DIY Floral Skull Centerpiece

October 15, 2014
DIY,Entertaining

The first sight of pumpkins in October always gets me giddy with delight. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays – second to Thanksgiving, of course. I love getting into the dark and ghoulish spirit, always looking to outdo the previous year when it comes to decor. I’m super excited to share this Halloween themed floral centerpiece with you – I mean, who knew a human skull makes for such a wonderfully creepy vessel?!

skullflowers2

You’ll need:

  • a life size mode skull with removable calvarium
  • a wet floral foam block
  • pruning shears
  • a knife
  • a large Ziploc bag
  • a variety of fresh flowers (large and small blooms, twigs, an assortment of full leaf, slender and floppy greenery)

skullflowers5

Start by removing the top of the skull. Cut a square block out of the floral foam.

skullflowers7

Fit it inside the skull and slice away corners and edges so that it fits. You can press down on the foam to make sure it gets as deep as it can. Use a knife to slice off any excess foam but be sure to leave at least 1/2 an inch of floral foam peeking out from the top of the skull. You want the foam deep enough to hold your flower stems!

skullflowers8

Remove the foam and submerge it in a bowl of water. Leave it for at least a few minutes to absorb as much water as possible. Take a large Ziploc bag and fit it over the skull. This will prevent water from leaking through the skull and allow you to water your centerpiece once it’s finished.

skullflowers9

Set the wet floral foam back into the skull. Trim the plastic lining.

skullflowers11

Now it’s time to arrange your centerpiece! When arranging flowers in wet foam, you must always trim the stems at an angle so they can absorb plenty of water. Once you insert a stem you cannot remove it as the wet foam has no memory. Insert the stems upright and about 3/4 of the way down. Start with the largest, leafiest flowers. This will help set the framework for your centerpiece.

skullflowers12

Since you’ll want your skull upright when working, set a small foam block under the back of the skull to help prop it up. Add more flowers – I added the fluffy dahlias and calla lillies next. Be sure to add foliage around the edge of the skull to help hide the foam.

skullflowers13

Add all the tall green stalks and slender stems last. Peel away any leaves or flowers to help insert the stems without crushing the other flowers.

skullflowers14

Add interesting elements like grapes on a vine or long twigs with berries. And have fun with shaping the centerpiece – it shouldn’t be too perfect. Outliers make it fun and interesting!

skullflowers3

Your centerpiece should last at least a week. Be sure to water it each day and keep it out of direct sunlight.

skullflowers0

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

Really wanted to make this but I can’t find a skull anywhere with the personality and artful shape of this one. So sad! This arrangement and skull vase is stunning.

Okay guys, I’m horrible with flower names. Can anyone tell me all the flowers that are in this arrangement?? Please and thank you!

I found out the light green Velvet foliage is called “Dusty Miller,” the bright green stems sticking out is are “Amaranthus,” the large dark flowers look like “Dahlias,” and of course “Black Calla Lilies” are in the mix too. I don’t know the rest, but the bright pink cluster looks like a “Panama Rose.” Hope this helps!

Erica, this is stunning! I’m going to attempt to recreate it. Are those grapes hanging off the wooden stick faux or real? Silly, I know! But I’m trying to work out every detail before I dive in. Thank you for the magnificent inspiration!

Oh my… this is just too perfect. I’m in the middle of writing a tea party book for the goth crowd, and this is exactly the sort of centerpiece I need for the table settings! And it doesn’t hurt that it will match the bat lace curtains in my living room, too…

This will definitely be on my table next Halloween! Thanks for the lovely inspiration and Happy Halloween…
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net

I love the foliage you chose, perfectly full with fall beauty 🙂
Http:/www.facebook.com/wtwithme

Oh my gaaaahhh, that’s absolutely gorgeous! Is it bad that I want that arrangement on my desk at work?

Erica, you have out done yourself! FABULOUS! And Halloween IS my favorite holiday. Enjoy the spirit (but I think you already are).

Leave a Reply

Link Love