It is the time of year that we floral designer have the opportunity to work many beautiful seasonal product.
Today we celebrate the wonderful Amaryllis!
Bloom by Anuschka
Amaryllis Guide
Amaryllis Guide from Hilverda De Boer
Here is a great “How To…” video from Leanne Kesler AIFD of the Floral Design Institute
Recently while shopping at Stevens and Son Wholesale I was introduced to a new-to-me product called AirNovo. I was sent back to the shop with this product, quite curious to give it a try in my own cooler.
AirNovo claims to:
So far I’ve been pleased with the results. I can tell you that it does remove odors! I noticed a difference probably within two days, that “cooler smell” had definitely improved. I do believe my flowers are lasting longer now that AirNovo is in the cooler. When I started the test I had a good amount of greenery in the cooler and I felt the leaves did not go crispy as quickly as they had in the past. Roses and stock both seemed better off. (If you use stock often you know how it can get smelly and grow mold very quickly)
It’s nicely designed and can easily be moved around inside the cooler, which I do depending on what size arrangements I’m packing into my cooler.
Now, I will tell you that I have not had it in my cooler long enough to see if the energy costs have gone down, but I do like the idea and hope I see a difference soon!!
I would recommend trying AirNovo if you have a cooler!
Additional information about AirNovo can be found on their website, the FAQ page is quite helpful.
Thank you to Stevens and Son Wholesale for providing the AirNovo for our product testing.
Stevens and Son Wholesale Florist
14022 W. 54th Avenue – Arvada, Co. 80002-1516
303-279-6254 | 800-826-7798 | www.stevensandson.com
Your name: Ariella Chezar
Your Business name: Ariella Chezar Design
Your Location: The Berkshires, Massachusetts.
How did you start your business and how many years have you been in business?
About 17 years ago I moved to the Bay Area on a lark, about a year after I began working with flowers. So many of the interesting flowers that came into the New York market came from the West Coast. As I’d expected, the San Francisco market was/is AMAZING! I worked in a few shops, and then was asked to do a friends wedding in Sausalito. The coordinator was impossible. After the wedding she came up to me and said, “I know I gave you a really hard time, but you handled me well, and not only that, your work is amazing. I’m putting you on our preferred list and will be telling everyone I know about you.” And she did. One thing quickly lead to another, and I started to get busy. Busy enough to quit all my other jobs. A year or so later I was approached by Chronicle Books (a friend of mine was an editor there) about doing a flower book. After Flowers for the Table was published I was able to call up all the NY magazines, House and Garden, Martha, Town and Country, etc. ask to meet with them and show them my book. Stephen Orr, now the garden editor at Martha, then at House and Garden was one of my first champions.
At the time, the more organic and natural style of arranging wasn’t particularly in Vogue on the East Coast. I think as a reaction to the 80′s wildness, we were still very much in what I call “Roundy Moundy” mode in New York. Tight, kind of French, safe and chic. Though I don’t believe that my way of assembling flowers is unique, I think I mostly benefitted from timing. My “look” was perceived, at the time, as “new” and “fresh” (though goodness knows, it wasn’t really!) and because of that I got a lot of wonderful press.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
I am happiest in the woods or with my hands in the dirt. I guess it goes without saying, but I don’t just love flowers, I LOVE!!!!!!!!! flowers, and I love color. I am moved and affected by beauty in all it’s forms. The interplay of colors thrills me.
What key moment in your life made you the floral artist you are today?
I’m not sure I consider myself an artist but rather, I think I’m a craftsperson. And I don’t think it was one key moment, but rather many moments, many factors that contributed to who I am and why I do what I do. My mother was Dutch, and an artist (a real one!) of multiple mediums. Everything she touched was an extension of her creative self. Dutch was my first language and we spent much of my youth around her art school friends and their art in Holland. I went to Waldorf schools which, among other things, foster creativity. I grew up way out in the country. Cousins would visit who lived in the city and talk about how boring it was in the country. My sister and I would roll our eyes, because for us, it was anything but.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
I’ve been using these super sharp pointy, delicate clippers from Hida in Berkeley that I adore. They aren’t good for branches, but for everything else, they are perfect.
What’s your favorite flower?
Seriously!!?? Give me a season, and I’ll give you my favorites. There’s no way I can commit to just one.
Spring: Hellebores, Ranunculus, Frittilaria
Late Spring: Tree Peonies, Tulips
Summer: Garden roses, young, green hydrangeas
Late summer: Zinnias, marigolds.
