fresh flower overlay help

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

rewolf,

I have several suggestions.

If you want the flowers to drape down the sides I'd glue greens and flowers onto burlap or similar material. I'd make it already on the table as when the burlap drapes on the sides and corners the flowers tend to separate leaving spaces if not planned for.

If you only want to cover the top and partially the sides I'd use sculpting boards from oasis. If you're not familiar with them they are 22" by 22" Styrofoam boards with a sheet of oasis glued to the top. For 30" you'd have to piece the board together. This would allow you to very easily poke flower stems in covering the board, either completely flat or using different heights giving a textured look. You also could round the sides and mound the center with different stem lengths for a soft pillow look. Doing it this way, since the boards are stiff, you will have to create the draping look by how you stick the flowers in. You could also combine the to technics.

We've done it both ways but I prefer using the sculpting board whenever possible to save time and it usually looks better.

RC

 

[TGDragonfly]

We use a chicken wire frame when covering tables. It's light, fast, secure and easy to transport.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

wow, I don't have an answer to this one. Sorry

But, off the top of my head, If I had to make a table top cover with flowers I'd use RC suggestion with the Oasis board.

I think I'd first go all around the board with a non wicking fabric like organza, making sure the bottom is hemmed/finished, and I'd pin it secure to the foam.

then if I wanted some sort of draping effect, I'd probably drape some garlands all around so it would come off the side of the table.

Next, I'd start in the middle of the table top and work my way out, either in a spiral or in rows, until it was all finished.

But I have never made one of these, but If I had to and had to figure it out, and I had all the money I wanted to make one with, that's probably what I'd do.

I have just glued galax to make a runner though, but I don't think that's what you want.

Sorry, I don't think I'm much help.

 

[lizzie ann]

I need help with the mechanics of a cloth overlay. I want to create an overlay for a sweetheart table with primarily roses but including carnations to help control costs.

What is the most efficient way to construct a cloth. I know a lot of you have experience doing this for weddings and funerals. Are there certain flowers I should use in addition to roses and carnations. Are there some no, no's I should know about? All input is welcome.

If you have to use roses......and you want to glue them....try holding the rose head in your fingers and cutting the bottom half and stem area off,dip immediately in glue and set on your burlap. When I press flowers I use this technique to get a top down view of the rose. It may work with what you are trying to do without the bulk and weight.
You are brave...I would just cheap out and use pomps...

 

[rewolf]

Thanks everyone. Great suggestions. I'm hell-bent on doing this project for a weding fair so I better start practicing. I'll post pics.

 

[Mocha Rose]

I'm not sure I can envision exactly what you are talking about, but have you seen the ones with a glass top placed over the flowers? It's in the new John Henry book and there are green flowers and fruit lined up on a table. Then there is a glass top placed on top of the flowers with glass cubes as spacers to protect the flowers.

The glass top is an additional expense, but it might save on labor if you are planning to hand sew blooms. You can also mix various heights of flowers and won't have to worry about setting the wine glasses down or crushing the flowers.

You can also have cascading blooms down the front of the linen by using corsage magnets.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

I'm not sure I can envision exactly what you are talking about, but have you seen the ones with a glass top placed over the flowers? It's in the new John Henry book and there are green flowers and fruit lined up on a table. Then there is a glass top placed on top of the flowers with glass cubes as spacers to protect the flowers.

The glass top is an additional expense, but it might save on labor if you are planning to hand sew blooms. You can also mix various heights of flowers and won't have to worry about setting the wine glasses down or crushing the flowers.

You can also have cascading blooms down the front of the linen by using corsage magnets.

That is such a pretty picture!! I love it!

I think my problem is I can envision what she's doing either so I am anxious to see the finished product!

 

[PYork]

Think about starting out with galax leaves glued to the proper size cloth - start at center and use Oasis adhesive to apply leaves in an overlapping pattern - then in should be easy start gluing on flower heads (I would go with mini carns and open spray rose heads, as well as petals.) You could develop a pattern with the flowers, and the leaves will be there as a backdrop. Mist with Crowning Glory and this should hold up fine for a party. Send us a pic when you get it done!