Crochet thistles that stand up???

[Busytizzy]

Hello!
I want to try and make some crocheted thistles that will be able to stand in a bottle - so would have a rigid stem. Does anyone know of a pattern, or maybe just how to create the stems? Thanks!

There is a pattern in '100 flowers to knit and crochet' by Lesley Stanfield , - wonder if you could get this from the library?
For the stems - either crochet around a pipecleaner , or use florists wire

Thank you so much!!! That book looks fab, I think I'll invest!

You would need to wire the stems, but there are patterns that incorporate florist's wire in them

I have the book , and used loads of the patterns - its lovely !
I have just done some flowers with florists wire pushed up a stem made from knitting an i- cord - it works pretty well :)