Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

Yvonne Watson   /  Correspondent

Yvonne Watson created a St. Patrick's Day arrangement featuring a rainbow of carnations. (Jed Conklin/The Spokesman-Review ) More information » When Yvonne Watson decided to follow through on a lifelong interest in floral design, and took a class at the community college in her home town two years ago, she opened the door to opportunity. » Soon Watson was making floral arrangements for her husband's business clients as well as friends and family. » Now, as a new contributor to Home – eagle-eyed readers may recognize her from last week's Newcomers page – Watson has designed a creative, fun and inexpensive arrangement to decorate for St. Patrick's Day festivities.

Whatever the occasion, flowers can be an important part of any celebration. Novelty floral designs are unique arrangements that are often made entire out of flower heads and blooms. They are usually inexpensive, easy to make and can be a whimsical way to express a theme or message. With St. Patrick's Day on the way, this month's featured arrangement is called "Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."

Here is how to make your own floral celebration:

•Choose a round container and cut a piece of wet floral foam to fit. Soak the foam in water.

•After placing the foam in the container, position one stem of Bells of Ireland – a tall spring-green annual – as the base for your carnation rainbow.

•Next, select carnations, trim stems and place along the Bells of Ireland. If a desired color of carnation is not available your florist can paint a flower in the color of your choice.

•Place baby's breath or any other type of greenery at the base of the arrangement to hide the floral foam.

•Wrap the "pot" with gold cellophane, fabric or mylar, and tie with a ribbon or secure with metallic garland.