Here is a step-by-step tutorial showing you how fast and easy it is to create a beautiful sola flower and willow eucalyptus arrangement. You can follow along with these pictures, or watch the video at the bottom of this post.
Here are the materials you will need to create this centerpiece:
- Box to display centerpiece in
- Styrofoam block that fits inside box
- 18 gauge wire floral stems
- 5 Sola Wood Peonies
- 7-10 Sola Wood Roses (we used 9- 4cmFreeland Roses)
- 1 bunch green Willow Eucalyptus
- Hot glue gun & glue
- Acrylic craft paint (we used yellow)
- Glycerin (optional)
- Containers for water and paint
- Egg carton or paper towels for drying
Step One: Dip the peonies in water mixed with 2 Tablespoons of glycerin for about 5 seconds. Gently use your fingers to open the petals and fluff the flowers. Set on an egg carton or paper towel to dry overnight. (Tip: The glycerin helps the sola flowers to stay soft instead of getting brittle, especially after dying. More glycerin in the water, softer flowers.)
Step Two: Mix 2-3 Tablespoons of acrylic paint, 1-2 Tablespoons of glycerin, and 1-2 cups of water in a container. Dip the roses into the mixture and then place on egg cartons or paper towel to dry overnight. (Tip: Only dip the roses for a few seconds, the edges may unroll a bit if they get too saturated. If they do, you can trim any corners to be round with a pair of scissors, and reshape with your fingers.)
Step Three: Place the styrofoam block in your decorative box. Push in wire stems, one for each Peony flower, evenly spaced (see photo). We cut the wire stems to be approximately 12 inches long.
Step Four: Push wire stems into the styrofoam for each Sola Rose- we used 9- staggered around the top of the foam block.
Step Five: Cut the eucalyptus stems so they are 8-14 inches long. Push the stems directly into the foam block all around the floral wires. Keep adding eucalyptus stems until they look full and fairly symmetrical.
Step Six: Put a dab of hot glue on the base of a Sola Peony. Gently press the Peony onto a wire stem through the glue. Add all of the Peonies this way.
Step Seven: Now use hot glue on the Sola Roses and slide onto the wire stems. You can bend the wires to move the placement of the roses as desired.
Step Eight: That's it! Your centerpiece is finished! Put it on display and show it off! Take a photo and share it on Facebook or Instagram. Remember to tag @curiouscountrycreations so we can see your creation! You'll be entered into our PHOTO CONTEST-- the prize is a $100 gift card to our store!
Here is the video if you'd like to see how we put this centerpiece together and hear some more tips and tricks.
Happy Crafting!