364 FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

CONTAINERS

It is impossible to arrange flowers successfully without a variety
of containers of all types, sizes, and materials. Some should be
bought in pairs. Containers should be acquired to fit the rooms
where they are to be used. Urns are needed for formal period
rooms, unusual forms for Modern surroundings, and low, squatty
shapes for cottages.

Texture. The structural material of a container largely deter-
mines its texture. Metals are considered too severe in texture for
many kinds of flowers; however, suitable receptacles of silver,
pewter, copper, brass, lead, and tin are useful. An amateur can
make a low flat lead container by bending up the edges of a sheet
of plumber's lead or a round container by soldering a roll of
copper. Five-gallon cans or cocoa cans or bread pans of tin can
be painted or rubbed with steel wool and used for flowers. An
inside coating of melted paraffin wax in the cans prevents leakage;
pebbles or sand give stability. Some florists' tin containers are sat-
isfactory for home use. A person who moves frequently appre-
ciates unbreakable metal containers.

Glass containers range from fine crystal urns for delicate flowers
to chemistry laboratory equipment and battery jars for more
sturdy flowers. Large special round glass bowls should be acquired
for submerged bubble bouquets. Colored water or milk can
conceal holders. Glass marbles can support and also hide stems.

Pottery containers vary in texture from red earth flower pots
to Victorian vases. Beautiful individual forms made in potters'
studios are sometimes available. Plain kitchen mixing bowls from
the dime stores are usually better than their flower containers.

Porcelain containers are procurable in ol'd and new designs,

Wooden containers such as chopping bowls are suitable in tex-
ture for fruit or vegetable arrangements. Beautiful wooden re-
ceptacles are purchasable; however, they are not difficult to make
at home. Sections of bamboo or banana tree trunks make excel-
lent standing or hanging containers.

Plastics should eventually provide us with a variety of beautiful,
indestructible containers at reasonable prices* A graceful, clear,
plastic framework supporting a cornucopia surrounded by five
smaller cornucopias makes an effective table centerpiece.