The Question:
I’m thinking of fashioning a way to transport bouquets & arrangements, but need some inspiration. I’ve seen a few photos, but wondering what works well for others. I drive a Tahoe and am thinking of buying a van if business continues to blossom. Curious to know what others do to pack and transport flowers to their destination.

Jessica in Kentucky

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The Answers:

How one of our customers transports her final products – she re-purposes one of our boxes by cutting holes in the lids and placing the bouquets/vases inside so they don’t fall over!
Shea, Delaware Valley Floral Group, New Jersey

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I had wooden racks made that slide into the back of my delivery vans. (leaving me about 3 ‘ space in the back of the van for buckets of flowers or higher pieces). This gives me two levels and I am able to transport so many flowers without wasted space. …(Although it is probably not the safest way to travel). I also use plastic soda pop crates (perfect for cubes) to transport smaller vases. They work great as the have low handles and are very sturdy. They are stack-able and slide right into my racks in the cooler. I transport my large focal pieces in milk crates and stuff towels around the urns or glass compotes. Lastly, I fill new black tube socks filled with kitty litter. These are similar to “sand bags” and weigh down and hold the pieces I am transporting in place… And if they happen to get wet you just hang them out in the sun and they quickly dry. (I have probably 200+ sand bag socks which I store in totes)…Good Luck!
Amy, Amy Kate Design Studio, Michigan

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From Ann of Farm To Vase: Local, Seasonal, Sustainable Floral Design, Wisconsin

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When I first began designing my mode of delivery was a mini cooper! You’d be amazed how much you could put in that car! Then I went to a Honda CRV and currently to a Honda Pilot…mainly for the cargo space. The grandkids car seats work great for just a few (strap the container in the car seat and you’re ready to go). Two foam holders fit across the back of the Pilot which is nice. For larger events(especially for tall) I use a 8×12 cargo trailer.
Kris, KRISanthemums, Oregon

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I have learned some great transportation tricks. From your wholesaler get rose boxes that are the height of your container (or a little lower). Keep the box top on and cut out holes in the top spaced apart according to how wide your design is. If it is a cylinder, use a box cutter to cut out an asterisk shaped pattern, then just push the container down into it. It holds great. You can usually get 5 centerpieces per box and they just slide right into the back easily. Can get 32 centerpieces to fit into my Sequoia truck floor (with rear seats removed and middle seats up and secured) on one level, so 64 if you have a top shelf built in (my next project for my handyman husband )

For square or rectangular containers, just cut out a shape in the box top that is slightly larger than the container and slip it down into it. The boxes can be re used, recycled, thrown out or kept in your truck to easily transport the containers back safely and quickly after tear down. I save the precut boxes that fit my containers on a shelf so I know they will fit for the next gig.

For taller and larger containers, the floral designer I do contract work with taught me large plastic house paint or utility paint buckets are great. Just put the tall container in the center and support it on all sides with chunks of styrofoam to keep it stable during travel. For large arrangements in lomey with oasis, get some sturdy plastic milk crates and put a flower pot , planter, some other container that you can set the lomey on after stabilizing with styrofoam (never the white kind, though as those little white balls stick to everything. Use the heavy duty green styro sheets from the craft store or wholesaler. Good luck and safe travels!

Madeleine, Fleur de Vie, Texas

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I use Seminole Floral Delivery System, no matter what you drive this system can be adjusted to fit any delivery vehicle. The board comes in squares that fit together like a puzzle to form basic rectangle or square forms. Then you put the pegs around your designs! I love it! Oh and it is grandmother approved too! My Grandmother has her own system dedicated just for shopping. I highly recommend it!
http://www.seminoleds.com/main.html
Summer of Summer Thyme Floral, Pennsylvania

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There are many options and it is always interesting to see what other vendors use but hands down I have been thrilled with the collapsible crates from The Container Store….they easily transport two centerpieces per crate, are stackable and very sturdy. I line mine with a rubber maid shelf liner and everything is very stable. They can be ordered on line and shipped directly to you or in house at your local store!!

