SILK FLOWERS

Everyone enjoys having a beautiful vase of flowers to brighten up their home. Flowers are always a cheerful sight on a gloomy day and make a festive presentation on the dining room table. However, with the cost of fresh flowers, we can't always afford this luxury treat. Silk flowers may be your answer.

In appearance, silk flowers come pretty close to the real thing. In other ways, they are quite different. Silk flowers are virtually care free and will last for years. Unlike fresh flowers, silk flowers are inexpensive. If you tire of an arrangement, you can simply make up a new one, mixing and matching with flowers in another color scheme or different container.

A silk flower arrangement makes a beautiful gift. There are so many occasions that are perfect for this lasting gift. Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, your Mom's birthday and wedding gifts are just a few ideas. Have you got a friend in the hospital? A silk flower arrangement will provide many days of cheer and the recipient can take them home as a reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Another advantage of silk flowers is that you can make your arrangement ahead of time. No need to squeeze in a last-minute stop at the florists if you're short on time.

Putting one of these arrangements together is a snap. The supplies you'll need are simple. You'll want a utility knife, some green florist's foam or marbles, a container and of course, flowers.

Your choice of silk flowers are almost unlimited, in every color you'd find in flowers from the garden. Monochromatic schemes are popular for weddings. For example, you might choose white roses mixed with smaller-blossomed silk flowers in a creamy shade. For a colorful bouquet, try tulips in mixed colors. When buying silk flowers, look for ones with leaves, which fill out an arrangement gracefully with a pleasing shape in your vase. Silk fern leaves are attractive with roses. Let your imagination go wild.

For containers, your choices are not limited to those that hold water. Baskets, bowls and decorative boxes all work. Here's where you decide between green florists foam or marbles. If you're using a clear glass vase, colored or clear marbles may be just what you need to show off your silk flower arrangement. If using a basket or decorative box, the green florist's foam will probably work best.

With a vase and marbles, just place your flowers until you find an attractive arrangement for your mixture of silk flowers. When the arrangement looks just right, carefully slide the marbles into the vase, a little at a time, until your vase is about half full. The marbles will settle, holding the stems of your flowers in place.

If you're using green foam, simply cut a piece to the size of your container. Stick the stems of each flower into the foam, starting at the center.

Once you've made a silk flower arrangement, you'll probably want to make another. It's a lot of fun!