DIY Mum Pomander advice!

awilliam1

I am making mum pomanders to be my centerpieces and sit in a vase.  I practiced making pomanders with silk flowers (because its winter and I cant get real ones) and they seemed easy enough.  My concern is the length of time they will last and still look nice.  Has anyone made these that could give me any tips? Also, I have read some articles on making them with mums and a lot of them suggest that you use pins to secure them.  Will this damage the flower and make it not last as long? Also, any tips on storing them would be great too.  Right now I am planning on making them about 2 days before...

midgemoto

wet the oasis really well and use good fresh flowers.. 

to keep them from popping out... which can indeed be a problem,  cut the stems at an angle and dip the ends into some waterproof contact cement just before inserting.  

It's a mess but it works and saves a lot of trouble later. 

I do suggest you do a mock up with the real flowers well ahead of time so you can get the hang of it and figure out how many flowers and how long it will take. 

They take a whole lot more flowers than you might think.

genevieve88

We use something like oasis floral glue, as the waterproof cement works great. Can be found at Michaels or any craft store. Very very messy so plan ahead for that but the outcome is worth it. No falling apart later! Also the foam with leak once you start adding the flowers so a towel under your work space. 

to store them it is best to keep them around 34-36 degrees normal fridge works great, also best to store them hanging to prevent damage but if you are not putting ribbon on them then maybe use something soft to set them on. 

I have also used pins but the glue works a million times better, if you go the pin route be very careful not to snap the heads of the flowers or hurt your own fingers!