For more beautiful designs from Bare Root Flora please visit their website!

Designed by Laurie of Fleurie, for more inspiration visit her website.

Well, flower friends, I have some big news – we are moving to Washington State.
My husband has accepted a job position in Washington State that he is extremely excited about, so after just 8 months in California it is time to move again!
This is a huge change and not one that I was expecting, however, I’m sure we’ve all experienced changes that we were not expecting – right?! I am sad to be leaving my family and friends in California and all the new friends that I’ve been making here. Luckily, I am quite familiar with Washington State, having spent a lot of time there over the years. My Uncle lives just outside Seattle and is offering us a place to land until we find our *home*. My favorite Aunt, his wife of 40 years, passed away in June ~ perhaps her Angel-self decided to re-route us to Washington?!

There are a lot of positives to Washington State — it is gorgeous, I mean really, really gorgeous. The weather is very temperate. I hear it rarely snows (I’m just not a fan of snow and all my friends in Colorado know it!). Flowers grow like crazy and I am already looking forward to the garden I will be able to grow. I’ll be within easy driving of Vancouver and Portland – lots and lots of flower things to explore up in the Pacific Northwest, right?!
That being said – if you do live in that area and know of anything I must see, please let me know! I’m always up for a flower adventure!!

Last April when I visited the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, Washington I had no idea that 4 months later I’d be moving there! Thank goodness I’m moving to a flower filled place!!

There are a few flower friends here in California that I would like to say a *huge* thank-you to, new friends or friends that I’ve gotten to know better over the past 8 months.
Laurie from Fleurie – we’ve been on excellent flower adventures in the Bay Area, Santa Rosa and Santa Barbara. Great friend and I hope she visits me soon in Washington (hint, hint – Laurie!)
Polly and Brooke of Valley Flora. I met Polly through Twitter and met her in person back in January at a Wedding Showcase. I got to freelance with them a few times in Napa and *oh my gosh* their work is Stunning. I will be featuring them sometime soon on Flirty Fleurs!
Dena of Dandelion in Ukiah. I introduced myself when I first arrived, she invited me to coffee and then to the Pilates class she teaches ~ so fun! Plus, I got to freelance for her a bit.
Nancy Liu Chin, I need more time with this special lady!! We had *such* a great time visiting Louie Figone’s Farm and chatting when we’d run into each other at SF Flower Mart.
Nancy of Oak & The Owl, love this lady ~ such a sweetheart and thrilled I got to hang out with her at Photoshoots and for introducing me to Max Gill.
Yasmin from Floral Theory, I had barely arrived in CA and she invited me to join her at The Lab Event, where I got to meet Polly and to see an old friend, Marian of Savage Rose.
Alena, who I think I saw each time I went to SF Flower Mart, such a lovely person! I profiled her beautiful shop in Flirty Fleurs awhile back.

I feel like I only touched the tip of the iceberg that is the floral industry in California, still so many farms and flower shops to visit in California! Luckily, I’ll be back often and will continue to visit flower businesses here.
Plus, I still have a few weddings to design flowers for this fall in the Sonoma Wine Country.

I’m so thankful for the 8 months I got to be in California; time with my family, for the cool brides I’ve been working with and for the cool flower people I got to spend time with!

Recently I sent out a twitter request & email to our mailing list, asking for input on seven different questions. Thank you to everyone who sent in their replies!!

Question #6:
Who’s your floral idol, crush, hero, superstar? Why?

Paula Pryke – just love her work. And Preston Bailey – for someone that does such ornate, over-the-top events, his blog and twitter feed reflect such a modest and humble human being with great business acumen.
Gerry & Rebecca, Petal’s Edge Floral Design, Washington DC & Alexandria, Virginia

Designed by Preston Bailey

Japanese contemporary floral artist Naoki Sasaki. His work is exquisite! Somehow he manages to manipulate natural elements into fantastic design concepts without compromising their naturalness.
Christine, My Creative Workbook/ Floral Lifestyle Design, Vancouver, Canada

Designed by Naoki Sasaki

I do have to say Robbie Honey and David Stark are my current floral idols. Loved learning how to create large scale designs with Robbie in NYC. He is funny, on trend and is quite the world traveler. I love seeing how David Stark takes art as his inspiration and uses it to produce amazing events and most of the time he uses the product that his client is trying to market. Its absolutely genius.
Alexandra, Exquisite Designs, Chicago, Illinois

