Floral Arrangement

What You Need:
Vase
Floral Tape - clear
Scissors
Greenery
Assortment of Fresh Flowers (3 or 5 of each kind with enough for 4 layers)

1. Use clear floral tape to create a checkerboard pattern across the top of the vase.  Two or more strips across and then the same number across in the opposite direction.

2. Add a stem or two of greenery to every hole in your pattern.

3. Select your 1st flower layer.  This should be a line flower like a Gladiola.  Any flower that grows tall in a straight line will work.  Cut the stems of your 1st flower layer.  Keep in mind that your arrangement should be proportionate to the height of your vase.  

When add the flowers for the 1st layer, place flowers in a tight triangle shape across the center top of your vase.  This will give your arrangement form and structure.  

4. Select your 2nd layer of flowers.  This should be a full flower that fills in space in the arrangement.  A big rose or bundle flower will work.  Strip all the foliage off the stem.  There should not be any leaves submerged in the water.

Cut stems of the 2nd flower layer a little shorter than the first layer.  Working from the inside out, fill in the "holes" of your arrangement, slightly to the outside of your line flowers.

5. Select your 3rd flower layer.  This should be a focal flower, anything bold that immediately draws the attention of your eye like a Star Gazer Lily.  Cut stems of 3rd flower layer a bit shorter than the layer before. 

Working from the inside out, create another triangle slightly to the outside of your first 2 flowers.  Now, add these flowers in a triangle, parallel with your line flowers.   

6. Select your 4th flower layer.  This can be any kind of flower that you like, roses for instance.  It just needs to fill in the empty spaces.  Cut stems of 4th flower layer.  This flower stem should be fairly short. Now, place these flowers into the "holes" of the 2nd triangle or to fill in any empty spots in the arrangement.

7. What you're left with is a full arrangement that is taller in the center and tapers towards the outside.  Place in a prominent spot and enjoy!