Sunday, March 15, 2009

Going Green

Since this week was my Altar Guild team's turn to create the flower arrangement for our church, I thought I'd show you how we turned some greenery and several bunches of flowers into a large arrangement for the altar.

With St. Patrick's Day coming up on Tuesday, Connie, Susie and I decided on a theme featuring different shades of green. So with that in mind, we visited the wholesale florist early Friday morning to see what we could find. We were glad to see that they had Bells of Ireland, and we found two sizes of green chrysanthemums. We also liked these green berries. I don't know what they're called, but they had pretty feathery folliage, and we thought they'd make good filler.

That afternoon Connie and I raided a friend's yard for smilax to use for our greenery. We also cut some white azaleas, and because they were just beginning to bud, they were perfect for our green theme.

After soaking our flowers and greenery overnight, we began to assemble our arrangement on Saturday morning. We selected a large moss lined wire basket to use as a "vase" and filled it with oasis that we thoroughly soaked in water. The oasis was covered with wire to help stabilize the flowers.

Using the greenery, we established the basic line of the arrangement. Then we added the Bells of Ireland to reinforce the line.

After adding the large spidery chrysanthemums as our "face" flowers, we filled the gaps with the remaining flowers and berries. The result was a large arrangment that made a statement in green, even from the back of the sanctuary.

For more Metamorphosis Monday stories, visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I'm looking forward to getting a closer look at what she's done with her master bedroom.

35 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh KBeau - - - I LOVE it!!! I doubt if I would have thought of a totally green floral arrangement, but under the CIRCUMSTANCES - - - St. P's day - - - it is JUST PERFECT!!!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a beautiful arrangement for St. Patrick's day!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a fabulous job. The arrangements are just stunning. I'm sure everyone will enjoy them. Hugs, Marty

xinex said...

What a pretty arrangement! Love it!...Christine

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Such a beautiful arrangement. I love the different shades of green that you added.
Molly

momma said...

that is gorgeous!! i'm sure it looked great at church!!

Anonymous said...

K! That's amazing and it's so huge!! I like it...

Knitty said...

I need to share your blog with a friend who often does the flowers for her church. Your arrangement is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

So you can add floral designer to your list of talents...it was just beautiful. We leave for Italy on Friday. I'm tired of planning and ready to hit the road....I think. I'm not sure how much I will be able to post while gone...it just depends on time and WiFi availability. Oh well...it is after all mostly ancient trails I'm touring.

Anonymous said...

Hi K! Oh, my goodness! This is so lovely and it's so big! You gals did a tremendous job on the florals. I don't think I've ever seen a totally green arrangement, but it's beautiful! I'm sure you got compliments like everything. You're really great at this!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Valerie said...

Seriously...does everything you touch turn to gold (or in this case green~he he)! Simply stunning!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

what an outstanding arrangement. You could be a florist desiger. Cindy

Martha said...

A great arrangement -- didn't think of a green one for St. Pat's week!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

WOW...the arrangement turned out beautifully! Love it! :-) Susan

Stacey said...

Wow!! That's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Met Monday post. I love it!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Kathy,
In regards to the house, there is a specific owner who signs a contract with the school district. I was so tired when I posted this last night I forget to put that in there. The only cost to the owner regarding the school district is about $2000 to replace tools etc. so they get a great deal on a lot of free labor. Cindy

Bo said...

Hi Kbeau...I'm so glad you thought to take pictures of building this outstanding arrangement...not that I'll ever make one mind you...LOL, but I love seeing how it's done. This was stunning!
;-) Bo

nanny said...

Beautiful arrangement!
I haven't started Jodi's new book yet, it is on the table by my chair waiting on me to sit! ha

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That turned out beauifully! Thank you for sharing the process. laurie

The Stylish House said...

Your floral arrangement turned out striking! I also appreciate your detailed description of how you assembled it....Cathy

MichelleMarie said...

So beautiful, and it looks like you had a lot of fun in the process too!

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Kathy, :)
Your flower arrangement turned out beautiful and is a perfect post for MM.
It's very lovely.

Thank you for visiting my blog and your kind words.
I really appreciate it.

My sister and her family live in B'mingham.
She's a teacher at VHHS.
Blogland is a small world it seems.

I am enjoying your blog and have added you to my favorites.
You're always welcomed at mine.

Have a wonderful day.
~Melissa :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my MM Bdrm post and your always very gracious comments. I look forward to your visits. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

Scribbler said...

Truly stunning!

Scribbler

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

beautiful arrangement!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

That is such a beautiful arrangement....love it!!! Linda

Robin said...

Absolutely Beautiful!!! You guys are very talented!

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Robin :o)

Robin said...

Absolutely Beautiful!!! You guys are very talented!

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Robin :o)

susan said...

I love this all green arrangement. We are thinking of using green hydrangeas for my daughter's wedding. Your talent and labor is really a gift to your church!

Anonymous said...

I think this arrangement is striking.
The colors are so complimentary and classic. Great job!

santamaker said...

That's some big and beautiful arrangement!

Neabear said...

What a pretty arrangment! In our church there are no altar flowers during Lent. So I was surprised to find out your church still has flowers or arrangments. I guess every church is different.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

ARE YOU KIDDING????? That is beautifuL! AMAZING! i AM IN AWE!

Sit A Spell said...

Very nice...

Ok, I hopped over because it looked like a Razorback in that profile picture???