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How to Create Two Fast and Ecofriendly Arrangements

I like to show you how simplicity is the key to surprising floral art.

By: VALENTIN CANDIA MAHN | 13-08-2025 | 3 min read
Floral Art Floral Designs Sustainability
Floral designs from Valentin Candia Mahn with Sideau Cake Dummy

Imagine transforming your floral designs into captivating summer statements with ease and flair. That’s precisely what the Sideau® Cake Dummy by Agra-Wool International is. This innovative base becomes your secret weapon for creating stunning, natural-looking arrangements with that wow effect. Let's take a look at the steps in the making of two creative pieces.

Summer’s Freshness: An Arrangement Full of Festivity

I started my design by stacking the Sideau® Cake Dummy in various sizes, giving the arrangement a cake-like silhouette. Lightly moistening the round shapes beforehand ensures the blooms stick perfectly and stay fresh longer. I placed it on a rustic tray or a bed of lush grass; it sets the perfect natural stage.

 

Arrangements by Floral Designer Valentin with Sideau Cake Dummy
The base of my citrus design with Sideau® Cake Dummy

 

Starting from the bottom, I began by creating a bright foundation with citrussen, some cut in quarters, others whole, strategically placed along the edges and in the center. This adds a lively, fresh look. Next, I selected a different type of flowers, such as Zinnia, Craspedia, and Viburnum. I layered it with a focus on flowing lines and organic shapes, ensuring each element finds its place in the overall harmony, playing with different heights to add depth and contrast, incorporating fine greenery for volume and a natural touch.

The result? A joyful, festive summer arrangement that’s quick to assemble, perfect for garden parties, weddings, or simply bringing that sunny season indoors.

 

 Floral design from Valentin with Sideau Cake Dummy
Floral design with lemons with Sideau® Cake Dummy

 

Sustainable and Graceful: A Colorful Summer Decor With a Natural Twist

For the second arrangement, once again, I start by lightly moistening the Sideau® Cake Dummy, enhancing flower adhesion and longevity. Place the medium-sized dummy on a stylish, natural base, think a golden platter that reflects the summer itself.

 

Arrangement from floral Designer Valentin with Sideau Cake Dummy
The base from floral design with flowers and a Sideau® Cake Dummy

 

Here, creativity takes center stage. I used leftover flower stems, once destined for disposal, as decorative borders. The stems were cut into varied lengths and secured with elastic bands, creating a spontaneous, organic edge. Wrapping a piece of twine around the border creates a natural look, hiding the elastic and adding a rustic charm.

 

Arrangement with flowers by Floral Designer Valentin Candia Mahn with Sideau Cake Dummy
Me working on the design with flowers.

 

I choose a vibrant mix of blooms: roses, Dahlias, Gentiana, Agapanthus, and Allium, for a feast of colors and shapes. These are arranged at different heights around the base, layering textures and hues to craft a lively, dynamic display. This approach not only results in a stunning visual but also sends a message about sustainability and creativity.

 

Floral design with flowers from Valentin with Sideau Cake Dummy
The end result of the design with flowers with Sideau® Cake Dummy


My advice? Take your time, experiment with asymmetry and natural materials, and have fun with the process.

The Right Basics Make All the Difference

With the Sideau® Cake Dummy from Agra-Wool International in your toolkit, your creative possibilities expand exponentially. A strong foundation is key to any successful floral creation. Whether you’re aiming for a festive, cake-like summer centerpiece or a playful, eco-friendly decor piece, this base provides stability and versatility. Its natural appearance and user-friendly design allow you to produce beautiful arrangements efficiently, leaving plenty of room for your personal touch and experimentation.

 

 

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Valentin Candia Mahn profile picture
Valentin Candia Mahn

I would describe my style as grand and sweeping. I'm not much into minimalistic design, because I am more fond of extravagance, with all the trimmings, showing a lot of color.

My works need to be eye-catchers. My designs show a diverse mix. I like to combine all kinds of flowers, varying from everyday to really special flowers, and from cheap to very expensive flowers; one flower lifts up the other one. I am not focused on trends. I create what I think is beautiful, and I just hope others will understand this and like this.

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