How to Create a Wild and Natural Arrangement (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

In today’s tutorial, I’m creating a design inspired by to periods of time. This shape is loose and compact like those seen in Dutch Masters Paintings with large flower heads used at the top and bottom of the arrangement. arranging of flowers using a selection of pink and red flowers. Goerogian flower arrangements were typically more pastel that this colour choice but with a more rounded shape. This tutorial is aimed at beginners and those with a little experience. This would be ideal as a gift, for display in a church or for a workplace or home setting A “Dutch Master” painting refers to the dramatic still-life paintings created during the Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s by artists such as Rachel Ruysch, Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Ambrosius Bosschaert. These paintings were known for their: Rich, dark backgrounds Dramatic lighting and shadows Overflowing arrangements of flowers, fruit and foliage Incredible botanical detail Sense of movement and abundance Romantic, slightly imperfect styling rather than rigid symmetry Flowers were often painted at different stages of life — buds, full bloom and fading petals — symbolising beauty, wealth and the passing of time. Dutch Master paintings also frequently included luxurious objects and collected curiosities such as shells, pocket watches, insects, silverware, books, glassware and exotic artefacts gathered from trade routes around the world. These details reflected wealth, scientific discovery and fascination with the natural world during the Dutch Golden Age. Watches and hourglasses symbolised the passing of time, while butterflies, fading flowers and decaying fruit hinted at mortality and the temporary nature of beauty and success. Many floral still-life paintings were also far more than decorative artworks — they acted as detailed botanical records. Artists carefully studied and painted individual flowers as they bloomed throughout the year, often combining species that would never naturally flower together in the same season. The paintings became visual archives of rare and fashionable plants, documenting colour, form and botanical characteristics with remarkable accuracy. In some cases, these artworks were later used as references for horticultural studies, collectors and even early seed and bulb catalogues. This design focuses on: • Creating natural shapes • Understanding asymmetry and actual balance • Skill level – beginner/intermediate Whether you’re a floristry student, working florist, or enthusiastic flower arranger, I hope this tutorial gives you confidence and inspiration to create your own version. 🌿 Flowers & Foliage Used Flowers • Peony, Iris, Sambucha nigra, Asclepias tuberosa, Molucella, Weigela, Geum, Valerian • Focal Flowers - Rose • Filler Flower/Transitional - Spray Carnations • Filler Flower - Gypsophila Foliage • Cercis 📚 Learn More With Me If you’d like to go deeper with your floristry skills: 🌿 Online Lessons & Course https://www.sharondower.com/challenges 🌸 Floristry E-Book Leaflets & Downloadable Guides https://www.sharondower.com/shop ✨ Channel Membership (exclusive tutorials & behind the scenes) 🌼 Let’s Stay Connected Facebook group:   / 337191925115806   Facebook:   / trainingwithsharondower   Instagram:   / floralinnovations   Website: https://www.sharondower.com/ Email enquiries: [email protected] 🌷 Helpful Notes • Always condition your flowers before arranging • Work with seasonal materials where possible • Tag me if you recreate this design — I love to see your work This floristry and flower arranging tutorial demonstrates how to create a [design name] using seasonal flowers. Perfect for floristry students, professional florists and hobby flower arrangers looking to improve technique, structure and flower selection.