Lisa of Petals and Promises, Maryland

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I use the boxes that my flowers come in from my wholesaler. I cut holes in the top of the box to fit the vase into, that way it remains upright while I’m driving. Depending on the types of flowers, the vases are close enough that the flowers touch, but if I’m using lilies or other flowers that are delicate, I make them farther apart so they don’t bump into each other. This also makes it easy to carry out to the car (with my husbands help of course).
Janelle, For The Love Of Flowers, New York

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I don’t have any great pics, but I have a Tahoe too. My husband is a most excellent packer. One method we use for centerpieces is to cut slits in the cardboard box lids from flower orders. Most vessels are quite secure. Another way to save space is to use large plastic bins with sturdy lids. I use them for smaller low centerpieces. I stack them up sometimes three high. The bins prevent water from getting all over the vehicle! The bins can also be loaded single high, and items can be put on top.
Laurie of Fleurie, California

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Here are some web sources regarding floral transport along with some other photo ideas I’ve come across in the past.
From Jennifer Mancuso, Michigan

www.floracubes.com

www.Chrysalusa.com

www.arrivealiveproducts.com

www.flowertote.com

www.flowertote.com

www.flowertote.com

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An answer for those Canadian companies – milk crates. They haul everything just perfectly!
Andie of Dandie Andie Floral Designs, Ontario

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Do you have a question you’d like to ask for a Q&A session? Email it to me at: info@flirtyfleurs.com

Earlier this week we shared a Fabulous Florist interview with Green Goddess Floral Studio of Cape Town, South Africa. Perhaps you will remember this studio won the Paula Pryke Book giveaway back in April. The bouquet is quite intriguing, isn’t it?

Green Goddess Flower Studio

“It is one of our favourite bouquets made for a styled shoot but has subsequently been made for a real bride just recently but in cream.
I think the image has been re-pinned on Pinterest over 200 times…

The bouquet was hand tied and consisted of:
- Renunculas
- Roses
- Blushing bride
- Lace flower (queen Annes Lace or Ammi)
- Wax flower
With a base or frame consisting of hand tied pink jasmine vine, a local indigenous vine that we sprayed rose gold & glittered. & last but not least pheasant feathers.

We used minimal wiring in the flowers to try to keep the shape a bit loose, but wired the feathers into shape. And used some fine wire to keep the vines in place. ”

Absolutely fantastic, ladies, thank you for sharing!

Your name: Nicole Spector
Your Business name: The Arrangement Floral Design and Events
Your Location: Brooklyn, New York (Williamsburg)

McKay Imaging Photography

How did you start your business?
My background is in art but I ended up working in the production side of photography, organizing photo shoots and handling contract negotiations for talent. It took me some time to realize it wasn’t for me; ultimately I needed more creativity. I needed a career do over! I started taking floral design classes as an outlet and really fell in love with it. I then started interning on the weekends at an amazing shop/event company in Manhattan that soon turned into a full time job where I was lucky enough to be thrown into all aspects of the floral industry. I was ecstatic to find a profession that could mix my love of art and design with my production background. Being able to create something everyday with my hands is a gift! After honing my skills there I decided to freelance around and start working with clients on my own. Fast-forward 4 years and The Arrangement was born!
The main chunk of our business right now is wedding and event work but we also create store installations and have a nice roster of weekly standing order clients.

How many years have you been in business?
We are a new business that just started in 2013, but we’ve started out with a bang and have nothing but great expectations for the future!

ASH Event

What is your design aesthetic?
If I had to pick two words that best describe our style it would be modern romantic. My partner, Tom, and I like to joke that we are the yin to each other’s yang when it comes to design. He tends to favor more contemporary looks and I like things a bit wild. But ultimately our style is decided by the event we are working on, it’s our job to bring each clients vision to reality. Sometimes that’s a casual eclectic setting or sometimes that means ultra luxurious. It doesn’t make sense to pigeonhole ourselves, I like to think people come to us because we produce great work and offer an excellent service.

Kristina Bumphrey Photography

How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
Oh wow, I am inspired by so many different things lately, a lot of inspiration comes from just walking around the NYC floral district, I completely geek out over all the different beautiful blooms. I also draw inspiration from fashion; I find what’s on trend with colors and style in clothing, which can easily be translated to floral. I live in downtown Jersey City and my neighborhood is amazing. Just taking a stroll down the street and peeking at everyone’s garden is so refreshing. Just a few weeks ago I noticed a whole front garden of lily of the valley!

Kristina Bumphrey Photography

What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
We get a lot of requests for succulents, which I love incorporating into designs. Especially into weddings, this way you can have something from your décor that will last at home and your guests can even enjoy them after the big day. I also see the pendulum starting to swing the other way away from the rustic farm look. People still seem to favor the garden look but are asking for it to be more tailored and less rustic.

