Do containers make the man?

[TGDragonfly]

From a design perspective, do you feel as a designer that the choice of container is as important to the choice of flowers used in a floral arrangement? Or do you feel that a container is the means to keep a water source for cut flowers? When selecting a container from storage to fill say a thank you occasion, would you use the same container for a I love you occasion?

From a business perspective, do you feel that containers are an important expense and should be as inexpensive but good enough to do it's intended job, or are you willing to spend a bit more on novelty?

Do you think a container is really matters to the consumer?

 

[sandytf]

Lot's of questions here! My answer: it depends.

I think the container CAN be very important. I think for everyday sending of flowers, most consumers just want nice, pretty flowers as the gift-not the container. (I said most)

For things such as weddings, I think the container can be very important. For weddings and events, we try to create an overal theme or feel so the container can either help or hurt that effort.

I also think the container can hurt the design if there is no harmony between the two. A terra cotta pot would be a good choice for a mixed garden design but may look silly with an elegant orchid design.

I think it's worth it to buy some good quality, trendy containers to have in stock for specific orders and higher end designs. For everyday work a simple, clear glass vase works for me.

 

[Sarah Botchick]

May I speak from a consumer standpoint? Yes, the container matters. I ordered my mom flowers for their anniversary last year, from a florist 5 states away that I had never met. The flowers themselves were very pretty. The vase was absolutely hideous. Ruined the whole arrangement. Even if I didn't work in the industry I would think the vase was awful. Its just plain awful.

BTW, I wouldn't have liked novelty either. Just a simple clear glass vase that complimented the flowers, that neither detracted from nor overtook the flowers.

Is it the ONLY thing that matters? Nope. Is it the most important? Nope. Is it somewhat important? Yes.

 

[Tuberose]

We try to carry a little bit of everything since we range from $25 arrangements in vases to $300 custom high style in silk and fresh. We are always on the lookout for ceramic containers that have an upscale sort of look for a reasonable price, these work for many different occasions done in a high style for $50 on up, helps to set us apart for that price point. Buying in bulk helps us to get the price point we need and defray shipping somewhat. I try to always ask the customer what their preference is, sometimes they want a nicer container.

 

[TGDragonfly]

Sorry for lots of questions. I find after researching my competition in my area that you find two basic containers in every flower shop: a ginger jar, square glass vase, or basket.

Personally I feel that the container is just as important as the design. I am not a fan of the ginger type vase, it simply holds flowers in a way that each arrangement is similar. Plus most people will not change the water and if any one randomly pulls a arrangement and takes home to see how it performs will see that the death of a floral arrangement is quite ugly, and stinky to. When it comes to design, I see beautiful flowers in the arrangements but below I see ugly stems, I even see foliage pushed below the water line. It to me means that the piece is designed from vase up instead of the entire piece being one cogent arrangement. Not knocking ginger jars, but with all the craft material available to us today, there are countless ways to adorn a simple vase like wrapping a vase in colored screen and fastened with aluminum wire.

I prefer ceramic and foam because it gives me greater flexibility to design unique pieces, plus I feel the container can be used long after the flowers die. For example I adore Hills Imports cocktail sized ceramics especially their old world collection. The beauty in the way they are made does SO much of the work for me. It's easy for me to design based on the look of the container than trying to create a winning design with flowers alone.

 

[sandytf]

I agree with a lot of what you say but....

I truly believe most cuts last longer in a vase vs. foam. If the customer can SEE that the arrangement needs water, they're more likely to keep it full. If they don't see in the container, it's easier to just ignore it and not add water.

I would say if your competition is carrying ginger jars and cubes, it would be a smart move to feature alternatives.

I agree with the ugly looking stems/foliage in the water. It can look cool if it's done as a spiral design-but face it, that's not what the majority do. One way around that is to use the colored glass. I really like the colored collections that Syndicate Sales put out seasonally.

Containers inspiring the design? Absolutely! But I can also be inspired by the customer's linens, ribbon, and more. The most important thing to me is that there is harmony.

