The rectangular piece of Aqua Foam was just the right size for the gold decorative platter I will use as the base.

Following the directions that came with the Aqua Foam, I soaked the rectangle piece in water that was conditioned with floral preservative. See how the color is getting darker as it absorbs the water. I waited until all the water was gone.

Now I added strips of floral sticky clay to the platter. The Aqua Foam will stick to the clay and provide a solid base for the arrangement.

After attaching the foam, I covered the base with red wrapping paper that was coated. I didn't want the paper to soak up any water. I used wooden toothpicks to secure the paper to the foam.