Create “Real-like” Silk Flower Arrangements with Clear Vases

Fresh cut-flowers can easily brighten up a room.  I know when I walk in my kitchen and see a vase of flowers sitting on the table, it always puts a smile on my face.  If only I could always make fun floral arrangements every week like my last post; but c’mon, freshly-cut flowers can be expensive.  And the obvious…they don’t last forever.  Well, please don’t cringe when you hear me say the word “silk” flowers.  Trust me, I am definitely a lover of all things real, alive, and green.  But, I am here to say there is a way to make silk or faux flowers not look so tacky and sooo…fake.  To tell you the truth, this is a interior designer secret when they stage homes; most are using silk flower arrangements to add the final touches to their rooms.

Before we jump into the “how to”, I would like to mention, from my opinion, that silk flower arrangements should be kept to a minimum.  I don’t suggest putting faux flowers all over your entire house in every room and every corner.  Remember, green is good!  But there are some rooms or corners that don’t get the same attention as a kitchen, dining room, family room.  The perfect rooms to put silk flower arrangements are bathrooms, guest room, a child’s dresser, bedroom nightstand, office desk.  You won’t have to worry about seeing wilting flower petals or brittle leaves when you enter those rooms.

When you head out to buy silk flowers, keep in mind the following: buy silk flowers that look realistic (flower color and feel), buy silk flowers that are easy to clean (the ones that claim they are “real-looking” are the best), buy silk flowers that work best with your home decor.  Some silk flowers that I suggest to buy are roses, peonies, calla lilies, tulips.

Here’s what else you’ll need to create your real-like, silk flower arrangement: clear glass vase, floral cutters, acrylic water

What is acrylic water?  It is a two-part clear, hard-setting gel that will give the illusion that your clear glass vase has water in it.  You can buy a kit from Walmart or any crafting store.  I have heard also you can make homemade acrylic water and there are a few recipes online.

The arrangement I am going to show you is pretty basic in comparison to some elaborate silk flower arrangements you may have seen.  Keep in mind, you are creating an arrangement for your home…not a wedding.  So, I think the simpler and smaller the better.  Try to keep the look of a freshly-cut flower, not a huge centerpiece.  That will keep it real looking.

First thing is to cut down, with floral cutters, each silk flower stem to your desired height, slightly above your glass vase.

Next arrange your flowers in the vase to your liking.  Large blossoms look good paired with small buds.  Remove leaves if necessary.  If you have a tiny glass vase, you can put even one silk flower in it.  Once the flowers are arranged the way you like, take a twisty tie and twist it around the stems. This will help keep the arrangement in place when the acrylic water is hardening.

Set the arrangement aside.  Now take your empty glass vase and follow the direction for making the acrylic water.  For three small arrangements, I used the entire box of acrylic water.  I filled each vase about 1/4 to 1/3 with the solution.  Make sure to clean any messes or drips before you place the flowers back into the vase.  There will be little, tiny bubbles, but as the solution hardens they go away.

Place your arrangement back into the vase.  If needed, prop the vase against a wall or something so flowers don’t flop down while it’s hardening.  It takes about 8 hours to curate.  Once it is ready, the acrylic water will be clear just like real water!  Don’t forget to take off the twisty ties too.

Now place your “real-like” silk flower arrangement somewhere that will make you smile!  And enjoy for years to come!