How to make a flower bucket?
Angie Espadas Reveals: How to Make a Flower Bouquet
I love flowers—their uniqueness and the endless possibilities they offer. From conveying emotions to transforming a space, flowers accompany us during life’s most memorable moments.
This floral project emerged a few years after I founded “Cuarto de Rosas,” my flower shop (or, as I like to call it, my “detail store”). In this space, I share my experiences from workshops, provide tips in the flower shop, celebrate successes and lessons learned, and showcase beautiful landscapes from events and destinations. It’s a place where inspiration shapes who I am today.
Thankfully, many of my clients often say, “Angie, your flowers last longer.” So, let me reveal the secret: hydration. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, and I’m here to share how you can make your flowers last longer:
Hydration:
- Purchase flowers on the day they arrive at the supplier. To ensure freshness, inspect the stems—green and clean is a good sign. Avoid any unpleasant smells, grayish tones, or sliminess. If you’re buying roses, check that the center is firm and free from signs of fungus.
- Never leave flowers in a hot car or a very warm room. Exposure to intense heat will cause them to wilt immediately. Remember, they’re transitioning from a cold storage room with significantly lower temperatures, and sudden changes can harm them.
- Upon arriving home or at your studio, give the stems a diagonal cut of about 3 cm (adjust to fit your vase). Crucially, remove any leaves or debris that might touch the water. This prevents rapid water spoilage.
- Change the water daily—it’s 100% effective for prolonging their lifespan. And here’s a private tip: You don’t need to fill the entire vase; just ensure that all stems touch the water by about 3 cm. Skip flower food (especially in Mérida’s heat, as it accelerates maturity). Instead, add a few ice cubes daily—they’ll appreciate it.
Note: Aspirin doesn’t really work; the real secret is clean water. A small splash of chlorine can help prevent rapid decay.
Corte de tallos en diagonal / Diagonal stem cutting
Fotografía / Photography: Cuarto de Rosas
How to Make a Bouquet Without Dying in the Attempt
Today, I’ll share my favorite method for creating bouquets: the spiral technique. Before you begin, I recommend having a clear table—free from anything that might get in the way during this creative process. Make sure your flowers have clean stems, devoid of leaves or debris, and arrange them by variety (if applicable).
Tallos limpios al momento de hidratar / Diagonal stem cutting
Fotografía / Photography: Cuarto de Rosas
Choosing a Base:
The size of the base will depend on its opening, determining how many stems it can accommodate. I recommend using one that’s approximately 10-15 cm in diameter. Let’s begin by placing the first stem diagonally, followed by the second stem crossing it to form an X. Next, position the third stem right in the center. Afterward, continue adding the remaining stems, following the clockwise direction.
Observation:
Don’t feel pressured—what’s beautiful about flowers is that they allow you to unleash your creativity. Floral design is an art that relies 100% on observation. Pay attention to which side each flower variety looks best, notice those with a gentle droop or an appealing height worth highlighting.
Placement:
Put your bouquet in your preferred space. I recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight or fruit. Definitely avoid placing it directly under a fan.
