I love a little mystery.
As a floral designer I’ve known about flower frogs for some time and I have quite a few of them. They are useful and kind of wacky cool looking.
But what are they?
A flower frog is an implement designed to sit in the bottom of a bowl or vase and hold flower stems in place — keeping arrangements in exactly the shape the arranger had in mind. They come in many forms: Some look like metal pincushions, some resemble freestanding toothbrush holders, others are graceful figurines with strategically placed holes made for blooms. The earliest known versions date back to 14th century Japan, where they were essential to the art of flower arranging, or Ikebana.
But here’s the mystery. No one is quite sure HOW they came to be called flower frogs.
It is thought that they started to be called frogs in the early 1900s here in America but that is all anyone really knows.
My collection includes all of the ones in the above photo plus the next couple of photos.
This glass vase with glass frog that fits into the top is perfect for shorter flowers like my Floribunda roses.
This is one of my favorite frogs. A ceramic frog.
I’ve been wondering lately how I could display my flower frogs. Sure, they are kind of neat looking , but except for the ceramic frog they wouldn’t look so great sitting on a table top or a shelf. So I went digging for some inspiration and here is what I found.
Here is a lovely way to display vintage flower frogs in a Vintage Soda Crate from Shabby Love.
I love this Flower Frog Wall Art from Design*Sponge
I love the way the flower frog is used in this display. I found the image on Pinterest and it said it was from Fleeing France but the post was removed.
Here is a great way to display several flower frogs in one place from Mamie Janes.
Display antique scissors in an antique glass flower frog? Yes please!
Flower frogs are still produced and vintage frogs can be found in abundance on Etsy and Ebay. You know, if you would like to collect some for your own.
Here is a great post showing How to Use a Flower Frog.
What do you collect?
I collect brass hand bells. It started with one from my DH’s family that belonged to a teacher way back in his family tree, and whenever I find another brass one I get it. I used to collect ceramic bells as well, but they were all lost in a family move, and I worried about them breaking in an earthquake here in Southern California. Brass is better!
I image that the brass bells sound better too Sandi.
I have a collection of over 250 teapots, lol. I’m about to downsize my collection and I think I’ll try to make some yard art with them. I also have a collection of ruby red glass which is antique. A small group of ceramic teddy bears and a small group of antique beaded purses. The purses are awesome! I’m not a hoarder, lol
Hi Barbara!!
I’ve been looking at the local thrift shops for a pretty tea pot. I think I’d love a floral but mis-matched tea set for when friends come over to visit my studio.
My grandmother had the whole Avon collection of that red glass but lost it when her house burned.
I have three small vases that were my grandmothers.
Great collections!