Rock & Roses Learn to Create Incredible Armature Design in This Florist Tutorial for Professionals. In a time sure to be known for many new things, it is also a strong year for makers. As floral designers, we must show our clients how we create dramatic designs sometimes out of unexpected elements. Here Erik demonstrates how vinyl shelf liner, a stapler and some beautiful flowers from Rio Roses can be transformed into a truly enticing and modern design.

Materials used: Vinyl shelf liner, stapler, willow reeds, castiron candle stand, styrofoam, moss, metallic wire, 4” water tubes, hot glue, ‘3D’ roses (Rio) peach ranunculus (Rio), peach carnations (Rio) zonal geranium foliage, wild clematis vine.

Step 1: Cut vinyl into 56” strips. Staple strips together alternating them back and forth. Staple multiple accordion sections together to form one long accordion. Attach a willow reed to the top of the accordion using metallic wire in several places along the middle of the armature.

Step 2: Anchor a small piece of styrofoam into a castiron candle holder using hot glue. Glue 2 straight willow reeds into styrofoam and glue into place. Cover surface with moss. Anchor accordion armature to top of reeds using additional pieces of metallic wire.

Step 3: Glue 4” water tubes into armature below surface of top alternating throughout the design.

Step 4: Insert ‘3D’ roses, peach ranunculus, peach carnations and zonal geranium foliage throughout tubes. Layer wild clematis vine over the surface to add the finishing touch.