Fleur Friday & Hello!

June 10, 2016, 6:13 am

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Hello dear flower friends,

I feel like I need to write a note to say Hi to all of you and give a bit of an apology. I know it’s been kinda quiet over here on the blog lately, to be honest I’m having a hard time sitting still at my computer lately. Blame it on the beautiful weather and scenery here in Washington state, I just find I want to be outside. The garden beckons… there is always one more thing to do outside, one more flower bed to work on. Add on all the nurseries, farms, and hanging out at Seattle Wholesale Growers Market and it seems I’m usually out & about visiting someone or some place. Plus, it’s light here from 5am to 9:30pm, so much light to be outside doing something fun. Yet, I feel bad because I haven’t been sharing as much here on the blog. I do have so much to share, the trip in April to Holland with Florabundance – hope you all followed along on Instagram as we saw so many beautiful flower sites. Photos from the various design classes I’ve taught the past few months – gosh, we’ve been creating pretty stuff!
Oh gosh, I’m sitting here and the list is building in my head of all the stories I need to share…
I think I need a blizzard to hit, where I get snowed in for 2-3 days and have nothing else to do but work online (this did used to happen when I lived in Colorado!!)

I promise to try a bit harder over here and bring you all flower inspiration.
Hey, if any of you have something to submit, please do so! I love to share real weddings! Also, How-Tos & other fun tips. I enjoy hearing from other floral designers who can share inspiration!! Just email me at info@flirtyfleurs.com

Oh, and today? Yea, another good one lined up – Georgianna Lane is picking me up so we can go visit Dawn at All My Thyme Rose Garden in Skagit Valley. Then an afternoon meeting with Miles at Fiori Floral Design. Plus, work on the flowers for a photoshoot this Sunday taking place at a gorgeous venue in Snohomish — the venue used to be a Rhododendron Farm and it offers 10 acres of landscaped gardens! pretty pretty

Here’s one of my recent designs —

I hope you are all doing well and having a good wedding season.
xo,
Alicia

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Transporting Flowers

June 13, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Real Events – Jay Archer British Flowers Week

≪ Previous: Fleur Friday & Hello!

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I think many floral designers will agree that one of the toughest part of our jobs is transporting the flowers from our studios to the venue! Check out how these designers have done it-

a new leaf floral design

Bella Fiori

A Stem Above

Myrtie Blue

Hothouse Design Studio

Charleston Stems

Scarlett & Grace

Sherwood Design and Events

Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs

Real Events – Jay Archer British Flowers Week

June 14, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: June 22nd Workshop | Centerpieces featuring Glorious Hydrangeas

≪ Previous: Transporting Flowers

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Lose Yourself in British Flowers & Midsummer Cocktails

To celebrate British Flowers Week (13th – 19th June), award-winning Hampshire florist and flower school owner, Jay Archer Floral Design, has teamed up with Winchester’s most talked about food and drink event organisers, Cabinet Rooms, to create some botanical cocktails using locally grown and foraged flowers.

Floral enthusiasts and cocktails lovers will have the chance to sample the creations at a one-off tasting event inspired by Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Some Enchanted Evening: A Celebration of British Flowers & Midsummer Cocktails will take place on Wednesday 15th June from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at the River Cottage Canteen in Winchester. Tickets cost £30.00 and include three cocktails mixed by Cabinet Rooms’ Gary and Marcus, the brains behind Winchester Cocktail Week and Ginchester.

Surrounded by the seductive sights and smells of a midsummer garden, guests will learn how to choose and arrange the best seasonal blooms, pick up tips on ‘growing your own’, and how to use flowers and herbs to create delicious cocktails, syrups and cordials.

British Flowers Week is the annual celebration of seasonal, locally-grown flowers and foliage that aims to raise awareness of the UK flower industry.

This year, Jay wants to ‘up the ante’ and spread awareness to a new audience: “I was looking for a way to get more people talking about British flowers, to enthuse and educate, but in a fun, informal setting.

She continues: “I’m a big fan of using flowers in cooking, and after hearing so much about Marcus and Gary’s events and mixology talents, a midsummer cocktail tasting seemed just the ticket.”

Gary and Marcus say: “A sense of discovery is at the core of what we do so we naturally jumped at the chance to work with Jay for British Flowers Week. We are very excited to help her bring a touch of midsummer magic to Winchester at this deliciously floral event!”

For more information or to book tickets to Some Enchanted Evening: A Celebration of British Flowers & Midsummer Cocktails visit Eventbrite or email: events@jayarcherfloraldesign.com

June 22nd Workshop | Centerpieces featuring Glorious Hydrangeas

June 14, 2016, 2:26 pm

≫ Next: Wedding Wednesday :: Just Peachy!

≪ Previous: Real Events – Jay Archer British Flowers Week

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Hydrangeas and clematis with mint and blackberries set in a milk glass compote.