 

[BenNJ]

I too say it depends. As an artist, the container can be very important. As a businessman it is important too, for different reasons. As for the consumer, judging by the feedback they give; they don't much care.

 

[TGDragonfly]

As for the consumer, judging by the feedback they give; they don't much care.

Do you find that the consumer choosing from your display box, the container used doesn't affect their choice? Or is it not important to an average phoned in order?

 

[conchandler]

From a design perspective, do you feel as a designer that the choice of container is as important to the choice of flowers used in a floral arrangement?

In a word, YES! In more words; the color, size, shape, and texture of the container all play a role in the designs I create. I take great care, sometimes too much, in selecting the perfect container for a given arrangement to make sure it matches the occasion for which it was ordered and the composition being designed.aintplus

Does the consumer care about the container? Often times, no. If they say "I want the money in the flowers", no problem. Make an arrangement in a green floral container that's covered by foliage. Otherwise, glass vase is a good GO TO container. I'm a big fan of the colored glass vases.

 

[Joe Mioux]

I have been giving containers a lot of thought for the past several months.

I think most recipients of flowers would rather have the money tied to the flowers more so than a container.

However, as we all know, a container can make or atleast enhance a bouquet's overall visual interest.

I have been messing around with ideas for me making containers out of wood. This would either be done on a wood lathe or more traditional flat work with a table saw, jointer, planer, etc.

I want to come up with a pleasing design and then make jigs to mass produce the container for everyday use.

I also, have toyed around with the idea of making epoxy containers.

jeo

 

[roysecityfloristand gifts]

I have been giving containers a lot of thought for the past several months.

I think most recipients of flowers would rather have the money tied to the flowers more so than a container.

However, as we all know, a container can make or atleast enhance a bouquet's overall visual interest.

I have been messing around with ideas for me making containers out of wood. This would either be done on a wood lathe or more traditional flat work with a table saw, jointer, planer, etc.

I want to come up with a pleasing design and then make jigs to mass produce the container for everyday use.

I also, have toyed around with the idea of making epoxy containers.

jeo

Joe, Eric uses one of the nicest wooden (white washed) containersI've ever seen.Hey, Eric where ya' getting those nice containers????

 

[TGDragonfly]

I have been giving containers a lot of thought for the past several months.

I think most recipients of flowers would rather have the money tied to the flowers more so than a container.

However, as we all know, a container can make or atleast enhance a bouquet's overall visual interest.

I have been messing around with ideas for me making containers out of wood. This would either be done on a wood lathe or more traditional flat work with a table saw, jointer, planer, etc.

I want to come up with a pleasing design and then make jigs to mass produce the container for everyday use.

I also, have toyed around with the idea of making epoxy containers.

jeo

I'll have to shoot a few pics for you tomorrow. I mad 8 six foot long containers for a BatMitzvah Marcy did last week. They wanted a stainless steel low and narrow trough for candy to be placed down the center of long tables. Ever try to find cheap stainless steel trough containers? I made them out of #2 grade pinewood for 15 dollars. I used aluminum foil tape to cover, made them smooth as glass by using a plastic card as a tool.

I have to make one more for next weekend's event so I can snap a few production shots.

 

[Gracie]

Personally I feel that the container is just as important as the design. I am not a fan of the ginger type vase, it simply holds flowers in a way that each arrangement is similar. Plus most people will not change the water and if any one randomly pulls a arrangement and takes home to see how it performs will see that the death of a floral arrangement is quite ugly, and stinky to. When it comes to design, I see beautiful flowers in the arrangements but below I see ugly stems, I even see foliage pushed below the water line. It to me means that the piece is designed from vase up instead of the entire piece being one cogent arrangement. Not knocking ginger jars, but with all the craft material available to us today, there are countless ways to adorn a simple vase like wrapping a vase in colored screen and fastened with aluminum wire.

I prefer ceramic and foam because it gives me greater flexibility to design unique pieces, plus I feel the container can be used long after the flowers die. For example I adore Hills Imports cocktail sized ceramics especially their old world collection. The beauty in the way they are made does SO much of the work for me. It's easy for me to design based on the look of the container than trying to create a winning design with flowers alone.

