How to Use a Kenzan

Cut, Stick, Repeat

Using kenzan flower frogs may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy!
Sure, it may take a bit of practice to master the technique of angling and inserting stems just right, but the payoff is well worth it. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to create light, airy, and uniquely expressive designs with ease. Unlike floral foam, a kenzan doesn’t need to be hidden; it becomes part of the artistry, allowing for more sustainable, sculptural, and visually open arrangements.

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1. Choose a vase

Get started with your design by choosing a vase! You can use any vase you'd like, as long as the mouth (the opening at the top) is larger than the size of your pin frog. The pin holder doesn't need to fit the vase perfectly, it just needs to be big enough to hold the flowers that you have! 

2. Prepare your kenzan

Begin your design by placing floral putty along the outside edge of the bottom of your flower frog. While floral putty isn't required, it will keep the flower frog in place while you design and when the arrangement is moved.

3. Place your kenzan and add water

Gently press your flower frog into a clean and dry vase. If there's any moisture in the vase, the floral putty will not stick. Add water to your vase. While you want the complete design to be completely filled with water, you'll only need to cover the flower frog while you're designing and top off the water when your arrangement is complete. 

5. Make magic

Start your design with flowers that have thicker stems. Give each stem a sharp, angled cut and insert it into the frog piercing the stem onto the nails. As you build your design, it's easier to weave in smaller stems using the thicker stems to support your placement. 

Protip: once your design has lived its best life, remove the flower frog from the vase immediately. Over time, the putty will harden and be difficult to remove. 

Fore more tips, read our Mindful Mechanics blog!

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