What is your favorite part of being a floral designer?
Getting to create and work with beauty every day! This job can be very stressful at times, both emotionally and physically but I always remember that what I’m making will brighten someone’s day. We are all so lucky to do what we do!

Kristina Bumphrey Photography

What advice would you give to aspiring floral designers?
This job is truly a labor of love for any designer; grueling hours, a lot of schlepping and thinking on your toes. If you really love designing, keep at it and immerse yourself in flowers.

Lelia Marie Photography

Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
Currently we are studio based but are hoping to open a larger space in the fall that would be open to the public.

Lelia Marie Photography

Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
Certainly! We often help clients’ source linens or other décor items, whether they are rentals or custom. Also, my partner Tom teaches floral and wedding design classes at the New York Botanical Garden.

What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
My floral knife of course ☺

Lelia Marie Photography

What’s your favorite flower?
That such a hard question! Clematis and dahlia are always at the top of my list but I’ve recently have been cheating on them with parrot tulips. Also, I love working with ferns. They are so delicate and give breath to any arrangement.

Kristina Bumphrey Photography

Contact Information:
Phone: 646.770.3766
Website: www.thearrangementnyc.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thearrangementnyc
Instagram: instagram.com/thearrangementnyc

Lauretta of Paeony Floral Design in England shared a recent photoshoot with us. Lauretta says – The flowers and designs I chose to make was on a theme of literature based in the Library of Cusworth Hall in South Yorkshire.

As a florist who occasionally makes funeral pieces of letters was wondering wouldn’t it be lovely to use this method for weddings. As a lot of what has been featured in various weddings today are the light up letters saying Love or Mr & Mrs etc and I thought how about using letters made from oasis and creating a different style using textures and beautiful unusual choice of flowers.

For the LOVE letters the flowers I chose was Miss Piggy Roses, Splash sensation roses, green Cymbidium Orchids, Celosia and Abifloral textured with moss and Galax leaves. Brides and grooms could use this idea as a setting in front of their registrar or venue top table.

Also for the literature theme I came up with the idea of a prayer book spray which was in fashion 20 years ago, brides would hold a bible in their hand and flowers was designed on top of the book. So I came up with a modern up to date version using ribbon to tie on instead of wire the flowers I used was the Spray roses Splash sensation, galax leaves and theslpi bell touched with asparagus fern.

The gorgeous grouped bouquet of Miss Piggy Roses, Celosia and Abifloral was an idea I wanted to show future brides that rather than the pretty country style look which is everywhere at the moment they could go bold and bright which is perfect for those who are choosing bridesmaids in teal coloured dresses.

And finally the cascading bouquet, I’ve been dying to make one of these after seeing so many beautiful images recently. So my version was used with Eucharis flowers which is a flower not often used in weddings with Lysmachia and asparagus fern which went perfect with the dresses supplied by KMR Bespoke bridal.
With all the little details from all the suppliers involved with this shoot worked perfectly and the fresh approach of the photography Sarah who has been featured in Vogue Italia really did make this shoot romantic full of love.

The Creative Team:
Flowers – Lauretta Morley, Paeony Floral Design

Photography – Sarah at Folega Photography
Wedding photographer, Sarah Folega at Folega Photography: I used the beautiful dresses, the location and the natural light to create beautiful images that would showcase everyone’s exceptional talents.
Photographers Assistant Misty Rowe

Location Cusworth Hall
The Whiting Collection, a Literature themed bridal shoot based in the Library of Cusworth Hall in South Yorkshire.
A collaborative literature vintage themed shoot at Cusworth Hall, Doncaster brought together a group of suppliers. Cusworth Hall was a fantastic venue to hold the shoot with many of the shots taken in the Library which was in keeping with the theme.

Hair Alison at Jenner Hair
Alison, from Alison Jenner Hair Stylist: Due to the style of the venue and the dresses the hairstyling was kept simply elegant and classic. Sleek updos, with swirl detail complimented with an abundance of shine. Ranging from a very high neat stunning roll to low, clustered back detail, with lots of over movement. But still quirky and on trend.

