Friday 17 November 2023

Melamine Tray

Recently arrived from Holland.

Melamine Tray.
Black with grey effect.
20Lx10Wx4.5cm internal depth.
Ideal for any floral arrangement particularly if you want to avoid using floral foam and would like to experiment with pin holders.
All dimensions approximate.
No.535163.



The photo of the flower arrangement below was created using a similar shallow tray to that of the melamine tray in the photo above using only pin holders to support the flowers and foliage which are several years old. They just keep going and going and have proved a great investment.




Tuesday 14 November 2023

Christmas Wreaths

With many seeking ways of making Christmas wreaths
other than using 
rings made of floral foam with plastic bases
we thougt this wire star shape could be an attractive alternative.


Perfectly shaped from 3mm wire and finished with a gold lacquer
this 40cm star could be re-used many times over in different guises.


But if your choice is a more traditional circular shape then flat wire rings are a great alternative, easy to weave and fix winter foliage.
 

Whether you prefer a star or ring, either enhanced perhaps with a string of battery operated lights they'll make fantastic welcome to your home.

Fixing foliage to your rings is made easy, simply use a lightweight easy to
manage reel wire or for greater flexibility jute string is the perfect answer.







Please Click Here for more information of the star and rings.

String lights and other options Click Here.

Jute string Click Here.

Reel Wire Click Here.

Monday 6 November 2023

Floral Phoam

The much debated floral foam as we know it today may soon have a successor.

Phoam Labs patented foam is being developed to replace the phenolic foam widely used today in flower arranging and the floristry industry around the world.

Over the past seven years, following research carried out at the University of Minnesota, USA, Phoam Labs developed a compostable polylactide (PLA) to replace the phenolic foam widely used today in flower arranging and the floristry industry around the world.
Patents were granted in both the US and Europe in 2022.

Today, at the Phoam Labs R&D facility in Minneapolis, they are making the world’s first full size compostable floral foam bricks and plan to be in commercial production later in 2023.

PLA is totally renewable within a 12-month cycle. Phoam Labs™ patented floral foam generates no micro-plastics and contains no toxic chemicals for their employees, users, and the environment.

The foam is designed to be used as both a wet and dry foam for both dried and fresh flowers.

It is plant based and fully compostable.
In tests at the Composting Manufactures Alliance, 95% of it had disappeared after 10 weeks. 
Made from renewable materials it is 100% non-toxic.

Plant based, it is derived from corn which is mashed to a pulp and turned into pellets. CO² is then injected which expands the pellets and causes them to stick together, forming a natural, open cell polymer which can take up water. 

The result?
A block cut to the same dimensions as traditional floral foam but much lighter and less dense to the touch. And no ‘dust’ to irritate skin or eyes. 

How quickly does it absorb water?
It takes between 45-90 seconds, but it does need to be held down, as it’s so light it floats.  

What colour is it?
It is currently dyed pale green using a food grade dye, but other colours may appear in the future. 

When can I get my hands on it?
Production begins at the end of 2023, so it should be in wholesalers from early 2024 onwards.

If you would like to share this blog, the address is;
https://floralmechanics-uk.blogspot.com/2023/11/floral-phoam.html