DIY Homecoming Corsages

Homecoming time is upon us!
What fun! Parades, the big game and of course "THE DANCE"!
And oh the cost.....!

Not just the dressed up clothes....but the corsages and boutonnieres too!


I did a little research and discovered that a typical corsage costs $25 to $40!  YIKES!
Boutonnieres run around $10-$15!

Did you know it is really really simple to make your own?

This is a great way to keep some of the costs of Homecoming or Prom under control!

Moms....think about getting together with your friends to do this!
OR....have the girls get together for a party to make their own!
It actually makes sense to get a group together to save money on supplies.

This little tutorial is designed to give you the courage to try this on your own.
I have included some tidbits picked up from my adventures in corsage making through the years!

Let's Get Started!

Supplies Needed

Flowers and Greens

Ribbon

Corsage Wristlet

Floral Tape

Floral adhesive or Hot Glue

Finding just the right flowers for the corsage or boutonniere is probably the MOST important part of this project!
As much as I am all about the "thrift store" mind set.....this IS NOT the time for that!

You really need great flowers.....and you really need good advice!
Your best bet is to head off to the nicest brick and mortar Florist you know!

Speaking of which.....a few weeks ran across this very cool websit.  Bloom Nation is an online flower delivery company which is unique in that it connects shoppers to local florists in that area.  How lovely to see all the gorgeous things that are being offered locally.
I buy lots and lots of the flowers I use for events at Costco, Trader Joes, and the Farmer's Market.  But I when the flowers need to be "extra special" I head to a florist.
I have discovered that the people in these shops are super willing to help the DIYers with their projects!

I needed white flowers for this corsage project.  I made a quick call to Arts and Flowers 
to see about white spray roses....which they didn't have!!!  But the florist suggested I come and get some Cymbidium Orchids.   Surprisingly, a stem of these beauties was only $6! And...the advice about the greenery was spot on!  Would you believe they would have sold me the little wristlet too!  So don't be intimidated about asking your florist for help with your project!  

Now...on to the corsage making!


 Sliding the little wristband onto a cylinder makes it MUCH easier to work on the corsage!

I used to use a rolling pin until Mr. S "invented" these "super duper corsage stands made from6 inch long pieces of pvc pipe.

 
  The first step is to make the base of ribbon loops.

This corsage has some aqua colored tulle as well as some black wired ribbon.

The loops are secured with a wrap of floral tape.

The tulle and ribbon are hot glued onto the metal base of the wristlet.


Then the fun starts!
Start playing with how the blossoms will be arranged.








This corsage is really simple.
Just two sprigs of greenery an three orchid blossoms.

Once the design is decided on....remove the blossoms and put some glue on top of the ribbon.

If you are planning to do more than one corsage, you may want to invest in a floral adhesive.

The advantage of this product is that you don't risk harming the flowers with the heat from the glue gun and the adhesive stays pliant even if the corsage is refrigerated.

The disadvantage of it is that it takes a while to "set up" when you are working and it is sticky sticky sticky....a real manicure destroyer!

I have seen lots and lots of corsages made with hot glue that last just fine!

Cut a piece ribbon long enough to tie around the wristlet to cover the elastic.

The extra ends add additional color to the corsage.

Notice the little prongs on either side of the base.

Those get bent up to raise the whole flower and ribbon components into a nice and sturdy corsage.

 

Now....isn't that gorgeous?

This corsage was for the exchange student who is sponsored by the Rotary Club that the Sweetwater Daughter belongs to.  We took the time to "package" our creation so that it looked like it came from the florist shop!

Since there were more blooms on the orchid stem, we made a very simple boutonniere with a sprig of greens and one orchid blossom.       

And....the payoff for me was this lovely thank you note with a photo from the handsome young man expressing his gratitude for the corsage and boutonnnire! (I didn't have photo permission from Simon...so I cut off the faces!  But trust me...they were a pretty cute couple!)

PRICELESS!

This project was the perfect example for using a brick and mortar florist as a supplier.  The folks there were so helpful with the expertise needed to make this turn out well. Plus, the cost of the flowers was really reasonable!

I hope you take a moment to look at Bloom Nation to get some inspiration or to just discover the florists in your area.

If you have a "big dance" on your calendar, you really should consider the DIY route!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Link Parties
Bowdabra    
Sundays Down Under