Whether you’re a fledgling hobbyist or a professional florist, there are some tools of the trade you simply cannot live without. It may be tempting in the beginning to just wing it and use what you have, but the truth is, you’re not going to get very far without a full kit at your disposal.
Your life will be easier, your snips will be cleaner and safer, and your craft will be more enjoyable. Here are our top 10 tools to cut, snip, and prune:
- Branch Cutter (http://oasisfloralproducts.com/e2wItemMain.aspx?parentID=102438)
Using regular ol’ scissors to cut branches might get the job done, but it won’t get it done well—or comfortably. In order to avoid hand fatigue and dulled blades, invest in a handy branch cutter. A good pair will cut through stems easily and cleanly.
Wire is a great way to support stems in an arrangement, and like branches, they deserve their own tool. Using anything but a wire cutter to cut wire is going to dull your blade and cramp your hands, which, over a long period of time, could lead to carpel tunnel (http://www.floretflowers.com/2016/04/tools-of-the-trade/).
- Floral Snips (http://coronatoolsusa.com/comfortgeltm-snips.html)
A comfortable pair of floral snips is essential, especially if you’re working often. Invest in a pair with a comfort-grip and a sharp blade that will work for both delicate flowers and thicker stems.
- All-Purpose Pruner (http://www.shopterrain.com/garden-tools/all-purpose-pruner?ref=cj&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-Clique+Media%2C+Inc.++%7C+Who+What+Wear-_-11554124)
This all-purpose pruner has chrome plating for rust and sap resistance, plus it’s super lightweight for everyday use. The blade stays sharp too, so you won’t have to worry about them dulling.
- Florist Knife (http://www.michaelsfloralsupply.com/fto40640.html)
It’s always good to have a sharp knife on hand for cleaning the extra leaves off of leafy stems. A dull blade will crush plant fibers and impede water uptake (http://www.marthastewart.com/268239/a-year-of-flowers).
- Thorn Leaf Stripper (http://www.amazon.com/Zenport-ZL229-Stripper-Insulated-Pruners/dp/B00AWND2BY/?qid=1428347110&s=hi&sr=1-1&keywords=rose+thorn+remover&ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1)
Save yourself the pain of pricked fingers with this thorn leaf stripper. This tool is perfect for handling roses. It’s comfortable to use and sturdy, so you definitely won’t regret having one of these around.
- Craft Scissors (http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Precision-Scissors-3-Pack-1458-3AMZ/dp/B005P58CYG/ref=zg_bs_689392011_1)
When it’s time to decorate your arrangement, you don’t want to be reaching for floral snips to cut ribbon, or you’ll end up with frayed, uneven edges. Keep a pair of simple craft scissors on hand to save yourself some hassle.
A big pair of heavy duty loppers will help you reach flowering branches you might have missed before.
A good pair of bunch cutters is necessary to cut bunches of stems at one time. Attempting to cut multiple stems at once with a regular pair of scissors is not only dangerous, but also damages delicate stems (http://www.weddingflowersandreceptionideas.com/professional-florist-tools-small-bunch-cutter.html).
A good apron with hold your tools, protect your clothes, and provide you with a place to wipe your hands as you work. You can’t function without one!
For any and all of your floral arrangement needs, check out Greenchoice Flowers.