Essential Floral Supplies & Designer Tools for Perfect Arrangements

1. Unpacking and Inspection

• Upon receiving your floral supplies and tools, carefully unpack them and inspect each item to ensure they are in perfect condition.
• For delicate tools like scissors or wire cutters, check the blades to ensure they are sharp and ready for use.

2. Caring for Cutting Tools (Scissors, Pruners, Knives)

• Cleaning: After each use, clean your cutting tools with warm water and mild soap. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth to prevent rust or residue buildup from plant material.
• Sharpening: Regularly sharpen your tools to maintain their precision. Use a sharpening stone or tool designed for your pruners, scissors, or knives to keep blades sharp.
• Storage: Store your cutting tools in a dry place to prevent rust. Consider using a protective cover or pouch to keep them safe and avoid dulling the blades.

3. Caring for Floral Foam

• Hydration: When using floral foam for fresh flowers, soak the foam in water with floral preservative for 1-2 minutes. Let it absorb water naturally to avoid air pockets. Do not force the foam under water, as this may prevent even absorption.
• Reuse: Floral foam can only be used once for fresh flowers. For dried or artificial arrangements, foam can be reused if it maintains its shape.

4. Wire, Tape, and Other Accessories

• Floral Wire: Store wire in a cool, dry place to prevent it from rusting or becoming brittle. Keep wire spools organized to prevent tangling.
• Floral Tape: Keep floral tape in a room-temperature environment. High heat or moisture can affect the adhesive, making it harder to use.
• Picks and Pins: Keep picks, pins, and other small accessories in containers or organizers to avoid losing them and keep them readily accessible during projects.

5. Cleaning Vases and Containers

• After each use, thoroughly clean vases and containers with warm water and mild soap to remove residue, bacteria, or dirt. Rinse well and allow them to air dry before storing or reusing.

6. Storage of Tools and Supplies

• Organized storage: Store all tools and supplies in a designated space to keep them organized and ready for use. Use storage containers or toolkits to keep everything tidy and easily accessible.
• Avoid moisture: Keep all tools and supplies in a dry, cool environment to prevent rust or damage from humidity.

7. Long-Term Care

• Periodically inspect your tools and supplies for wear and tear. Replace any items that are dull, broken, or no longer functioning properly to ensure your arrangements are of the highest quality.

By following these care and handling instructions, your floral supplies and tools will remain in excellent condition, ensuring they're always ready to help you create stunning floral arrangements.