 

Centerpieces featuring Glorious Hydrangeas
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 | 6:00-8:00 PM

Join us next Wednesday for an evening class where we will work with beautiful hydrangeas, various vines including clematis, garden roses, herbs, and more fabulous seasonal flowers! We’ll be designing compote centerpieces, where we will utilize chicken wire as our mechanic to hold flowers in place.

All flowers and container included, please bring your own pair of clippers/tools.

Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Location: Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, 5840 Airport Way S, Ste 201, Seattle, WA 98108
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Investment: $175.00 per person
Register: HERE

Wedding Wednesday :: Just Peachy!

June 15, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: “Courage in the Making” A Susan McLeary Portrait

≪ Previous: June 22nd Workshop | Centerpieces featuring Glorious Hydrangeas

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Adornments Flowers and Finery
Jen Rodriguez Photography

Chestnut & Vine Floral Design
Jerry Yoon Photographers

Green Bouquet Floral Design

KRISanthemums

Leslie Hollingsworth Photography

Merci Beaucoup Floral Design

The Arrangement Company

Exquisite Designs
Sarah Postma

“Courage in the Making” A Susan McLeary Portrait

June 16, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Fleur Friday

≪ Previous: Wedding Wednesday :: Just Peachy!

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From John Azoni, Creative Director & Producer at Epic Motion –
“When we set out to do a portrait of a new friend of ours, Susan McLeary, we intended on creating an intimate and authentic piece about the fear involved in making work that is remarkable, regardless of the market for the end product. We didn’t really anticipate how intimate it would get though. The surprise we received in the middle of the interview was both shocking and sad. But at the same time it was perfectly fitting for the story we were aiming to tell, and we’re really proud of the honor we were given to roll with this moment and allow the story to speak.”

Fleur Friday

June 17, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Fabulous Florist :: Florenta Design, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

≪ Previous: “Courage in the Making” A Susan McLeary Portrait

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I came across the above image and my very first thought was – this artist has a lot of patience. I went on to follow the link to view more of their work. WOW! Intense and so much patience.
See more here – Duy Anh Nhan Duc’s Flowers Portraits by Isabelle Chapuis

Interesting articles I’ve come across online –

From Australian News – Florists face end of the bloom

Floranext did a survey with florists about how Mother’s Day 2016 went, check out the interesting results here.

Fabulous Florist :: Florenta Design, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

June 20, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Eye Candy :: Kaleb Norman James Design

≪ Previous: Fleur Friday

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Thrilled to share one of my favorite floral designers from Mexico with all of you today! We also featured Florenta’s work in Issue Two of Flirty Fleurs magazine.

Your name: LOLA DEL CAMPO
Your Business name: FLORENTA DESIGN
Your Location: LOS CABOS, MEXICO

How did you start your business?
Before I opened Florenta, I had the great fortune of working for a wedding planning company and from that experience I was introduced to the world of flowers. I realized that my heart loved working with flowers and that was my passion and calling.

How many years have you been in business?
SINCE 2008

How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
Nature is definitely my inspiration and muse. I am always observing the forms, shapes and colors of plants, trees, florals and the natural fauna everywhere I go and from there my free form expression is born.

What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
Without a doubt, vibrant colors are unique and native to our region! In Los Cabos, we are blessed with the beautiful contrast of bright pink bougainvillea trees, often accented by the orange blooms of the Tabachin tree which pops out against the backdrop of our multi-hued ocean. We are also fortunate to have a great variety of succulents, which are also an amazing accent for wedding florals.

What is your favorite part of being a floral designer?
That I get to spend most of my day amongst flowers!

What advice would you give to aspiring floral designers?
Learn to appreciate constructive criticism and take suggestions with an open mind. This approach will help you achieve success sooner rather than later!

Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
Yes! We style the whole event and do rentals through our sister company, Let it Be rentals.

What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
Scissors!

What’s your favorite Social Media platform and why?
I love Instagram! It’s visual platform allows you to easily get to know the true nature and heart of the designer.

Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
Thank you for allowing me to share my floral experience with your readers. I feel extremely fortunate and privileged to be able to work with such a beautiful medium, where all credit truly goes to Mother Nature.

