How to Use Wire Cutters to Cut Artificial Flower Stems
Artificial flowers are becoming more and more lifelike. Gone are the old, hard plastic flowers; they've been replaced with gorgeous silk and cloth varieties. Unfortunately, their stems still contain wire for shaping and flexibility.
Sometimes it's necessary to cut the stems of artificial flowers to get the correct proportions in vase arrangements. A pair of wire cutters makes the job easy, but just like any other tool, it's important to learn how to use them safely.
Things You Will Need
- Wire cutters
- Green floral tape
Tip
Wrap a small piece of green floral tape around the point of the artificial flower stem to keep the wire from puncturing anything.
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Open the wire cutters fully, holding them in your right hand. Hold the artificial flower in your left hand. If you are left-handed, do the reverse.
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Place the stem in between the jaws of the wire cutters, all the way up to where they are hinged together.
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Hold the flower and the stem well away from your face, and close the jaws of the wire cutters quickly and firmly. You'll hear a snap as the wire breaks. Pick up the cut end and discard.
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For thicker wires, squeeze the cutters as hard as you can to score the wire surface. Set the cutters down, and bend the wire back and forth until it breaks.
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Close the cutters before you put them back in your toolbox or drawer to avoid injury to fingers the next time someone reaches for them.
The Drip Cap
- Artificial flowers are becoming more and more lifelike.
- Sometimes it's necessary to cut the stems of artificial flowers to get the correct proportions in vase arrangements.
- Open the wire cutters fully, holding them in your right hand.
- Close the cutters before you put them back in your toolbox or drawer to avoid injury to fingers the next time someone reaches for them.
References
Photo Credits
- Pliers and wire cutters image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
- Pliers and wire cutters image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
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