Flower toy: how to make a chrysanthemum teddy bear

A teddy bear, bunny or cat made of fresh flowers is one of the most memorable floral gifts. The figure is built on a wet floral foam base, and the “fur” is made of tightly packed heads of small chrysanthemums. Here is how a flower toy works, how to make one yourself and how to keep it fresh longer.

Ready-made options: chrysanthemums and flowers for kids.

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How a flower toy is made

The base is wet floral foam in the shape of the figure, bought ready-made or cut from blocks. The foam holds water, so the flowers drink as they would in a vase. Santini spray chrysanthemums with their small dense heads are the usual choice: they last well and keep their shape. Carnations and mini roses work for accents.

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How to make one yourself

• Prepare the base. Float the foam on water and let it sink by itself without pushing it down, otherwise dry pockets remain inside. Stand the figure on a tray or base.
• Cut the flowers. Leave 2–3 cm of stem below each head, cut at an angle.
• Pack tightly. Insert flowers right next to each other, starting with outlines — ears, paws, muzzle — then fill the body. Do not pull flowers out and reinsert them: that leaves holes in the foam.
• Add details. Eyes and nose are decorative pins; the muzzle and tummy can be picked out in another shade; add a ribbon or bow at the neck.
• Check from all sides that no foam shows through.

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Care

• Every 1–2 days, gently add water to the foam so it never dries out.
• Mist the flowers with a spray bottle.
• Keep the toy away from radiators, direct sun and draughts.
• How long it lasts depends on flower freshness and care; chrysanthemums usually outlast most other flowers.

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Who to give it to

Flower toys make great gifts for children, girlfriends, birthdays, new babies or Valentine’s Day. No vase is needed, so they are easy to deliver. For a gift that lasts even longer, see our soft toy bouquet ideas.

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FAQ

How many flowers does a small bear need?

A figure about 30 cm tall usually takes several dozen stems of spray chrysanthemums, depending on the size of the heads.

Can other flowers be used?

Carnations, mini roses and hydrangea work, but chrysanthemums are easiest: their heads are dense and they stay fresh a long time.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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