Eiffel Tower Pomanders with fresh flowers

MELANIEATLEWIS

I am doing 6 inch Oasis Pomanders with spray roses and carnations. I am putting them on eiffel tower vases. I am trying to figure out the best way to secure them to the eiffel tower vase. I read one post on here somewhere that said to put the oasis on the tower and super glue it, but it seems unreasonable the the 12'' tower will hold such weight as the Oasis ball. Once wet they are a little heavy. And what should I put in the vase to weight it. It is a painted vase so noone can see what is inside.
I thought about sticking a stick (for lack of better words) in the Oasis ball and wrapping it in tape until it is thick enought to wedge down into the vase neck. But, I am worried the stick wont actually stay in the Oasis ball. I heard they get fragile when wet. Help??

Maggie0829

Are you set on the balls?  If not, you can use bouquet holders to get the same effect.  I used to work in the floral industry and when we needed to make arrangements for the top of eiffel  tower vases we would use bouquet holders.  This way the oasis is contained and then the stick will provide the support necessary to keep the arrangement from falling out of the vase.

Even with a bouquet holder you can still get the same look you are hoping to achieve with the balls so no worries there.

Also, hot gluing them to the vase will not work.  The oasis used for wet arrangements is a bit more delicate then the oasis used for silk arrangements.  If the ball doesn't come on right away when glued it will definitely come off once it has been soaked.

As for weighing down the vases...since your arrangment on top won't be huge you really wouldn't have to...the weight of the vase (and since it isn't super tall) will hold everything in place.

Magdala9

 A dowel (stick) is what most would use.  Dowels can be picked up at most home improvement stores in a variety of thicknesses.  Put the dowel into the oasis ball then add your flowers.   

Putting some stones or flower gems in the bottom of each vase is a good idea.  The heavy oasis can tip the vase. 

Sue-n-Kevin

I agree with the opinions so far. However, since these are eiffel tower vases with small openings, I'd recommend putting sand in the bottom (since you said they are painted and it can't be seen).

You do risk having the oasis fall apart based on how you attach it, and how close together the flower stems are when you put them in there. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I'd probably practice with one first with some inexpensive flowers from the farmer's market or a grocery store.

Good luck.

Catwoman708

I think using the bouquet holders is the most simple, effective solution.  Lighter weight, easier to work with, would use much less flowers to cover it, much easier to make up in advance, store, transport, etc....

Second choice would be a stick in the ball of oasis foam that would help anchor it in he vase.

The oasis foam takes on a lot of weight when saturated with water, then as flowers are inserted, the water is displaced and runs out.  it would be difficult to hot glue soaking wet oasis foam to a vase, and if it were glued while dry then how would you soak the foam in water?  Sounds like a mess.

kmclean29

You'll need a funnel, but you can fill them with sand, and make sure to put them in low traffic areas if you are putting a heavy weight on top.  Sometimes the best way it to create the pomander first and then just rest it on top~OR~ you can wire them throuhg the middle (using a straw, then wire through center) and attach them to the vase.