5.4 How to Make a Chanhua Orchid Potted Plant

1.  Prepare several wrapped leaves and petals according to the pattern. Also prepare a bundle of fondant flower stamens.

2.  Take out three large orchid petals, three small orchid petals, and three fondant stamens.

3.  Use round-nose pliers to gently curve the petals into shape.

4.  Cut the fondant stamens in half and use one of the pieces.

5.  Use silk thread (the same color as the leaves) to tie one small petal (in a different color) together with the fondant stamens.

6.  Add the other two small petals and arrange them to curve inward.

7.  Add the large petals one by one in the gaps between the small petals. Let these large petals curve outward.

8.  Wrap the stem with thread all the way to the end. One orchid flower is now complete.

9.  Use round-nose pliers to bend one small petal (in a different color) into a curved half-circle shape.

10. Add the fondant stamens, the other two small petals, and one large petal to make a flower bud.

11. Make two orchids and one bud using these steps.

12. For some of the leaves, use the "bead edging" technique to add a different element to the piece.

13. Use your fingers to gently curve each leaf into a slightly different shape.

14. Assemble the bud with one of the orchids. Position the bud to the side, with one slightly higher than the other and a little apart.

15. Add the third orchid to the front of the group. Continue wrapping the stem for a short distance.

16. Add leaves, placing them in suitable positions to complement the orchids' shape.

17. Continue adding more leaves to the back and sides as needed.

18. After all leaves are attached, wrap down the stem for a short distance and use an invisible finishing technique to tie off the thread.

19. The orchid part is now finished.

20. Prepare a rectangular pot and a piece of floral foam cut to size.

21. Place the floral foam inside the pot. The top of the foam should sit about 0.5cm below the rim.

22. Insert the stem of the finished orchid into the floral foam to secure it.

23. Prepare some small white pebbles, about 1~3mm in size.

24. Add the pebbles to the pot to cover the floral foam. This makes the arrangement look nicer.

25. The orchid potted plant is now complete.