Make Up Jenni at Make up by Jenni
Award winning professional make-up artist, Jenni Hughes of Make Up By Jenni: I created a modern vintage fusion look for this shoot inspired by the couture dresses of KMR. Focusing on flawless porcelain skin, expressive eyes and bold lips, Jenni used: Smashbox Primer, Crownbrush, HD Brushes, Chanel Blush in Rose Initiale, MAC Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle, Givenchy Lipliner Lip Rouge 5, Chanel Allure Lipcolour in Passion and Coromandel, Eylure Lashes, Drior Blackout Mascara and MAC Gel Liner.

Set And Styling Maria at Simply Something Blue
María, from Simply Something Blue Bespoke Wedding Planning and Event Management: I was in charge of styling the sets and creating a calm and attractive atmosphere. With such magnificent surroundings, colourful flowers and gorgeous gowns not a lot of detail was deemed necessary, and Cusworth Hall’s library, salons and gardens took centre stage in this cold spring day. Vintage details, such as the typewriter, old and upcycled books and library pockets with romantic quotes from some of my favourite books were sourced or handmade for the occasion for a subtle and unobtrusive literary theme.

Dresses Kelly at KMR Bespoke Bridal
Bridal Designer, Kelly from KMR Bespoke Bridal Designer: The Whiting Collection is KMR Bespoke Bridal Designers debut 2015 collection of bridal gowns. The collection is named after my late Grandmother who inspired me from a young age to become a designer. Three of the collections gowns were used in this preview shoot at Cusworth Hall; Grace, Ivy and Annie.
Grace is an elegant floor length bias cut ivory silk crepe and guipure lace gown. A high illusion neckline is finished with bound silk crepe detailing and delicate cap sleeves. A KMR signature of a keyhole back opening paired with a detachable lace train creates a stunning back. The gown is finished with a silver crystal embellished waistband.
Ivy is a stylish ivory embroidered lace and silk crepe backed satin gown. Elegant lace sleeves and a deep V-shaped neckline at the back of the gown are finished with a delicate scallop lace edging. Creating a figure enhancing silhouette the gown has a bias fishtail skirt with a train to add a feminine touch. The gown is finished with delicate covered buttons and rouleau loops down the back.
Annie is a sophisticated strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The elegant circle skirt is made up of layers of silk taffeta and silk chiffon with a beautiful train. The bodice is finished with delicate pleated silk taffeta, a plunging back and fastened with rouleau loops and covered buttons. The gown is finished with a stunning silver crystal motif on the waist.
There are three other gowns in KMR’s 2015 bridal collection. As this was a preview shoot of the collection the final three gowns will be revealed soon.

Headpieces Lottie at Lottie Loves Vintage

Cake Emma at Bibbidy Popity

The Question:

Had a wedding consultation for a ‘Language of Flowers’ wedding! It’s been fun to research and I think the bride and I really connect on this subject. Since I’m not sure about the pricing I was wondering if you could help me on this. There is a lot of time needed to research and plan the flowers for this wedding. How do I build that into the cost without becoming so expensive as to price myself out of this wedding? This one is about so much more than materials.

Lucinda in Oregon

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The Answers:

Passion, philosophy, platform and process are points I value from a blog post from Sean Lowe, the Business of Being Creative.
Kris of KRISanthemums, Oregon

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Do you have a question you’d like to ask for a Q&A session? Email it to me at: info@flirtyfleurs.com

Wishing you all a Happy Fourth of July!

Flower Duet, California

Always botanically inspired is how Max Gill describes himself and it shows as his floral designs embody an ethereal beauty. Max has cultivated a large and diverse cutting garden as to provide his own floral ingredients on a 7,000 square foot, city sized property located in the heart of Berkeley, California.

Ablution – Flower Maple

He will infuse foraged vines and foliages for an unexpected and unique touch with his sustainably home grown stash, making his creations one-of-a-kind. When in need of a material not grown in his own cutting garden, Max visits the San Francisco Flower Mart where he can support and purchase flowers from other local flower farmers.

What was once a one car garage sitting at the front of the property has been remodeled and transformed into Max’s adorable and perfect design studio. The cottage style windows let in a soft, beautiful light on one side of the studio, the other side of the studio has a door beckoning the designer to create straight out of the garden.

Max and I took a walk through his garden and his enthusiasm for his plants was contagious. There were sections of gardens dedicated to hellebores and to clematis, abutilon Chinese lanterns, blueberries and blueberry viburnum, a large variety of foliages and succulents. Upon introduction I instantly fell in love with Koko Loko Garden Rose, a perfect café latte with a hint of lavender hue. On a whim, I asked Max to create an arrangement based around the Koko Loko Rose – in a moment he was in his garden and clipping away, back to the studio and a sweet design of the rose with clematis vine, rose hips and heuchera leaves quickly emerged.

