Just sprinkle the crystals into water and wait while they grow into sparkling crystals. It may take a couple of hours however it is worth the wait. The clear variety looks just like crushed ice. When you position your flowers they stay where you put them. Just like traditional oasis, this is a unique way of displaying your flowers and makes any piece of glassware look like a work of art ! Many of my customers have commented on the displays of these in my shop. Crystals Accents is made from a super-absorbent, water storing polymer that is nontoxic and environmentally safe.It can be used with both artificial and fresh flowers and combined with candles or other ornaments providing water will not damage them. Let your imagination run wild. Try mixing different colours or adding colours in layers to produce some fantastic results. And when your arrangement needs a little more water just top it up. The manufacturer advises that these are not suitable for roses although i have had no problem as long as they are treated and conditioned before hand in the correct way.