I love to use vintage flower frogs when arranging flowers. Using these glass frogs is more eco-friendly than the weird green florist foam, and easier to handle than scrunched up chicken wire – it is a win-win situation.
I find the vintage glass frogs in local brocantes, and buy all different sizes, because each size works in different situations. The smaller ones are great for sprinkling down a table center, while the larger frogs can sit inside a wide vase or bowl and hold stems in place effortlessly.
If you use the frogs placed directly on a tabletop, be sure not to overfill with water, otherwise it will overflow. Alternatively, place each frog on a small saucer . Here is France these frogs were traditionally made from heavy glass in the town of Reims, out in Champagne. Their size is generally given in terms of ‘holes’. This is generally 7, 9 or 13 holes for the round frogs, and more for the oval frogs.
If you would like to try using these glass frogs you can find them here. The smallest size is included in our Gardening Box, also available on the boutique here.
22 comments
how many stems do you put in each hole?
That depends on the size of the stems! :). But generally 2-3 stems
I didn’t know that about the numbers of stem holes. I’ve a number of those, inherited and picked up at various yard sales over time. With spring coming, they’ll get some more use now, thanks.
I prefer the “metal spike” frogs. They seem to hold the stems safely and firmly. The glass frogs are not stable
with heavy blossoms…..such as dahlias or hydrangeas.
Thanks for sharing
I know what you mean, if I use a glass frog inside a vase for heavier stems then I generally secure the frog with two pieces of florists tape across the top of the vase to prevent movement, but that’s not necessary very often.
I had one my grandmother gave me and sadly it has vanished. I can’t find them anywhere in Atlanta. Yours are gorgeous! Do you ever offer some in the boutique (not your personal ones, of course)? And, it would be great to see an article on Daniel Lebovitz in one of the magazine issues. Unlike Robert above, I do not favor the Metal Spike frogs at all.
Loved seeing your collection!
Hi Phyllis, yes they are available in our MFCH Boutique , you can find them here https://myfrenchcountryhomebox.com/product/large-glass-flower-frogs/
I’m very pleased to know what to do with these gems! I have a nice variety but am glad to know where to puck up more!
I love flowers, AND quilting. I have collected frogs of all types over the years. I saw an article once where a woman said she uses the glass frogs to display small to medium scissors
In sewing we have different sized scissors for all sorts of purposes. It is far better to show them off in a pretty frog than hard to find in a jumble in a drawer!
I love this idea! embroidery scissors are certainly pretty enough to display 🙂
I collect frogs. I use them for flowers arrangements. To hold and display my cosmetic brushes as well as on my my desk holding pens. They come in handy!
Great idea ! 🙂
I have two frogs from my mother. I feel they are works of art, as well as useful.
Thank you for your article.
I have several both glass and wire and many vases which I inherited from grandparent
I collected them early on have all sizes both glass wire and prong ones like a drawer full ! Now maybe I can use them properly by putting three stems in ea hole ! Thank you Sharon
I have 19 mostly metas with grid design,prongs ,curliqe prongs an on glass which was my Mommas and one pink glass. I display 17 thin on my laundry room wal by hanging the with burlap string. I live within 1 hour of Atlanta, Ga and have found the majority up them in Antique shops in Monroe, Ga. which is closer to Atlanta than I am. Also I’ve found them at estate sales.
Many years ago, early 80s, I started collecting the glass frogs and used them as decorative elements. I love the purely useful aspect and the smart idea behind the concept. Later on I ended up selling them in my organic garden shop…I do miss them but now have match strikers everywhere that have taken their place.
I have a green ceramic frog that is shaped like a real frog. I love it for early daffodils.
I have a collection of them. Also a green one like your blue one. I like your header. A nice display.
I love the metal spike ‘frogs’. My grandmothers and great aunts always used them. I have collected them in vintage stores and estate sales in South Australia and Victoria and find them invaluable and much kinder on the environment. I have
a couple of glass frogs that came with the 1930s depression glass vases in the green colour. I love the vases but do not use the glass frogs as much as my metal ones.
The prize piece of my flower frog collection was stolen when I was in the hospital in late 2021. It was about 10 inches tall, glass and fairly old. I’ve just emailed the dang fool RCMP constable on my stolen goods case to remind him I want it back!
I am extremely intrigued in this subject. Even though I have read numerous articles, I believe yours is the best.