The very amazing Koko Loko Garden Rose

Max’s designs can be viewed on display at the famed Alice Water’s Restaurant, Chez Panisse, in the heart of Berkeley. His impressive floral displays are changed up twice weekly, and always embody the flowers available at that particular seasonal moment – which keeps perfectly in tune with Alice’s principal of her restaurant, live locally and in season.

Thank you, Max, for sharing your flower world with me, it was truly an honor to spend the day with you!

For more floral inspiration from Max be sure to check out his website & Facebook page.

All photographs in this post are by Alicia Schwede.

The Question:
For those of you who do daily deliveries (ie – deliveries for birthdays, congratulations for a new baby, anniversaries, etc). How do you feel about taking a picture of the arrangement and sending the image to the sender prior to the arrangement leaving your shop? We’ve heard of more & more clients asking for this service. Pros & Cons?

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The Answers:

I find myself doing this more and more. Taking a photo with my phone and getting it to the sender is great for customer service ! Waiting to post photos on social media until the design has been delivered , in my opinion is important. The con…the time it takes.
Kris of KRISanthemums, Oregon

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I do photograph each arrangement and text or email it to the client when it leaves to be delivered. I have had such positive and appreciative responses about this added service. I used to order lots of flowers in my old life and never knew what was being delivered, so I thought this would be a nice touch. It is! Just snap a photo on your phone and press send.
Tara, By The Bloom, California

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More and more I’m getting requests for photos of arrangements and many times I will ask if they’d like a picture, especially if it’s a new customer. People almost always take me up on the offer and are usually delighted that I’d do this. I think that it shows a customer that you have confidence in what you’re producing, especially if they aren’t ordering something they’ve seen on your website. I always tell them that I will send the photo after delivery and also provide them with delivery information and a description of what was in the arrangement. The other benefit of sending pictures is that you now have an email to use for marketing purposes.
Anne of Hydrangea Bleu, California

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I like to take photos of each arrangement, but don’t send a picture to the sender unless requested. If I need to give visual proof of the arrangement’s quality or contents, then I have the photo to share. In my opinion, sending a pic before you deliver the arrangement opens the door to all sorts of issues that most shops or studio florists would not have time to address. The client should trust the floral designer they have contracted to make and deliver that arrangement.
Laurie of Fleurie, California

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If you have a flower shop you should have a policy on this “photo prior to delivery” request. If you choose to offer this additional service you need to do it well. This means having a dedicated spot/backdrop where you photograph the arrangement from it’s “best side”. I think the biggest decision to make is whether you wait for approval prior to sending your driver out the door. That seems ridiculous to me, personally since when I worked in flower shops it was always a hustle to get deliveries made and out the door in the right order. If I had a shop I would offer this service, possibly even charge a few bucks for the effort and time and make it clear that the delivery will be headed out the door at whatever time works for the driver. If it is for next-day delivery or the customer requests the ability to approve the design I would allow for 1 adjustment to the design and any subsequent requests will have a re-design fee.
Alison of Floral Artistry, Vermont

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In today’s tech and visual environment, it’s so important to take images of your client’s designs. I do this daily and clients absolutely love it! I have a small area in my studio with good lighting and a small table. I just take the design to the area, use my smart phone to take the image, text or e-mail the image to the client, and everyone is a happy camper. Then I send it to my Facebook page, Twitter, InstaGram, Pinterest, and anywhere else I can show my work…..all in a matter of minutes! I also have a higher quality (not that smart phones don’t have great cameras!) camera that I use as well just to have better focus for my website or ? What this does is reaffirm your relationship with your client…..that trust is worth years of client loyalty! Be well, and go create my friends….
Joe Guggia AIFD of JP Designed, California

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Do you have a question you’d like to ask for a Q&A session? Email it to me at: info@flirtyfleurs.com

Hello Flower Friends!
Happy Friday to all of you!

Thought I’d share a few of my latest projects with all of you-

I’ve been working with my friend, Amy of The Flower House in Denver, to design and launch her new website:

You can see her new website here – http://www.theflowerhousedenver.com
AND if you are interested in having me design a website for you just send me an email — I love this techie stuff!

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Did you receive the latest Syndicate Sales Postcard in the mail?

