Say it with Flowers

A floral-inspired craft, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

HandsOn-Feb16-2

At Portland Children’s Museum, we often experiment with clay, paint, pencil and paper, but we also love to explore more unusual art materials, such as live plants and locally grown flowers. This project is inspired by our Artist in Residence, Jen Richardson-Greene. As a sculptor, florist and busy mom, Jen wanted to encourage her young daughter to explore the materials that were a part of her profession. The results were delightful. Creative, inventive, funky, delicate; each arrangement is a new artistic adventure.

HandsOn-Feb16-1Supplies:

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Oasis floral foam

Water

Plastic or glass vessels to arrange plants in

Plant shears or scissors

Locally grown flowers and greenery

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Optional: pebbles, acorns, pine cones or other small items with which to decorate

Instructions:

1. Let the kids help select the plants. We recommend picking two or three colors to work with. Look closely and notice the different shapes and color variations of plants available. Take a field trip and ask farmers or florists questions about their products or stay home and draw inspiration from your own garden.

2. Prepare an area that can handle small amounts of water and plant cuttings. Cut a piece of Oasis floral foam and place it in your container. Add a small amount of water and let the foam soak it up. You should have a small amount of standing water left over, but not so much that the foam is covered.

3. Play and design! Cut flowers to desired height with shears or scissors and gently push stems into floral foam. Taller flowers may tip over depending on the size of your foam pieces; if this happens simply cut the flower shorter or use a larger piece of foam. Go with your instincts, don’t be afraid to take plants apart and use the pieces, or add the optional decorations. Be ready to embrace surprises!

Jess Graff
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