Contact Information:
Florenta Floral Design
https://www.facebook.com/florentaflowerdesign/
https://www.instagram.com/loladelcampo/
www.florentaflowerdesign.com

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Eye Candy :: Kaleb Norman James Design

June 21, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Fleur Friday

≪ Previous: Fabulous Florist :: Florenta Design, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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A few years ago I met Kaleb while at Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, he is a lovely gentleman with an eye for gorgeous, romantic flowers. Kaleb’s company is Kaleb Norman James Design and can often be found designing weddings in Washington & California. I adore his beautiful & romantic designs, here are a few of my favorites –

Kristen Marie Parker Photography

Ryan Flynn Photography

Fleur Friday

July 1, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Flower Shop Signage

≪ Previous: Eye Candy :: Kaleb Norman James Design

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Hello Flower Friends!
Wow, it’s JULY 1st already?! We are half way thru 2016 — how can that be??
well, I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a holiday weekend!
As for me, my family was just visiting for the past week, which was super fun. My niece and I have a tradition of making flower crowns and other designs and doing a little photoshoot. Here are a few of our pieces from this past week –

I’ve been wanting to try a big, poofy flower halo for awhile and thought this one was fun. The dahlias, hydrangea, porcelain berry vine, and astilbe are all from my cutting gardens.

Johann got in on the photo action here-

Maddie’s favorite flower in my cutting garden is the Koko Loko Rose-

Our flower child look-

Bouquet of koko loko roses, peony poppies, and clematis-

Maddie’s flower crown of porcelain berry vines and two types of clematis flowers-

Another view of the bouquet-

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing the designs that we made. In addition to flowers we did a whole lot of baking, our other family tradition. I think the winner of the week was the Peach Pie .. perfect summer peach pie – yum!

Wishing you all a fabulous 4th of July weekend!

Alicia

Flower Shop Signage

July 5, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Wedding Wednesday :: Compote Centerpieces

≪ Previous: Fleur Friday

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Camelback Flowershop

Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery

Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery

Flower Girl NYC

Kathleen Deery Design

Merci Beaucoup Floral Design

Sherwood Florist

Stacy K Floral Design

Stems Fleur

Twig.

Wedding Wednesday :: Compote Centerpieces

July 6, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Which social media platform is your favorite and why?

≪ Previous: Flower Shop Signage

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flowers from Madame Artisan Fleuriste
photographed by Le Secret d’Audrey

BLOOM

Emblem Flowers

JF Floral Couture

Kathleen Deery Design

Loop Flowers

Flower by Fiona Seidl
Pia Clodi Photography

Alluring Blooms

Kathleen Deery Design

Oak and the Owl
Chelsea Mitchell Photo

Which social media platform is your favorite and why?

July 7, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Upcoming Floral Design Workshop in Colorado!

≪ Previous: Wedding Wednesday :: Compote Centerpieces

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I asked floral designers “Which social media platform is your favorite and why?” and here are their answers –

FB and Instagram are my favorites. FB is a good broad reaching platform. Instagram is great for fun pictures but be sure to hashtag and hashtag some more! You’ll reach the younger generation that way and they are the future of our industry surviving and thriving. If you’re not sure what hashtags are mostly used, search them! Checkout what other people/shop are using as hashtags. If you use something that no one else is it won’t do you any good so be sure to search your hashtags before wasting the effort. 
Adrianna Duran-Leon AIFD
The Flower Company
Albuquerque, New Mexico

I say Pinterest!!  It has changed so many things for wedding florists.  We used to look at books in our meetings, now we look at Pinterest.  The brides used to bring in magazine clippings, now they have a Pinterest board to share.  So convenient!
Buffy Haramaki
Pink Posey Design
Denver, Colorado

I love Instagram for the intimate and spontaneous feeling of the posts.
Anne Bradfield
Floressence
Seattle, Washington

Hands down – Instagram.  We are seeing more and more Brides, who have found us through the app.  Incredible.  More outreach than Facebook, I believe, as the clients are trending more towards IG.  Using the proper hashtags for your market, is super critical.  You have to put some effort into which you use.
Jessica Morris AIFD, CFD
HotHouse Design Studio & PropHouse
Birmingham, Alabama

We absolutely love Instagram! The old say of a picture is worth a thousand words rings true! It’s the perfect platform for behind the scenes peek into our production and setting up the event. 
A client can get a real sense of who you are.  
Gayla Harvey
Tiger Lily Weddings
Charleston, South Carolina

I love Instagram because it’s so visual and that’s what this business is all about.  I have found that taking a good photo of your work can make all the difference in marketing – take a photography course, learn how to use photo editor apps and follow people that inspire you to greatness!  These are things on which I am continually working.
Tara Grand
By the Bloom
Los Angeles, California

FACEBOOK WORKS THE BEST FOR US. PEOPLE CONNECT A LOT WITH PICTURES OF OUR PREVIOUS EVENTS AND CONTACT US  BECAUSE OF THOSE PICTURES.
Andreia Muller, FSMD
The Flower Studio
Altamonte Springs, Florida

Upcoming Floral Design Workshop in Colorado!

July 8, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bouquet Week! :: blush

≪ Previous: Which social media platform is your favorite and why?