Definitely was fun to receive that postcard in the mail as it was one of the designs created at the Chapel Designer/Florabundance Design Days conference which took place in January. I designed the piece along with my friends Courtenay & Victoria!

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And in other interesting news — I have started a new position with Seattle Wholesale Growers Market!!! Today is day #2 at the market! After 15 years of being on the receiving end of the flowers from growers/wholesalers, I am quite intrigued and curious to be working at the growers market!? I can be found at the market on Mondays & Fridays .. be sure to pop in, say Hi! & buy some flowers if you are in the area!

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First, a little backstory before I start today’s post. Last summer I announced on Flirty Fleurs that my husband and I would be relocating to Washington State for his job. At the time I had no idea what to expect for myself, Bella Fiori or Flirty Fleurs and figured I’d take it as it comes. Well, I was very fortunate in that upon announcing the impending move on the blog right away Kelly of Botanique reached out to me and suggested I join her for a GSFA meeting. (Greater Seattle Floral Association). I cannot thank Kelly enough for inviting me to the group, being part of GSFA has been a wonderful experience and one that I’m very grateful for. GSFA meets monthly and at each meeting we focus on a business topic. At one meeting we all got together and decided to have a floral designer come in from another city and give us a hands-on workshop. I reached out to my sweet friend, Nancy Liu Chin of San Francisco to see if she’d be willing to come to Seattle for a workshop, and luckily she said yes! Plus, as an extra bonus to our workshop she brought her husband, Kevin, who took photos of our day together!
We worked on so many projects together – bouquets, centerpieces, table displays, head wreaths, and escort card table statement pieces, plus, lots of business discussions took place. I can honestly say that by the end of the day we were all very filled with ideas and very tired!
Here are some of the fun photos from the day -

Nancy designing a centerpiece for the group

Nancy, Jodi, Kate, and Tess

Colleen, Kelly, Melanie, Emily, Anne, and Melissa

Christiane, me, Wendy, Christopher, Lorie

Colleen of Botanikal

Emily of Lola Flowers

Christiane of Flora Nova

Jodi of Woodland Flowers

Kate of in bloom designs

Kelly of Botanique

Melissa of Terra Bella

Nancy’s Design

Nancy’s Design

Tess of July Floral

Wendy of Ravenna Bloom

Bella Fiori (my photo)

Bella Fiori – I took this photo with Kevin’s help, he gave me some pointers on how to shoot in manual settings. Thanks, Kevin!

One last parting shot – Alicia & Nancy

Photographs are by Kevin Chin (except the last three that I took)

GSFA members pictured above include:
Alicia of Bella Fiori & Flirty Fleurs
Anne of Floressence
Christiane of Flora Nova
Christopher of Christopher Flowers
Colleen of Botanikal
Emily of Lola Floral
Jodi of Woodland Flowers
Kate of In Bloom Designs
Kelly of Botanique
Lorie of Ring Around The Rose
Melanie of Melanie Benson Floral
Melissa of Terra Bella Flowers
Tess of July Floral
Wendy of Ravenna Bloom

Small businesses can get bogged down by late payments. There is one major reason why your clients may be paying you late (hint: it may be YOUR fault). I’ve got some tips for your today in my latest video.

As business owners it can be frustrating to deal with late payments. If you find yourself constantly asking “where’s the check?” this video is for you.

Alison Ellis
Floral Artistry
Vermont

The Question:
It’s been awhile since we’ve done a pricing post on boutonnieres and/or corsages.
Send in a picture of a boutonniere or corsage that you have designed. Please also include a list of the materials you used and the final price for the piece.

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The Answers:

Kris of KRISanthemums, Oregon

Lambs ear (from my gardens), leather wrap (from saddle shop throw away), cedar from gardens, berries $20.00

White cymbidium orchid, pink ranunculus, eucalyptus, bear grass, bracelet and one bling pin $45.00

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Andrea of Dandie Andie Floral Designs, Ontario

2x Spray Rose, Sprig of Green Trick, 1x Tuberose bloom, A few hypericum berries
Wrapped with wire.
$15

2x Spray Rose, Sprig of Statice, 1x Tuberose bloom, 1x Variegated Lily Grass
Wrapped with wire.
$12

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Tracy of Park Place Design, Michigan

White rose, moss and some twine, and brunia, and lambs ear
$21.00

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Buffy of Pink Posey Design, Colorado

Blushing Bride Protea, agonis Berries, scabiosa bud, camelia foliage and small ranunculus.
$18

