Basic Design "At Home With Flowers"

UNIT 2 Mass Design, part one class notes, page 1 PDF of Notes

I. Definition and characteristics
   A. A mass design is one that emphasizes a quantity of plant materials.
   B. Material appears to radiate from a central point as a whole unit rather than individual flowers or branches.
   C. Design is full bodied with a closed silhouette.
   D. Quantities of plant material are grouped by kinds and color to create:
        1. a pattern
        2. rhythm
        3. a focal areas
   E. External outline is based on various geometric forms
        1. cone
        2. cylinder
        3. sphere
        4. variations such as curved triangle, oval, etc.
   F. May be constructed to be viewed from front or from all directions.
   G. All angles of view should be attractive.
   H. Must have depth
   I. Area encompassing plant material should be larger than container and base. Take into account where the design will be placed. Design should be no more than 1/3 of the space allowed or no less than 1/4 of the space.

II. Container
   A. Must compliment design
   B. Compatible with room decor in:
        1. color
        2. texture
        3. style
   C. Placement determines size
   D. If using a white container, incorporate some white or very light colored flowers to prevent container from dominating design.
   E. Container must be heavy enough to hold material and give feeling of adequate support by not dominate design.
   F. Must hold water is fresh plant material is used.

Principles of Design
Balance
Rhythm
Dominance
Contrast
Proportion
Scale

Elements of Design
Line
Color
Light
Texture
Pattern
Form
Size
Space

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Containers for this class should be large enough to visually support a mass design. A good size would be about 6" in diameter or across, round or square, but can be larger or smaller depending on scale of plant material chosen. Baskets may be used but should be lined to prevent water leakage.

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