A simple trick to break up early work is to create a sense of depth in the arrangement. This approach helps you think about the purpose of each stem. You do not need a lot of materials to practice this technique. Start with a single flower in a vase. Step back and observe the shape of the bloom. Then add a second flower just below the first one and slightly off-center. The first bloom should still dominate the piece, but the second bloom should support it. Add a third bloom to the arrangement, this time positioning it lower and slightly off-center in the opposite direction of the second bloom. Finally, add some greenery around the blooms to give the arrangement some movement and flow.
Notice how the eye moves through the arrangement when you add different layers of blooms and foliage. When you place stems at different heights and distances from the center of the vase, you start to create a three-dimensional arrangement. The stems are no longer sitting on the same plane, and this added dimension gives the arrangement some visual interest. When you add a lot of stems at the same height and distance from the center, the arrangement starts to look two-dimensional and flat.
As you create arrangements, pay attention to the overall silhouette of the piece. If the arrangement has a flat or rounded shape, try removing some of the stems to create some empty space in the vase. Then place a few stems in the vase at different heights and distances from the center. The negative space in the arrangement will create a sense of depth and make the piece feel less flat.
Another reason your arrangements may look flat is because of the shape and size of your vase. If you have a lot of short stems, a low, wide vase is a good choice because it allows you to create a compact arrangement with a lot of texture and interest. If you have a lot of long stems, a taller vase is a better option because it gives the stems room to move without looking crowded in the vase.
If you are using a low, wide vase, you will want to create a compact arrangement that is heavy at the base and light at the top. To do this, place your largest flowers in the vase first, working your way up to the smallest flowers. Place each bloom close to the one below it to create a heavy base. As you add more blooms to the arrangement, place them a little farther apart to create a lighter, airy top.
If you are using a tall, narrow vase, you will want to create an arrangement that is light at the base and heavy at the top. To do this, place your smallest flowers in the vase first, working your way up to the largest flowers. Place each bloom far from the one below it to create a light base. As you add more blooms to the arrangement, place them closer together to create a heavy top.