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Handle with Care
When space is at a premium, floral designers and boutique owners know to have versatile containers on hand that work for a multitude of purposes. Spring, inherently feeling light and natural, means baskets are an essential container this time of year. And by considering the handle, a single basket may be even more multipurpose than you think.
Baskets are excellent containers for silk floral design (or plant design with a liner). Baskets instantly create a decor style and bring texture. But if the handle is left bare, it changes the entire mood.
As one of the key principles in floral design, you need visual balance. Distributing materials so the entire picture is balanced (either symmetrically or asymmetrically) is key. A heavily weighted base and an empty handle doesn’t hit the mark.
Going hand-in-hand with balance, is the principle of rhythm. As you strive for movement through the entire arrangement, make sure you have focal areas up to the edge and back again. By adding color and texture up through the handle of basket, you will create this flow.
Keeping your inventory and supply needs in mind, you can achieve this with flowers, greens, ribbon, butterflies and more.
Because the handle lacks a water source, and it will be touched, you want to avoid fresh materials. But lifelike silk flowers and foliage work very well. Consider blending the handle treatment to what is happening elsewhere in the arrangement, like in this basket using ivy and berries.
Flowers can creep up asymmetrically as well. Or try the same idea using whimsical butterflies flying up the handle for rhythm and movement.
Texture and movement can also be created by making your own tassels using strips of ribbon or fabric. The “rag” look is very popular this year! This organic treatment can collar the basket and climb the handle too for unity.
Of course, a classic ribbon wrap on the handle brings texture. You may primarily think of baskets as a vessel for delivering a gift, and enticing textures encourage touch (and purchase!)
Because spring isn’t for pastels only, ribbon also brings an infinite opportunity for vibrant color. And, when you think of its shape, the handle is a built-in billboard for your gift message. Adding a small sign hanging down or using a preprinted ribbon makes your note noticeable.
By looking at your floral and accessory items differently, you can make baskets into a harmonious flower arrangement. And, looking at the entire composition of your gift will make baskets more appealing to customers!
A Collaboration from Sarah Botchick of Pioneer and Blog Writer Laura Vitale.
*One final note: Remind customers and employees to always support a basket from underneath when transporting it. No matter how luxurious the handle, even quality baskets can strain under the weight of certain items and you never want to risk breakage.
**How do you attach all these materials quickly and securely? Make sure you have Uglu dashes on hand. Quick and easy like glue dots, they are made for use on different materials and containers.**
