Elements of Flower Arranging:
1. Line Materials: Line materials are the first elements placed in the design. They help establish the height and width of the arrangement. If no line materials are used in the design, the other flowers are used in the same manner as the line materials.
2. Dominant Materials: Inserted after the line materials, these are usually form flowers like lilies or iris and mass (round) flowers like peonies. Be sure to insert the dominant items within the form established by the line materials.
3. Secondary Materials: Secondary materials usually consist of smaller mass flowers spaced evenly between the dominant materials in the design.
4. Filler Materials: Filler materials occupy open spaces around the other flowers in the composition; however, filler flowers are by no means mandatory in your design.
5. Special Materials: Add items such as vine, grapes, and visible moss to create added texture and visual interest.
Accent Materials: Accent material is the one thing that stands out in the design. It could be simply the use of color or the focal point of the composition. When a statue or figurine, such as a bird, is added to a design, it automatically becomes the accent to the design.
Note: When working with only mass or form flowers, use the flowers as you would when working with line materials. Establish the top and outer boundaries. Place special importance on the visual balance of the design by spacing identically on all sides.
