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• Jun 21, 2006 6:25 pm US/Central
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  School Shows Where All The Flowers Have Gone

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School Shows Where All The Flowers Have Gone

Students Can Make A Masterpiece Right In Their Own Backyard

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Students at the Chicago School of Flower Design know flower arrangements bring the outside in.

As CBS 2's Diann Burns reports, a class can help you display the beautiful flowers in your garden inside your home.

"If you're designing at home, there's so many things in your back yard you can use," said school founder Michael Gaffney.

It's not hard. Just follow simple design rules. First: Create a focal point.

"The eye of the hurricane," according to Gaffney. "It's what draws you in to look."

For example, roses can make a stunning focal point. Such a design is an example of the "unity" principle: the combining of elements whether it's color, contrast or texture.

And it's important to keep your lines strong, Gaffney said, such as a classic "L" design from the 1950s. Once you've got the basics, make your arrangement uniquely yours.

Experimenting and using materials in an innovative approach is what Gaffney encourages his students to do.

Some new trends in floral design "go underwater." Just make sure your flowers have a waxy texture like orchids. And "pave" is proving to be hot.

"It's head-to-head," Gaffney said. "And very geometrical."

While not the star of the show, the vase you choose is important. For proper proportion, make it one-third the size of your arrangement.

Gaffney prefers the classic urn because he believes it narrows in just below the neck like your hand was holding flowers.

And his advice to beginners: Don't overstuff.

"I think people think if they keep adding flowers and pray a little bit it will come out," he said. "Prayer doesn't really work. Less is going to be more."

Michael says not to try to match the color of your design with the color of your room. Go for contrast.

If you're looking for inspiration, he suggests leafing through magazines for ideas.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)