THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

When we hear the expression of thinking outside the box, it means to approach a challenge with solutions that are not the common or normal way of solving the challenge. Thinking outside the box can also be applied to floral design as well in unique and interesting ways.

One of the most popular containers for floral design these days is the cube. Square has become the new round and has made its mark for several years now and continues to stay popular because of its friendly shape. While round cylinders are also popular, square or ‘squareular’ ( a square with rounded corners) as the young generation refers to them has replaced the older more traditional flared vases of the 60’s and 70’s. But when an item is popular, the challenge becomes how to keep it fresh and new looking. After a customer has received sever floral stylings in the same container, what was once new and fresh becomes old, tired and predictable. Here are some solutions to help keep the cube alive.

Color is the easiest way to make an impact on a customer. Many sources are available to provide cubes in translucent colors. Translucent colors allow the appreciation of the stems or decorative mechanics to still be seen, but the color provides color impact that can either coordinate or contrast the floral styling. For a fun ‘specialty’ look, go to your local craft supply store and go back to the 70’s Mod-Poge adhesive. It is a thick glue that dries clear and hard and allows you to apply tissue paper or other fabrics to the container and holds them in place. What a great way to apply a custom finish for a special customer or event! Just a couple reminders – the surface will have to be sealed with a watertight finish and, you will want to make these contains in advance to allow for drying time.

Another solution for enhancing the cubes is to use natural materials such as Bear Grass, Horse Tail, Steel Grass or Birch Branches They can be secured by either using the strips of U-Glu or by rubber band. When using the U-Glu, simply run a strip of the adhesive around the cube and remove the protective second layer of paper. Start by pushing the material of choice into the tacky adhesive in a orderly fashion ensuring that all the glue is covered with product. When using a rubber band, slide the rubber bands around the cubes. I like to secure the material with two rubber bands in two different locations to ensure the materials stay in place. Next slide the material you have chosen under the rubber band in an orderly fashion. You can let some of the cube show through or completely cover it depending on the desired effect. After you have finished covering the cube, cover the rubber band mechanic with a ribbon, bark wire, or other decorative enhancement. For a more modern whimsical look, try using brightly colored drinking straws and vibrant rubber bands and let the mechanics show to become a part of the decorative enhancement.

Decorative accessories such as stones, colored wire, or vase fillers can be added to the inside to give a patterned appearance to the container for a unique look too. Loops of Bear Grass, Steel Grass or Flexi Grass can also be secured and placed into a cube to act as a natural mechanic to hold the flowers in place. Keep in mind that any fresh product placed inside the vase will cause bacteria to grow and reduce the flowers shelf life. Be sure to use a preservative that has a water clarifier with it such as Aqua-Plus or another commercially available product.
Thinking outside the box ( or cube) can be lots of fun and very creative. Next time you pull a cube to design in, think of the endless possibilities it will allow you to have!