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Hello Flower Friends!
I’m excited to head to Colorado in 5 weeks with a very fun trip in the works!! While visiting Colorado I will be holding a one day Floral Design Workshop on Tuesday, August 16th. Floral designers have been snapping up spots — can’t wait to meet those of you who have signed up!! There are a few spaces remaining and if you’ll be in the area I’d love to see you in the class!

What we’ll be discussing and designing – Bridal Bouquets & Compote Styled Centerpieces

We’ll start the day with a bouquet demonstration. Think airy, assymterical, Instagram-esqe style bridal bouquet; this is the bouquet we’ll be designing with a lovely assortment of summer flowers! We’ll embellish this beauty with elegant ribbons.
After we design a beautiful bridal bouquet we will have a discussion and learning session about pricing our designs.

In the afternoon we’ll work on creating lush, garden styled compote floral designs. We’ll work with chicken wire as our structural mechanic, which will help us create a lush design. We’ll be designing with more gorgeous summer flowers!

All instruction and fresh flowers are included, please bring your own tools.

Date: Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
Location: Pink Posey Design Studio, 9850 W 59th Pl, Arvada, CO 80004
Time: 10am to 5pm
Investment: $399.00
Register: HERE

Bouquet Week! :: blush

July 11, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bouquet Week! :: white

≪ Previous: Upcoming Floral Design Workshop in Colorado!

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Hello! This entire week will be dedicated to bridal bouquets and today we start with blush bouquets –

B Floral Event Design

A Garden Party
Rach Loves Troy Photography

A Stem Above

Alluring Blooms

Amy Burke Designs

Flower Bar

Twigs Floral Design
Letlove Photography

Southern Blooms
Jen Fariello Photography

Kelly Kaufman Designs
Kurt Boomer Photography

Kelly Kaufman Designs
Kurt Boomer Photography

Lilies White
Jess Collins Photography

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Bouquet Week! :: white

July 12, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bouquet Week!:: hot pink & magenta

≪ Previous: Bouquet Week! :: blush

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Dandelion Ranch – Alders Photography

Rowan Oak Events

Fleurish Floral Design

Loop Flowers

Loop Flowers
Christina McNeill Photography

Kathleen Deery Design

Chestnut and Vine
Julie Mikos

JF Floral Couture

Floressence Flowers
Lime Green Photography

Fleurish Floral Designs

Bouquet Week!:: hot pink & magenta

July 13, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bouquet Week! :: lavender & purple

≪ Previous: Bouquet Week! :: white

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Botanikal Floral Design
Taylor Swedberg Photography

Myrtie Blue

The Little Branch
Brandon Kidd Photography

Botanic Art – Floral & Event Design

Poppy and Mint Florist
Ashleigh Jayne Photography

Botanic Art – Floral & Event Design

Passion Roots

Zest Floral
Becerra Photography

Zest Floral

Zest Floral

Bouquet Week! :: lavender & purple

July 14, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bouquet Week! :: summer brights

≪ Previous: Bouquet Week!:: hot pink & magenta

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Flower Bar

Serendipity Flowers

Flowers by Heidi

Pine Hills Floral Designs

Pinstripes & Peonies

Sophisticated Floral Designs

Sophisticated Floral Designs

Sophisticated Floral Designs

Stemz

Studio Stems

Bouquet Week! :: summer brights

July 15, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Why Florists Must Photograph Their Work by Alison Ellis

≪ Previous: Bouquet Week! :: lavender & purple

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Christina Rodriguez of Sea of Blossoms
Brandi Welles Photographer

Heavenly Blooms

Jackie Smith Johns AIFD, CFD

Lois Hiranaga Floral Design

Matthew Robbins Design

Megan Gray, Honey and Poppies

Salt Harbor Design
Millie Holloman Photography

Jennifer Cole Flowers
Milou Olin Photography

Modern Bouquet

Modern Bouquet

Pico Soriano Designs

Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design

Stoneblossom | Floral & Event Design

zest floral and event design

Why Florists Must Photograph Their Work by Alison Ellis

July 18, 2016, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Eye Candy :: Botanique Flowers

≪ Previous: Bouquet Week! :: summer brights

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It’s July, Floral designers!
Have you been taking pictures of your work this season? If you find yourself saying, “I didn’t have time to get a picture”, then today’s video is for you.

TO SUM IT UP…
Photos build your portfolio AND serve as the voice of your brand. If you don’t take pictures of your work, you cannot SELL your work!

Thanks for making the time to watch (today’s video is less than 5 mins long).

You can find photos of my most recent work on Instagram HERE.

And find a full list of online business courses exclusively for florists HERE: http://freshevents.floralartvt.com/ (Including 2 FREE courses!)

You can subscribe to my e-mail list on my website to stay in the loop with free updates and subscribe to my channel on YouTube.

Contact Information:
Alison Ellis
Floral Artistry
http://floralartvt.com
Vermont