Designed by Robbie Honey

Paula Pryke because of her use of colour and her steadfastness through all the trends and fashions and adversity over time. She is still a great leader in showing us the way forward.
Marion, Poppies Designer Flowers, England

Designed by Paula Pryke. Photograph via Flowerona.com

Sandra de Ovando. It started with passing her shop window one evening. I told my husband about her and he ordered a bouquet for me for our anniversary. Simply stunning. Then I took a class her studio offered and she was there teaching alongside her staff. She’s built this lovely little empire and her aesthetic is simply wonderful. She’s patient and kind AND quite a role model for upcoming Latina designers!
Tara, The Blissfull Bloom, NYC

Designed by Ovando Flowers, NYC

Paula Pryke, I attended one day of her workshop in San Francisco at Cool Water. Her style is completely what I enjoy designing, we have many similarities in the blooms, branches we both use. I appreciated hearing her explain how her business grew to what it is. She is very approachable, learning from her was a joy.
Kris, KRISanthemums, Oregon

Designed by Paula Pryke Flowers

My personal floral idol would be Karen Tran, her style and talents match my ultimate business vision for my future brides and clients.
Floral crush is Jeff Leatham, love seeing him work those arms when designing!
Floral Hero & Superstar is David Tutera. I met him in person once and not only was he as handsome in person as what you see in photos and tv but he was so gracious and had such a calming demeanor. I was definitely starstruck.
Jennifer, Mancuso’s Florist, Michigan

Designed by Karen Tran

How can I not have a few of these? Though lesser known than some, Cloth of Gold Flowers in Birmingham, AL is at the top of my list. I LOVE the way Katie combines color, texture and ribbon. Stunning! I attached a design of hers that to me is perfection.

I also love flower farmer tales (via blog and Instagram) of Love ‘n Fresh, Floret and World’s End/Saipua! They all do a great job letting others peek into their lives and the lives of the flowers they grow.
Nikki Shenk, Instagram: @nikki_shenk, Moscow, Russia

Designed by Cloth of Gold Flowers in Birmingham, Alabama

And the one that made my day…

I have many crushes… How do you choose just one? Alicia Schwede and Chuck Graham of Flirty Fleurs, Amy at Botanical Brouhaha because they have started these blogs and have given so much back to us. Holly Heider Chapple, Francoise Weeks, Ariella Chezar, Gregor Lersch, Ian Prosser, Pim van den Akker…. the list goes on and on.. Why these names.. because they continuously are improving their art form. Because they continue to inspire. Because they never want to stop learning. Because they always give back.
Sheri, Blumen Meisters, Texas

Designed by Botanica International Design Studio
Photography: K and K Photography, LLC

ELLE Decor Magazine

Recently I sent out a twitter request & email to our mailing list, asking for input on seven different questions. Thank you to everyone who sent in their replies!!

Here’s Question #1:
What’s the strangest, craziest, odd and/or silliest request you have received from a Bride, Groom or Parent of the Bride/Groom?

A groom asked us to fill vases with carbonated water because he wanted to make sure there were little bubbles clinging to the stems in the vase.
Gerry & Rebecca, Petal’s Edge Floral Design, Washington DC & Alexandria, Virginia

A wedding I had coordinated very early in my career involved the groom handing me a huge antique sword to take with me to their reception. At the time, I had little experience and knowledge of certain customs so I was a little dumbfounded at this request to transport this “weapon” in my car. I dutifully carried this into the reception hall and luckily a family member educated me that it was to be used to cut the wedding cake!
Jennifer, Mancuso’s Florist, Michigan

A bride insisted we attach fishing weights to her bouquet. That way, her arms would be straining when holding the bouquet, which would make them look better in photos.
Gerry & Rebecca, Petal’s Edge Floral Design, Washington DC & Alexandria, Virginia

Bride: “I have 13 bridesmaid, need 15 boutonnieres, 6 corsages, isle decor, my bouquet of course, and I love peonies! We have budgeted $600 for flowers. If you can’t meet our budget, can you just give me the names of your suppliers and I’ll do the flowers myself?”
Me: Uhhhhhhh.
Sue, White Magnolia Floral Designs, Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia

