Doramus - Flower Crowns: 30 Enchanting DIY Floral Creations

Text copyright 2015 Christy Meisner Doramus. Photos copyright 2015 Luke Doramus. Design and concept copyright 2015 Ulysses Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized duplication in whole or in part or dissemination of this edition by any means (including but not limited to photocopying, electronic devices, digital versions, and the Internet) will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. by Ulysses Press P.O. by Ulysses Press P.O.

Box 3440 Berkeley, CA 94703 www.ulyssespress.com ISBN: 978-1-61243-468-1 Library of Congress Control Number 2014952005 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Acquisitions editor: Katherine Furman Project editor: Kelly Reed Managing editor: Claire Chun Editor: Renee Rutledge Proofreader: Lauren Harrison Front cover design: Michelle Thompson Interior design: what!design @ whatweb.com Layout and production: Jake Flaherty Distributed by Publishers Group West IMPORTANT NOTE TO READERS: This book is independently authored and published and no sponsorship or endorsement of this book by, and no affiliation with, any trademarked brands or other products mentioned within is claimed or suggested. All trademarks that appear in this book belong to their respective owners and are used here for informational purposes only. The author and publishers encourage readers to patronize the quality brands and products mentioned in this book. To my family and friends thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the support and encouragement.CONTENTSNothing compares to the feeling of wearing flowers in my hair. Whether it be an intricate flower crown or a simple wildflower tucked behind my ear, it imparts a feeling of instant joy.In this book, I have shared some of my favorite floral hair accessory projects with you, using both fresh and faux flowers. From whimsical fresh flower crowns to easy faux flower hair clips, these DIY projects are fun to enjoy yourself or share with friends.SeasonalityBefore searching for fresh flowers to make your crown, it is important to understand what is in season at the time.

Most of the projects in this book are made with blooms that are generally easy to find, but do keep seasonality in mind when planning your designs. Peonies, for instance, can be elusive in September.SuppliesMost of the projects in this book require the same set of tools: florist wire, moss-covered wire, scissors or garden shears, and ribbon.Florist WireMany varieties of florist wire are suggested in this book. I use both precut wire sticks and wire on a roll. When selecting your own florist wire, make sure that it is not so thick that it is difficult to maneuver or bend. When making faux flower projects, I generally choose a thicker wire than that used for making fresh flower pieces.How to Wear Your Flower CrownThroughout this book, I show you how to secure your flower crown to ribbon, which is generally the easiest option when making something that you want to adjust in the back or wear with different hairstyles. The ribbon can be tied underneath your hair, on top of the hair, or even woven into a braid.When making fresh flower crowns, I constantly find myself turning to these 12 select bloomsmy favorites.Wax FlowersI love wax flowers because they really mix well with other blooms, big or small.

They come in different colors depending on the season and add volume and texture to a flower crown. Added bonusthey smell minty fresh and hold their shape well.FreesiaFreesia blooms in white or lavender smell amazing and are a great addition to a flower crown. Also, freesia greenery woven into a crown attains a very whimsical look.Spray RosesFor a lush, romantic flower crown, I love using spray roses for their fullness and range of colors. Standard roses are generally too big to hold up in a crown, but spray roses are smaller and much easier to maneuver.RosemaryI love using rosemary at the base of my flower crowns, especially in the fall and winter. The smell is incredible and it dries quite nicely.Dried LavenderWho doesnt love lavenders scent, color, and shape? It is an amazing option for a great-smelling or long-lasting crown.Globe AmaranthThis funky flower is one of my favorites due to its fuzzy texture and round shape. It comes in several colors and looks playful and unique when incorporated into a crown with other flowers.

It also keeps its shape for weeks, which makes it a good option for a long-lasting crown.Seeded EucalyptusThe texture of seeded eucalyptus has so much personality! It can look organic when woven into a crown with other greenery, but also adds a funky and free-spirited element to traditional blooms.RanunculusLike spray roses, ranunculus come in many colors and look incredibly lush and full in a flower crown. You cant go wrong when incorporating these statement blooms into any crown or flower arrangement.Babys BreathThis filler flower has a reputation of its own, but it looks incredibly sweet in a flower crown. Use it alone for a flower girls crown or mixed in with colorful flowers for a fuller look. Its also always in season and very easy to find.