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Lauren of Garden Gate Florals, Florida

Succulent
Oregonia Varigated
Green Thistle
Teal, gold and dark teal ribbon tied.
$18.00

Dusty Miller Leaf
Peach Ilse Spray Rose
Peach Hypericum Berries
3 stems of Birch
Wrapped in Ivory ribbon with a tiny white pearl pin
$18.00

Baby’s Breath
Jute/burlap ribbon
tiny white pearl pin
$12.00

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Tammy of Wild Bunch, Shropshire, UK

Double white ranunculus, lilly of the valley, forget me knot, brunnera (and beautiful silk ribbon from Silk and Willow)
£9.50

Santolina, Pheasants eye naricissi, lilly of the valley, asparagues fern and stachys
£8.50

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Jessica of Blooms ‘n Blossoms, Kentucky

1 hellebores
3 creeping red sedum florets
1 boston fern frond
1 stem tri color sage
1 stem lemon thyme
1 stem dill
tape, wire & bindwire
Price $18

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Laurie of Fleurie, California

Wired and taped boutonniere with wrapped stem.
I stem spray rose 4.50
1 Galax leaf .50
.25 yd ribbon .50
Pin
Labor
Tape
Wire
$15.00

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I love getting creative on corsages and to be honest I’m not sure if I could create just a “basic” corsage because I haven’t done one since probably my first floral design class. I know some may think corsages are just an aftermath for flowers, but they are typically for the mothers of the bride and groom, who could possibly be the most important support system these two have had, so they should be wearing something beautiful for their flowers. Here are a few fun and not so typical designs I’ve done in the past.
Katie of Noonan’s Wine Country Designs & The Petal Club, California

This was a wedding with peacock feathers and took place at the historic Santa Margarita Barn so burlap and feathers was a must, so we took a basic cuff and wrapped it with burlap, then added in a peacock feather and used the colors of the wedding with a few petals from a purple vanda orchid and then a green pompom mum. The price of this was $25.

For these wrist corsages, they look more traditional, but are created on a floral decorative wire bracelet. These are the more common corsages that go out our door for clients and we create all the bracelets with the wire color of their choice and then add a base with a heavy kraft or fabric covered cardboard at the top of the bracelet. We typically cover this part with a foliage and then add in the flowers and maybe a decorative ribbon or lace accent. These are $25-$30 depending on the flowers used.

These mother’s corsages were created with a much more labor intensive technique of creating the bracelet with three taped wires and then weaving lily grass tightly into a cuff bracelet creates your base. Then you are able to adhere blooms and accents as desired. Below we used a string of pearls to match the mother’s dresses and then added blooms of vanda orchids, but this can be customized to any style or color scheme. The price of these are $35, maybe should be more but like I said clients have a hard time paying more than $35 for “corsages” so it’s all about showing them a different type of corsage.

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Do you have a question you’d like to ask for a Q&A session? Email it to me at: info@flirtyfleurs.com

Hello Flower Friends –

Did you see that Florabundance announced the dates and speaker line-up for Inspirational Design Days 2015? – check it out here

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Also, last week I mentioned my new part time position at Seattle Wholesale Growers Market. I’ll be posting goodies at the market to instagram so be sure to follow along – here

Jello Mold arrives at the market

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Last thing .. photo of my sweet niece modeling a flower halo I made with Passionflowers & bachelor buttons -

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Have a great weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!

Nestled among the rolling hills above Healdsburg, California sits a breathtaking flower farm called Chalk Hill Clematis. Yes, a flower farm focused on growing the beautiful, wild, ethereal Clematis Flower!

The Clematis grown here are available exclusively to floral designers and the trade; yes, you can order Clematis from here! Typically their Clematis are available April thru October, of course weather can affect their flowering season. The Clematis are available in blue, purple, mauve, red, pink, lavender and white. Clematis’ are an excellent vase flower, and will usually last 7-10 days after receiving them. The Clematis from CHC typically have a stem length of 15-18 inches with one flower per stem. Yes, I have had them shipped to me in Colorado when I had the shop there and the flowers arrived in beautiful condition. Check out their website here to see a sampling of the varieties they offer.