Even though I am not a floral designer I wanted me to share this story: Recently, I planned a wedding (I am a Wedding Coordinator) and the day of the wedding as the bride is sitting down getting ready to put her wedding dress on, she proceeds to tell me how much she appreciated everything I did to make her day amazing and that if this marriage did not work out, she wanted me to plan her next one. I just looked at her at first, because I was not sure how to respond and I just said after hesitation…..well thank you, but we hope this one will last!
LaTasha Baldwin, Little Details, Colorado

Had the mother of the bride bring in a small box with a locket in it (I usually ask if there is something of special significance that they would like in the bouquet..so I should have expected this).
She asked for it to be included in the bride’s bouquet. It was small and I didn’t ask who the photo were in it (I assumed that it was photos) and then she said: Grandma has been at all the granddaughters weddings and so now she can be at this one as well! (No I did not look inside to locket!) So, yes I included it and everyone was pleased.
Kris, KRISanthemums, Oregon

1) Many, many years ago, I had a bride ask me to incorporate one of her grandmother’s teeth. Yes, you heard correctly. Yes I drilled a hole in it, wired it up and worked it into the bouquet.

2) I also had a groom ask me to make a boutonniere out of one of those miniature whisky bottles that are served on a plane! Drink much??

3) Another fun request, a bride as me to incorporate radishes into her bouquet because her farm was called “The Sexy Radish”. See if you can spot the radish.

Sheri, Blumen Meisters, Texas

Designed by Blumen Meisters

Small Stump and Studio Choo

Kay’s School of Floristry is offering a great 4 day course in Sympathy design!

Our Intensive Commercial Sympathy & Funeral Tributes Design also incorporates Presentation Hand-tied Bouquets and is suitable for anyone who has an interest in flowers and is looking to earn a second income, work from home/ freelance or in a flower shop or maybe in the future set up their own Floral business.

Our students range from early school leavers to those of you whose family may be reared and are looking for new challenges or those of you who are looking to change career direction.
In order to enrol on our Commercial Sympathy & Hand-tied candidates are advised to have completed Module 1 Intensive Flower Arranging or equivalent.

Floristry Theory covered on this Module:

• Consulting with customers who are bereaved
• How to offer constructive advice to your customer on their choice of design
• Preparing your portfolio
• Purchasing your sundries and materials
• Suitable flowers to create different types of tributes
• Shop Layout – Counter and points of sale
• Profit percentages on the sale of flowers and Hand-Tied bouquets
• Teamwork in a florist
• How to sell effectively – stock control
• A day in the life of a Florist- dealing with deliveries
• Working through an Undertaker – percentage mark up’s etc

Practical Floristry / Demonstration covered on this Module:

• Eternal Circle Wreath
• Textured Floral Wreath
• Round Wreath edged with pleated ribbon with a floral spray
• Sympathy Rose in cello
• Funeral/Coffin Spray
• Heart Tribute Wreath incorporating a floral spray
• A grouped or textured Sympathy Cross Tribute using a selection of retail and garden foliage.
• Sympathy Pillow or Cushion Wreath with initials inscribed in flowers
• Based Floral tributes
• The Gates of Heaven sympathy Tribute
• Floral Picture Frame Tribute

During this Commercial Sympathy Floristry Course we organise a trip to The Dublin City Flower Market and introduce you to some of the Wholesale Flower Suppliers based there. Students are provided with step-by-step instructional notes and an itemised list of the materials required for each funeral design and also included is how to cost each design and the commercial selling price you would expect to get for each design.

As part of Module 2 you also cover the Presentation Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop. Hand tied bouquets are flowers specifically arranged to make a lasting impression and ready to be placed directly into a vase, however as they are made in their own Aqua Pack, these bouquets can be free standing requiring very little maintenance. Hand-tied bouquets are ideal for any occasion, be it Birthdays, Anniversary, New Baby, Thank you or Condolences.

Hand-Tied bouquets are without doubt one of the most requested bouquet in a flower shop for special occasions.  In order to maximise your retail sales or employment potential, it is vital that you master the technique of Hand- Tied Bouquets in Aqua Packs.

