Creating a Dowel Floral Arrangement

With the onset of spring come beautiful blooms. A variety of colors and scents adds a beautiful touch to any home. But if the splendor of such blooms is also a source of the typical sneezing, watery eyes, or any number of other allergic reactions, this may not be feasible. You can still bring spring's beauty to the indoors, however. Artificial arrangements are certainly an option. But if you want to put your own personal touch into the design, try this clever take on a floral arrangement.

First, determine the overall size you'd like for the completed project to be. With that information, purchase a terra cotta planter, a 1/8 dowel, a styrofoam ball, a foam block (or another styrofoam ball, which can be halved), cuts of ribbon of varying colors, patterns, and lengths, moss, and a hot glue gun. If you choose to paint or add a design to the terra cotta planter, painting supplies, such as paint, paintbrushes, and stencils, will also need to be purchased.

If you choose to do so, paint the terra cotta planter. You may also stencil a design. Of course, you may choose to leave the terra cotta planter its natural color.

Place a foam block or a halved styrofoam ball (flat side up) into the bottom of the planter. For added stability, add hot glue to the underside of the block or ball before inserting it into the bottom of the planter.

Cover the foam block or halved styrofoam ball with a thin layer of hot glue, and add the moss to its top.

Cut the 1/8 dowel to the desired length. You may either paint the dowel with the color of your choice or use some of the lengths of ribbon to wrap a covering around it. It’s up to you. If you choose to paint the wood dowel, be certain to allow enough time for it to dry. Likewise, if you ribbon-wrap the dowel, secure it in incremental locations with a drop of two of hot glue gun, and allow the hot glue time to dry.

Once the paint or glue is dry, insert the dowel into the foam block or halved styrofoam in the planter. Then, add the remaining whole styrofoam ball to the top of the dowel. It is recommended that you insert the dowel into the ball, although without penetrating through the top, remove the dowel, and add several drops of hot glue into the hole made in the styrofoam before permanently inserting the dowel.

Using the lengths of ribbon, turn each in a circular fashion to form flowers. These can be made as large or as small, and as tightly or as loosely, as desired. Much like the ribbon-wrapped dowel, however, intermittently use a drop or two of hot glue to secure the flower designs, and allow sufficient time for each to dry.

Once the flowers are dry, begin to hot glue them onto the styrofoam ball that tops the hardwood dowel. Be creative with the design, interspersing colors and shapes to reflect those you’d see in a natural floral arrangement. Do so until no part of the styrofoam is visible.

With minimal expense and a little creativity, this clever floral arrangement can comfortably bring the beauty of spring indoors.