Clematis Growing at Chalk Hill Farm

Chalk Hill Clematis Seed Pods

Visiting Chalk Hill Clematis Farm was a true treat, my mother joined me and she and I just loved every minute of wandering the grounds with the farm manager, Fernando. Just perfect to walk thru the rows of flowering Clematis, to see the rambling roses, rows of Olive Trees, take in the view from the pool area, and a walk thru Mary Toomey’s Clematis garden. Towards the end of our visit Fernando let me loose in the fields as I was craving those crazy, swirling seed pods and winding clematis stems for a wedding I was designing for the following Saturday. The vines I collected that day were just what my bridal bouquet needed ..

Designed by Alicia of Bella Fiori – Thank you Chalk Hill Clematis, your vines were the perfect touch for these bouquets!

Oh, and if you are curious to know if they produce anything else at the farm they do offer extra virgin olive oil, vinegars and honeys.

Rows and Rows of Olive Trees

Contact Information:
Chalk Hill Clematis
PO Box 1847
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Office: 707-433-8416
Fax: 707-433-8963
farmmgr@chalkhillclematis.com
http://chcfarm.com

View from the pool area

Never know what you might see while wandering around the 120 acres at Chalk Hill Flower Farm!

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn Chamberlain of FULL BLOOM when she attended one of my floral design classes in Seattle. I was instantly intrigued about her project of ‘Recycle The Love’ and wanted to learn more. FULL BLOOM is located in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and it is here where she spreads the power of flowers. Fresh flowers can help aid in reducing stress and give comfort to those who are dealing with death, terminal illness, severe injury or sickness. Shawn and her team of volunteers accept any gently used or fresh cut flowers from special events and/or gardens to help create beautiful bedside bouquets for local area patients. They recut, repurpose and recycle donated, gently used blooms into beautiful bedside bouquets for patients in area hospitals, hospice care, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. How fantastic is that?!

Shawn, How did you come up with the idea for Full Bloom and when did you start?
The idea came about one summer evening while I was working in the gardens at a local hospice facility. I could see in one of the patient rooms, a young mother. I began to reflect about her situation and wanted to do something to let her know someone was thinking about her. I had just cut some flowers, so I arranged them and gave them to a nurse and asked her to deliver them and to tell the young mother someone was thinking about her. I’m not sure it made a huge impact on the patient, but it did on me. I thought, “wait. I’m on to something here.” So that’s sort of how it came about. FULL BLOOM is in it’s 2nd year of operation and hundreds of bouquets have been delivered since that one evening. Pretty amazing, I think.

Can you tell us how Full Bloom works? How do you ‘Recycle The Love’?

I love the phrase “Recycle the Love” because that’s exactly what we are about and it’s so easy to do! To make a flower donation, all you have to do is go to thefullbloom.org and send a quick email telling us you’d like to donate. I collect a few details about the donation, then contact the planner or florist and arrange the pick up. I have volunteers recut and repurpose all the flowers into bedside bouquets and they are usually out for delivery the very next day. That’s how we recycle the love! It has been really rewarding knowing that this simple gesture has the ability to connect so many people in such a positive way. Whether it’s the one donating, receiving, or the volunteers that help arrange and deliver, every person finds some joy and meaning in it. It’s been really awesome to connect people in this way. Love is such a good thing. Isn’t it?

I’m sure you are full of wonderful stories of how flowers have touched someone who really needed them, can you share one of your favorite stories with us?

I do not personally go in to the patient rooms and deliver flowers – I leave that up to the nurses & caregivers, so I do not get to see the response of those receiving them, however, I did happen to have an experience with a patient that I will not forget. It reaffirmed to me that I am doing something good and it’s making an impact on the lives of others. It went something like this: I am on a flower delivery to a care facility. As I was bringing the last vases in, I saw a nurse and a woman ahead of me in the hallway. The nurse had just given the woman one of the bouquets of flowers.
The woman was walking with her walker, so the nurse set them on the seat of the walker.
The woman asked, “Who are those for?”

The nurse replied, “Well, they’re for you. Someone is thinking about you.”

The woman: “Who would be thinking about me?” This question stopped me in my tracks.

Nurse: “Maybe this lady behind you can tell you, she brought them in.” The woman turned to me and with moist eyes said, “These are for me? Well, they’re beautiful.”

I replied, “Yes they are and so are you..”

The woman then quietly said, “thank you, for thinking of me..” It was a very simple exchange of words, but I walked away knowing at least two lives were touched that day – hers and mine.

Thank you, Shawn, for sharing your story of Full Bloom, very inspirational!
For more on Full Bloom check out the website here