When choosing dried flowers for an arrangement, there are several parameters to consider. Keep your home décor in mind as you choose three or four different bunches of flowers. Focus on color, texture and shape. Your bouquet should consist of at least one line, focal and filler flower.

A container for dried flowers should be neutral and complement your arrangement, not overpower it. It should suit the types of flowers you plan to use. You should also consider where you plan to place the arrangement in your home. Consider your home décor, colors, textures and desired mood. Other materials you'll need include foam, floral tape, a glue gun, 18-gauge stem wire and wood picks.

Mist your flowers with water from time to time to help preserve their moisture.

In ideal circumstances, dried flower arrangements can last as long as 10 years. There are a number of tricks you can use to help improve their shelf life. For example, try treating the flowers with a clear acrylic sealer or spray paint. Avoid direct sunlight, as colors will fade. Restore moisture to your dried flowers by misting them with water or even giving them a nice steam bath.

Most flower stems insert easily into the foam block; others need some support.

As with any craft, preparation is a key element in making a dried flower arrangement. Begin by securing any delicate stems with wire, then wrap in floral tape. Small bunches of flowers can be held together with a wood pick. Size your foam block to fit your container and glue it in place. Finally, work sheet moss around the edges of the foam, leaving the top surface

Add a few silk flowers, ribbons or bows to make the arrangement look more delicate.

The traditional Victorian dried flower arrangement is an opulent, colorful piece, typically triangular in shape. This style can be modernized by varying the size and height of the flowers, which opens up the arrangement. Good flower choices include lotus pods, eucalyptus, leather leaf, baby's breath and larkspur.

Bulky items like seed pods and sponge mushrooms draw the eye inwards.

A dried flower arrangement does not have to be the traditional tight mass of flowers. Contemporary arrangements are created in stark contrast to that style, using a minimal number of flowers and making use of negative space. Popular materials include long, thin items (like banana leaves and strelitzia) and eye-catching spiral items (like branches and cones)