I agree completely. Of course there is a consumer segment that prefers a simple glass vase or just cuts, but the greater majority of our customers are wowed by the total picture, flowers + container. (A nod to Sandy's comment about harmony.) We often buy discontinued containers from suppliers, with prices the same or slightly higher than the standard vases. But there are many excellent choices available at regular wholesale prices that are close to the standard vase prices. Then the arrangement is premium priced ... and people buy. Same flowers, same labour, greater profit.

Our designers are often inspired by the container, which is good. We also have quite a few customers who bring us their own containers to design in. Not to reduce cost (we knock off only $10), but because the piece is special.

And I'm thinking about Christmas now: Our shop is both FTD and Teleflora, with FTD predominant. At Christmas, however, we will sell a ton more TF. Same flowers in both, but our customers really like those TF containers.

 

[Snapdragon Studio]

I'll have to shoot a few pics for you tomorrow. I mad 8 six foot long containers for a BatMitzvah Marcy did last week. They wanted a stainless steel low and narrow trough for candy to be placed down the center of long tables. Ever try to find cheap stainless steel trough containers? I made them out of #2 grade pinewood for 15 dollars. I used aluminum foil tape to cover, made them smooth as glass by using a plastic card as a tool.

I have to make one more for next weekend's event so I can snap a few production shots.

I would LOVE to see photos of this, sounds like a great technique!

 

[TGDragonfly]

I would LOVE to see photos of this, sounds like a great technique!

I'll start another thread because I shot 27 how to photos yesterday and this computer is to slow to download. Here is the final shot.

 

[roysecityfloristand gifts]

Thom...your the man!!

 

[Joe Cool]

From a design perspective, do you feel as a designer that the choice of container is as important to the choice of flowers used in a floral arrangement? Or do you feel that a container is the means to keep a water source for cut flowers?

Are you kidding? The container is the most important part...just Kidding. Being that Syndicate is a large supplier of containers, we would love for that to be true, but since its not, I thought I would give you our view of its importance.

We know that flowers are the most important part. Our goal is to design and offer containers that do a couple of things. First, they need to help accent the arrangement. Second, it needs to be functional. We spend a lot of time in the design phase working on things that make a container user friendly to the designer. For example, many of our containers are designed to hold a 1/3 brick of foam without tape. When it comes to our glass containers a lot of attention is paid to the water resevoir, the choke (neck) of the vase as well as the flare. These elements really play an important role when you are designing an arrangement.

While the vase may not be as important to the end consumer, the right container can help you create an awesome arrangement.

 

[TGDragonfly]

How to make long metallic containers.

Ok, I will have to split this up in several posts. The materials are simple. This is the fastest way to make them, it takes me 20 minutes.

Two 2 1/2" x 6' pine board. #2 grade works.
Two 2 1/2" x 5" pine board
One 3 1/2" x 6" pine board
Aluminum Foil Tape

Preferred tools:
Air Compressor, at least one that can put out 120 psi
Nail gun, one that can shoot 1 5/8 finish nails 18 gauge.
Chop Saw


Line up the three boards and clamp.



Cut 3/4 inches of both ends to true boards.



Cut two 5" pieces for the end caps.



Ready for assembly, lightly sand off cuts.



Nail together. Just feel your pieces so that they are even. If you don't have a nail gun, 1 1/4 drywall screws will work, it just takes longer.



Next post soon.

 

[TGDragonfly]

Assemble both sides, I shoot at least 5 nails down each side.



Nail end pieces.



You have to press pieces flush as your nailing.



This is the tape I use. 3" wide Aluminum Foil Tape.



It has a paper backing that takes a bit of negotiating to peel, it gets easier.

 

[TGDragonfly]

To start unroll tape along the entire length.



It's very important to try and stay flush with the bottom edge as you remove paper backing and run your palm to adhere.



Once in place, take your plastic card and smooth. Use some elbow grease and make it perfect, very easy.



Cut off tape flush with end.



Finish smoothing side with tool, your edges with finger.