It's March - Think Green. A good luck charm, in the form of a green boutonniere, can be worn by you or placed on a pillow or pretty table napkin.
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Materials:
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- One green rose (a green carnation works well too)
- 1 stem variegated mini-pittosporum, rose greens or substitute with your favorites foliage
- Narrow gauge wire straight wire (22, 24 or 28 gauge, the higher the number the thinner the wire)
- Stem wrap/ corsage tape - available at the florist or craft store
- Decorative green ribbon, approximately 8-inches in length
- 1 long straight pin
- Floral preservative, scissors and clippers
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| Directions:
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Step 1 - Cut the rose or carnation to approximately 6-inches in length. Dry off the stem if it is wet.
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Step 2 - Cut 8-inches of narrow gauge wire and thread it through the bulb of the rose/carnation. This is the large bump just under the rose or carnation bloom. (For other types of flowers, thread wire just below the bloom.)
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Step 3 - Bend the two ends of the wire down to meet the stem of the flower.
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Step 4 - Starting just under the bloom on other flower, tape over the wire with stem wrap. Pull stem wrap tightly to secure it to the stem. The stem wrap has glue already within it to help it adhere to stem and itself. Stop after you have taped about 6-inches. Tear stem wrap free from the roll.
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Step 5 - Add complimentary foliage, by simply placing the foliage etc. next to the flower. With another piece of stem wrap, catch the stem of the foliage and wrap.
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Step 6 - Cut the ribbon to about 8-inches in length. Make a loop and then twist a wire where the ribbon meets. Follow step 5 to attach it to the boutonniere.
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Step 7 - To pin the boutonniere to a lapel, hold the boutonniere against the front of the lapel. Pull the lapel back; and catch the stem of the boutonniere with a long straight pin.
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Helpful Tips:
- Practice wrapping a straight wire with stem wrap before moving on to make the boutonniere.
- Flowers and greens must be dry; any dampness will keep the stem wrap from adhering.
- Storage: Store in covered plastic or cardboard box, a shoebox works well. Fill box with shredded paper to keep boutonniere in place.
- Place in fridge, but be careful -fruits and veggies emit ethylene gas which is toxic to flowers.
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;)