has become popular. (Click here to read what Aldik's CEO thinks about market trends of upscale
silk flower stems
.)
During this period, there has been less emphasis on a pattern of stem placement, which may be our accustomed expectation when we think of a flower 'arrangement.' This perfectly suits a lot of people that want some quick floral cheer and don't have the time or inclination to attempt anything fancier.
This does not mean the art of creative floral arrangement is going to disappear. On the contrary, in my opinion, this widens the field for silk flower arranging enthusiasts of all skill levels. Everyone can start enjoying this floral craft and beautify their surroundings immediately with a handful of quality silk flower stems.
So, keep an eye out for the good stuff - high-end silk flower stems and foliage. If you don't see any, inquire if the store will be carrying them. This let's them know we are interested in better product quality.
And remember, you get what you pay for. Quality silk flower stems will cost more, but I think they are worth it.
Happy shopping, everyone!
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