Also covered during this part of the course is:

• Purchasing materials & accessories required to create Hand Tied Bouquets
• Purchasing / Treatment and Cost prices of Flowers
• Retail percentage mark – ups on Bouquets of flowers
• Presentation and transporting of Hand Tied Bouquets
• Mastering the technique of creating a  Hand Tied Bouquets in  an Aqua pack & Porto Box

Course Duration: 4 Days

Course Time: 10am – 3.30 pm each day

Course Fee: €600 includes all materials required

Booking Deposit: €200 to reserve your place on course

For more beautiful bouquet and stunning floral designs from Francoise Weeks, visit her website and facebook.

 Eric Buterbaugh

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Honey & Poppies

Hello Dear Flower Friends!

Happy Labor Day, we hope you are enjoying a three day weekend!
Hard to believe it is already September. I find myself wondering where did summer go and how did another one pass so quickly?! I already see leaves changing to fall colors here in Washington State!!
Have a great day and we’ll be back tomorrow with more flower goodies

One pretty arrangement for today, created by Kate at Floret Cadet:

If you are looking for classes this fall there looks to be a few great ones to choose from!!!

Holly & Evan Chapple are going to RUSSIA!
Now this is a trip I’d like to tag along on… I went to Moscow once and it’s quite amazing, still dream of going to St. Petersburg!

Dates: November 8-10, 2013. Place: Moscow.

Additionally a 3-4 hours workshop in St Petersburg on 12th of November

Organizers: flower&decor studio flowerbazar.ru

For more information: http://flowerbazar.ru/master-klass-holly-chapple.html
For information on Holly’s Blog – click here

Meanwhile, here in the USA our friend, Francoise Weeks, is hosting classes in California, Oregon and Pennsylvania!
This past January I took a 3 Day Course with Francoise and quite enjoyed it, she taught me to look at each bit of foliage in a new light. You can read about my experience here.

Oregon
Wedding & Event Workshop
Dates: Monday October 7, Tuesday October 8, Wednesday October 9
Time: 9am til 4pm (1 hour lunch break)
Where: At Françoise’s Studio in Portland, Oregon
For more information Click Here

Pennsylvania
Monday & Tuesday, October 14 & 15, 2013
presented by Jo Jarvis AIFD and Sue Weisser AIFD
Time: 9am till 4pm (1 hour lunch break)
Where: The Barn, Flying Hills, Pennsylvania 19607 (just south of Reading)
For more information Click Here

California
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29 & 30, 2013, 9:30AM to 4PM each day
Hosted by Chris Stoneberg of Blooms By You, located in Orinda, 17 miles east of San Francisco
For more information Click Here

Jamie Bosworth Photographer

I’ve been surfing websites, facebook, instagram and visited a few wholesalers in person to see what cool products are available for us floral designers! Here are a few of my favorite things:
(click on the image to go to the supplier’s website)
(PS – You may have to log-in to see prices, etc. on the supplier’s website)

Pixie Pearl Pins are awesome! They measure 3/4″ long, no more triming 1 1/2″-2″ pearl pins to make them fit into embellishing Stephanotis, Boutonnieres or Ribbon Wraps on stems. Available Via Floral Supply Syndicate.

Floral Supply Syndicate has these Burlap Covers available in 5 sizes; 4″ & 5″ Cubes, 4″, 5″ & 6.25″ Cylinders. Perfect and quick way to give a clear vase a rustic finish, perhaps a touch of ribbon to add color?

I saw these Etched Copper Vases while at Amato’s Wholesale in Denver a few weeks ago – they really are the prettiest vases! They’d be great for any Christmas Parties – an elegant shimmer to set off the flowers?!
Available Via UCI Containers

How cool and industrial are these Cement Cubes? I love how the bold color of flowers look against its matte, white wash finish.
Available Via Jamali Gardens.

Bolt of raw muslin appears to be weather-worn, available in 9 colors. Perfect for Rustic Styled Weddings and Events.
Available Via Pioneer Imports & Wholesale.

