CCF CCF Floral Mechanics & Construction 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct method for saturating floral foam before use?
- Place it on the water surface and allow it to sink on its own (Correct answer)
- Force it under water for 30 seconds
- Soak it in hot water for one hour
- Spray it with a water bottle until damp
Correct answer: Place it on the water surface and allow it to sink on its own
Allowing foam to sink naturally prevents trapped air pockets that would block stem uptake.
Question 2: How far above the container rim should floral foam extend for maximum design flexibility?
- 1–2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3–4 inches
- Flush with the rim
- Below the rim
Correct answer: 1–2 inches
Foam extending 1–2 inches above the rim allows stems to be inserted at downward angles, enabling the natural cascading look seen in professional designs.
Question 3: What is the recommended method for securing saturated floral foam inside a container?
- Waterproof tape strips crossed over the foam and adhered to the container rim (Correct answer)
- High-temperature hot glue applied to the foam base
- Wire wrapped tightly around the foam
- Pressing the foam firmly with no additional adhesive
Correct answer: Waterproof tape strips crossed over the foam and adhered to the container rim
Waterproof floral tape crossed over the foam and secured to the container rim firmly anchors the foam without interfering with stem insertion.
Question 4: Which foam type is appropriate for dried and silk flower arrangements?
- Dry foam (Sahara foam) (Correct answer)
- Saturated wet floral foam
- Standard craft Styrofoam
- No foam — use sand instead
Correct answer: Dry foam (Sahara foam)
Dry foam, such as Oasis Sahara, is specifically formulated to grip stems of dried and silk materials without crumbling under pressure.
Question 5: What tool is a 'kenzan' (pin holder or 'frog') used for in floral design?
- Anchoring stems securely in shallow containers and low bowls (Correct answer)
- Cutting foam to fit a container
- Applying floral adhesive to stems
- Measuring wire gauge thickness
Correct answer: Anchoring stems securely in shallow containers and low bowls
A kenzan uses upward-pointing brass pins to impale and hold stems at precise angles in ikebana and low-profile Western designs.
Question 6: At what angle should stems be cut before inserting them into floral foam?
- 45-degree angle (Correct answer)
- Straight horizontal cut
- 90-degree perpendicular cut
- V-shaped notch cut
Correct answer: 45-degree angle
A 45-degree angled cut maximizes the stem's surface area for water uptake and allows easier penetration into the foam.
CCF CCF Floral Mechanics & Construction 2
What is the correct method for saturating floral foam before use?