Last Updated on November 3, 2022
Floral pillows are an eco-friendly way to create awesome floral designs without floral foam. Learn how to use them here.
I was recently asked how to design a floral arrangement without floral foam. I answered that a floral pillow would be my go-to choice, using either chicken wire or a lightweight plastic cage.
The floral pillow is not a new design mechanic. Chicken wire floral pillows were used long before floral foam was introduced in the early 1950s.
Although I learned to design using floral foam, I also learned how to use chicken wire pillows as the base mechanic. We still use them in the shop today.
The new floral pillow is a plastic cage inspired by the chicken wire pillow. It offers a way to securely arrange flowers without floral foam, making it more eco-friendly when designing on-trend freeform flower arrangements. The 6″ Holly Heider-Chapple floral pillow is pictured here.
How Do You Use a Flower Pillow?
If you have never used a floral pillow before, this short video will show you how easy it is to design using one.
Check it out if you want to improve your floral design skills. I think you’ll like it.
It’s easy to see why floral pillows are so popular with many of today’s designers. This beautiful Flemish-inspired arrangement looked great in this large urn, and the floral pillow was the perfect armature for securely holding the large selection of flowers without using floral foam.
Floral designers have been using chicken wire pillows for as long as I can remember. The new plastic floral pillow mechanic is the result of a collaboration between Syndicate Sales and Holly Chapple, the popular wedding and event designer whose compote arrangements inspired this line of floral mechanics.
The Advantages Of Designing Using a Floral Pillow
The biggest advantage is that a floral pillow gives you an alternative to foam. You are designing directly in water and not relying on floral foam as your water source. The pillows snap together quickly, are easy to work with and save prep time.
They are available in 3 sizes, 4″, 6″, and 8″ diameters, so they rest on the vase rims of most standard floral vases and containers. Depending on the type of container used, they can be attached with waterproof floral tape or Uglu dashes.
And the best part of using a floral pillow is that it can be reused repeatedly. Clean it up afterward, and it will be ready to go. It’s fast, easy to use, and very cost-effective.
So, are you ready to start designing floral arrangements like this?
Here’s Where to Find the Flowers and Floral Supplies You’ll Need
I recommend buying the flowers from a local florist if you’re designing a single arrangement. You might pay a little more per flower, but you usually won’t have to buy by the bunch.
Most of the flowers used in this arrangement, including Vendela roses, dill, fatsia, grasses, ruscus, malus, cymbidium, lisianthus, waxflower, and skimmia, are usually available. If your florist doesn’t stock these flowers, they can suggest suitable alternatives.
You can purchase them at sites like GlobalRose, FlowerExplosion, and BloomsbytheBox. These sites offer much better pricing, especially if you need more flowers for a wedding or event.
Several other online sources look pretty good, but the three I mentioned are the only ones I have experience using.
The floral supplies used, like the waterproof floral tape and Uglu dashes can be found at Amazon.
If you want to add a few silk blooms, you can find an outstanding selection online at NearlyNatural and at many craft sites such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby, or by ordering them through your local florist.
One quick bit of advice, if I may. I always recommend adding some fresh greenery if you use silk flowers, as it will keep your arrangement looking more lifelike.
Let Me Tell You About My Floral Background
My name is Greg Johnson, and I am a professional floral designer and the owner of Greenfield Flower Shop in Milwaukee for more than 40 years. I’ve worked in all areas of floral design, from everyday occasions to large-scale weddings and events.
I started this site to pass along some of my experience with the idea that it would benefit people passionate about flowers and floral design.
But I do want to be clear about one thing. I’m also a businessman, so I recognize a good opportunity when I see one.
If it’s in my power to create an awesome site that others like and I can monetize it, I don’t feel bad about it.
I’m a pretty straightforward person if you couldn’t tell. But please hear me loud and clear…
I’m not here to sell anything.
If my sponsors happen to entice you with their offers, that’s great! But if you’re just not interested, all’s still well.
I enjoy sharing floral design tutorials with like-minded people like you!
If that sounds good, then don’t be a stranger. Make this site one that you return to!
I’ll keep sharing tutorials about flowers, weddings, plants… and more!
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Til next time,