How sweet are these Cloches?
Available Via UCI / Unlimited Containers

I’m infatuated with these blue ceramic urns. Available Via Accent Decor

Available from Pioneer Imports and Wholesale, a great set of colored glass hanging mason jars – they also have clear hanging mason jars, perfect for aisle decor!

Perhaps one of Accent Decor’s most popular pieces? These Zinc Containers works for both industrial and rustic themed designs.

My favorite clippers – EVER! I love these babies sooo much!
Available Via Hida Tools.

Have you checked out Save On Crafts lately? They have a huge amount of new items…

Love these pieces, would be quite beautiful for a garden style flower arrangement. Available Via Campo de Fiori.

If you are ever in need of urns, be sure to check out Orlandi Statuary. I haven’t ordered directly from them myself just yet, but plan to soon!

If you are looking for compote style containers take a look at the large selection available from Home Decoration Accessories, Ltd.

Hope you enjoyed today’s post and perhaps found a new supplier!
Please note, none of these suppliers paid to be mentioned. I selected each piece because I like it.

Small Stump and Studio Choo

Kay’s School of Floristry is offering a great 4 day course in Sympathy design!

Our Intensive Commercial Sympathy & Funeral Tributes Design also incorporates Presentation Hand-tied Bouquets and is suitable for anyone who has an interest in flowers and is looking to earn a second income, work from home/ freelance or in a flower shop or maybe in the future set up their own Floral business.

Our students range from early school leavers to those of you whose family may be reared and are looking for new challenges or those of you who are looking to change career direction.
In order to enrol on our Commercial Sympathy & Hand-tied candidates are advised to have completed Module 1 Intensive Flower Arranging or equivalent.

Floristry Theory covered on this Module:

• Consulting with customers who are bereaved
• How to offer constructive advice to your customer on their choice of design
• Preparing your portfolio
• Purchasing your sundries and materials
• Suitable flowers to create different types of tributes
• Shop Layout – Counter and points of sale
• Profit percentages on the sale of flowers and Hand-Tied bouquets
• Teamwork in a florist
• How to sell effectively – stock control
• A day in the life of a Florist- dealing with deliveries
• Working through an Undertaker – percentage mark up’s etc

Practical Floristry / Demonstration covered on this Module:

• Eternal Circle Wreath
• Textured Floral Wreath
• Round Wreath edged with pleated ribbon with a floral spray
• Sympathy Rose in cello
• Funeral/Coffin Spray
• Heart Tribute Wreath incorporating a floral spray
• A grouped or textured Sympathy Cross Tribute using a selection of retail and garden foliage.
• Sympathy Pillow or Cushion Wreath with initials inscribed in flowers
• Based Floral tributes
• The Gates of Heaven sympathy Tribute
• Floral Picture Frame Tribute

During this Commercial Sympathy Floristry Course we organise a trip to The Dublin City Flower Market and introduce you to some of the Wholesale Flower Suppliers based there. Students are provided with step-by-step instructional notes and an itemised list of the materials required for each funeral design and also included is how to cost each design and the commercial selling price you would expect to get for each design.

As part of Module 2 you also cover the Presentation Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop. Hand tied bouquets are flowers specifically arranged to make a lasting impression and ready to be placed directly into a vase, however as they are made in their own Aqua Pack, these bouquets can be free standing requiring very little maintenance. Hand-tied bouquets are ideal for any occasion, be it Birthdays, Anniversary, New Baby, Thank you or Condolences.

Hand-Tied bouquets are without doubt one of the most requested bouquet in a flower shop for special occasions.  In order to maximise your retail sales or employment potential, it is vital that you master the technique of Hand- Tied Bouquets in Aqua Packs.

Also covered during this part of the course is:

• Purchasing materials & accessories required to create Hand Tied Bouquets
• Purchasing / Treatment and Cost prices of Flowers
• Retail percentage mark – ups on Bouquets of flowers
• Presentation and transporting of Hand Tied Bouquets
• Mastering the technique of creating a  Hand Tied Bouquets in  an Aqua pack & Porto Box

Course Duration: 4 Days

Course Time: 10am – 3.30 pm each day

Course Fee: €600 includes all materials required

Booking Deposit: €200 to reserve your place on course

For more beautiful bouquet and stunning floral designs from Francoise Weeks, visit her website and facebook.

 Eric Buterbaugh