DIY Fruit Bouquets

2. Foam or Floral Foam (Oasis)

Use floral foam as the anchor for the fruit bouquet. Cut it to a similar size to the interior of the base. this will minimise movement when the decorative pieces are added.  Floral foam is heavier than polystyrene foam. As a result, it makes a better anchor, though polystyrene can also be used if it is wedged into the base though it can deteriorate faster with repeated piercing. Floral foam is specifically suitable to fresh fruit bouquets when flowers or leaves are used to ensure they have moisture, thereby ensuring longevity.

3. Decorative Leaves and Flowers

Use decorative leaves and flowers as the ‘supporting cast’ for your bouquet. They hide the operational work within the interior of the display while enhancing the feel and look of the fruit.

Use vine leaf to wrap around the rim of the base, shielding the lip and the floral foam from view. A leafy grapevine, ivy or other leafy vines are all great tools to have at your disposal to decorate the base. When grapes are used to hang over the edge of the base, the effect of the wrap around leaf vines is enhanced.

Use flowers as another medium to obscure the view around the rim of the base. Coordinating the colour of the flowers with some of the fruit permits a complementary effect with the bouquet. The use of additional artificial flowers around the fruit bouquet can also fill the gaps that appear when round fruit is placed adjacent to each other. (This gap filling can also be achieved by overlapping the fruit, though too much fruit can detract from the appearance).

Use artificial flowers such as bridal wreath (spiraea prunifolia), orchids, daisies, geraniums or lilies present compelling appeal when used to complement artificial fruit in a bouquet.

Further, due to their shape, they provide ample coverage to ensure the mechanics beneath the surface are out of sight.

4. Artificial Fruit

Although artificial fruit may not be the Real McCoy, the colours they represent reflect the real thing. As a result, they are a great alternative to building an enduring bouquet. The bright colours of artificial fruit allow a permanent display piece that will not deteriorate or attract vermin.

Artificial fruit can vary in style, appearance, quality and therefore price. When building the bouquet, bamboo skewers will be used to pierce some of the fruit. As a result, you will need to consider your budget and desired appearance.

Artificial fruit with a foam interior and painted exterior are the best option as they are relatively inexpensive and provide adequate weight and grip to the skewer. Some foam filled fruit have a solid block in the centre that adds to the authentic feel of the piece. As a result, you will not be able to pierce directly through the middle of the fruit, rather you will need to pierce off centre. The effect is the same and the result is better since more of the fruit can be displayed when the skewer has a rear tendency.

Use Artificial grapes for excellent coverage around the base. They create a spectacular effect when cascading from the rim. Further artificial lemons, oranges and apples provide an outstanding colour palette for the bouquet.

Another significant aspect to an attractive fruit bouquet is adding a feature piece that dominates the ‘skyline’. Using a pineapple, for example, to stand head and shoulders atop the bouquet. It becomes the ‘Lead Role’ with ‘Supporting Cast’ surrounding it.

5. Bamboo Skewers

Purchase bamboo skewers in a pack of 100 or more (depending on your plan). Cut the to size with a pair of clippers or a wire cutter. The skewers usually have one blunt and one pointed end. With foam fruit, both ends can pierce the surface, easily entering the foam. Similarly, both ends can pierce the floral foam base. Use the pointed end to pierce the fruit as the painted exterior provides an added layer of resilience.

6. Wire

Using craft wire to secure the fruit, leaves or flowers to the skewers. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. As a result, wire that is circa 20 gauge or higher, is easily manipulated and has greater versatility. It can easily be purchased in 7 metre (8 yard) coils.

Craft wire also provides minimal visibility beneath the inner mechanics of the bouquet. Use wire cutters to cut the wire to the desired lengths. The wire effectively is used to wrap around the skewer that pierces the fruit. The skewer is then pierced into the floral foam with the fruit attached.

Useful Extras for DIY Fruit Bouquets

While the essentials above allow you to create a beautiful fruit bouquet, other materials such as cellophane or decorative paper to wrap the base is worth considering when the base lacks the visual appeal desired. Glue or tape can also be used to affix the floral foam to the base.

Watch the video below for a step by step guide into how you can create your own fruit bouquet.

Which base to use will have a significant impact on what your fruit bouquet will look like and how it comes together. As a result, it is important to identify your desired base before commencing.

Send your feedback on DIY Fruit Bouquets

Once you’ve completed your own DIY Fruit Bouquet, I’d love to see it. Feel free to post a photo or video or if you have suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out in the Comments section below.

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