Beautiful Fall Flowers
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Online Feature: Easy D.I.Y. Fall Flower Arrangements

by Courtney England

We are a culture of Do-It-Yourself-ers. We walk through a craft store, look at a display, check the price and announce to the world "I can make that!" Many of us believe we are super-crafter-woman. With a little glue, lace and ribbon we can make anything. We are craft heroes. Yet somehow, if you are like me, remnants of several unfinished projects and their supplies are stored away in my craft closet waiting for me to find the time.

So how do you decide what do-it-yourself projects are worth your time? How about one that uses leftover holiday materials you probably already have and includes complete, simple instruction so you can successfully finish the project?

Well, look no further. Here are complete written instructions, plus photos to complete this holiday craft project and make you feel like a true craft hero! This will be easy. (Not like the expression easy as pie, though. I have made a homemade pie and it was hard!) I will not let you fail this mission. Together, we will avoid the perils of the unfinished craft graveyard.

These fun creations can be used to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving. 
Materials to buy:

• Pumpkin or Squash
• Wet Floral Foam: Craft store, floral section $3-4
• You can use any flower you like. Roses are sold at most grocery stores. You may only need a dozen, depending on the size of your container (pumpkin or squash)
• Greenery or leaves can add a nice touch and take the role of filler in a flower arrangement

Tip: When looking for flowers and greenery, never forget what you have growing in your yard. (Remember, they are free!) 
Optional:

• Halloween decorations such as spider rings, spider webs, sticks, rubber toy rodents, etc
• Thanksgiving extras could be cranberries, small vegetables like squash or zucchini, and ribbon

Step by step instructions

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1. Prepare the container (pumpkin or squash). Cut top of container and clean out all seeds, like you were to carve a jack-o-lantern. (photo 1)
2. Prepare foam by soaking in water for ten minutes. Cut the foam to fit tightly in carved hole using a knife. (photo 2 & 3)
3. Start arranging flowers and other items beginning with the largest items first. This may be roses or sunflowers. Flowers should have at least 2 inches of their stem inside the foam. (photo 4 & 5)
4. Using greenery, fill in any empty spaces in the arrangement. (photo 6 & 7)
5. Add holiday details. Be creative and have fun! (photo 8)

Now you know how easy flower arranging can be, you may want to try another one for the next season. Each arrangement should last 7-10 days without any added water or worry. Remember, crafts should be fun to display and create. Use what you have around the house and yard. For other Do-It-Yourself flower ideas check out this website.

This article was written for Wasatch Women Magazine Oct. 2009.