A pop of color and a brush of texture is sometimes all you need to transform a space from bland to beautiful. No one knows this better than flower-guru, Ariella Chezar of Ariella Flowers. Her new book, The Flower Workshop, shares 50 gorgeous DIY flower projects, including hanging arrangements (like these marigold curtains) that add a touch of whimsical sophistication to a gathering, without sucking up valuable surface space! Kick your creativity into full-bloom with this crafty DIY fern chandelier, perfect for adding a touch of earthy elegance to your next gathering.
A playful addition to any party, this chandelier is decorated with plumosa and leatherleaf ferns, inexpensive varieties that can remain out of water for a long time – up to two days – which makes them suitable for this kind of arrangement. Each orchid stem can be set into an individual tube of water, but these flowers will also last for a day or two without drinking. This circular brass chandelier was discovered at a flea market, but since you cover it in ferns, any round structure might do, even two 24- or 30-inch round wire wreath forms wired together for greater depth. This wreath was suspended over the outdoor table using a metal pole fastened to two adjoining buildings, but depending on your location, you may have to use other methods.
How to Make A Fern Chandelier
Supplies:
2 to 62 floral stem wires, 20 to 24 gauge
12 plastic water tubes
20 plumosa fern branches
30 leatherleaf fern branches
12 green miniature Phalaenopsis orchid stems
Note: Any kind of sturdy fern will do (like umbrella fern, for example). This arrangement also looks nice without flowers.
Directions:
Hang your chandelier at a height at which you can work on it. Depending on the size and shape of the chandelier, you may need to attach the ferns with floral stem wire. Wrap the wire around the fern stems and then attach to the chandelier. Or if the openings on the chandelier are wide enough, you can just weave the ferns through.
Fill the plastic tubes with water, and place each orchid stem in a separate tube. Hide the tubes beneath the fern foliage so they do not show. Wrap floral stem wire around each tube and attach to chandelier. The orchids should stand out against the solid green background.
Move or hoist your chandelier to its final location or height and attach it securely. You don’t want it falling down on guests! Mist the arrangement in advance of your event.
Reprinted with permission from The Flower Workshop, by Ariella Chezar with Julie Michaels, copyright © 2016, published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Photographs copyright © 2016 by Erin Kunkel.
