Taping A Wire . . .

There are many different roles for a taped wire in a floral setting. 

Wire aids flower blooms in many different functions! Strong wire adds strength to a floral stem. Thin wire can totally recreate a bloom.
​Floral wrap tape is essential for fresh flowers. (The light green tape in this picture.) This tape is a thin crepe paper lightly encased in wax. To start this tape, hold the end between the index finger and thumb. Pull the tape over the are you are securing. As the tape passes through the finger the friction created activates the wax to secure it to itself. 

The gauge I use most often is #22. This gauge is flexible. It can used in many situations. It can support the stems, create shapes for designs, and it is great to hold together a bow! The thinnest gauge I use is #26. This gauge is used to wire flowers for corsages, boutonnieres and wedding bouquets. The thinness of the wire allows control to hold together the petals, but it takes skill and practice not to cut the petals.
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To start covering a wire with this tape, hold the end between the index finger and thumb. Pull the tape over the wire being secured. As the tape passes through the fingers, the friction created activates the wax on the tape and secures it to itself. 

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Pull the tape down the wire to fully cover the wire. Finish taping the wire by breaking the tape at the end of the wire. Occasionally, it is necessary to pull the raped wire through the fingers to smooth the floral wrap tape. It is important to realize that thin gauges of wire can cut your fingers like a razor if you pull it through your fingers to fast.