Fall: Japanese Anemones, Dahlias
Winter: Amaryllis, Quince, Citrus
How do you cope with and prevent creative burnout, what lights your fire, what do you wish you got to do more of?
I know it sounds superficial, but being surrounded by beauty is essential to me, and the opportunity to enhance spaces with one of the most amazing mediums, flowers! is so rewarding. I don’t mean this to sound smug, but I don’t think I’ve experienced much creative burnout. Which is not to say that I’m not absolutely bone tired/broken by the end of most events, it just takes a few good nights’ sleep to feel game again.
I love so much about what I do. I love growing the flowers, I love working with people, I love stepping into someone else’s vision of beauty and translating it into reality for them. Even when I’m not crazy about a particular vision, I can always find something to get excited about. And I love working with my crew. They are all so talented, so lovely. It can feel like a happy miracle when we are all humming along putting out one arrangement more beautiful than the next.
Perfect flowers light my creative fire. And I’m a sucker, like the rest of us, for the new or unusual varieties.
Running a business and being a hands on mom, I guess what I could always want more of is time.
Your contact information:
www.ariellaflowers.com
I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s post about Ariella Chezar!
Ariella has two classes coming up, one in Hawaii in February and another in Northern California in early May.
Here’s the information on the Maui class:
Which Red Rose is your favorite and why?
The roses for this test were provided by Amato Wholesale Florist, thank you Amato!!
Amato Wholesale Florist, Inc.
6601 Downing Street, Denver CO 80229
Tel: 303-287-3329 | Toll-Free: 1-800-447-3825 | http://www.amatodenver.com/
Martha Stewart Magazine
Care & Handling of Fresh Cut
Christmas Greens
Fresh cut Christmas greens are essential and traditional
ingredients in creating the ambience of the holiday season.
Fresh trees, wreaths, swags, and roping accent special places
both indoors and out, as reminders of the great outdoors.
Since greens are presumed to be tough, they are often
neglected. In all the wealth of care and handling
information, Christmas greens seem to be somewhat
overlooked. Actually, their general requirements are nearly
identical to other fresh cut flowers and foliage. When cared
for properly, their beauty can be prolonged.
1. Keep greens away from heat and sun.
2. Add water daily.
3. Increase humidty through misting.
4. Store greens in a cool place at night or when not enjoying them.
5. Replace greens before needle drop becomes too severe.
6. Use an anti-dessicant on the leaf or needle surface. (Prolong, Wilt Pruf)
Christmas Green Guide
Douglas Fir
Noble Fir
Silver Fir
Cone Cedar
Incense Cedar
Port Orford Cedar
Princess Pine
Juniper
Mountain Hemlock
Holly
Magnolia
What is your favorite Christmas Green?
Designer Unknown.
If you recognize this piece and know the designer please let us know!
Have you ever used poinsettia in your fresh cut arrangements? Here is a great video from Leanne Kesler AIFD from the Floral Design Institute with a great tip and trick on using then as a fresh cut!
The Adventskranz is a German Christmas tradition that has roots in the orphanages of Berlin in the mid-1800s. By World War I almost all German household who celebrated Christmas had an advent wreath in their home. Traditionally the Advent Wreath is composed of evergreen boughs and four candles. One candle is lit on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Many wreaths include a fifth candle that is lit on Christmas day.
We have beautiful holiday inspired images to share with you today. The flowers were designed by our friend Holly Heider Chapple with flowers provided by Florabundance Wholesale. The photography is by Genevieve Leiper.
Enjoy!
Floral Design: Holly Heider Chapple
Fresh Flowers: Florabundance Wholesale
Photography: Genevieve Leiper
Vases: Vasesource
JUST RELEASED!
The Floral Designers Marketing Workbook is an e-book written by a florist for florists, available for immediate download.
I’m excited to share some of my insights on marketing with you! After fourteen years in the business, I’ve learned a quite a few do’s & don’ts regarding marketing. Here I will share some of my successes and lessons learned, I hope you will learn from them while working on the marketing for your own floral design business.
The workbook includes ten marketing ideas and each marketing idea is broken into an exercise. These are marketing ideas that are focused on the floral industry, with a focus on floral designers looking to increase their wedding and event business. I give an overview of how the marketing idea has worked for me, followed by the workbook sections where you will be prompted to answer questions, sketch out ideas and brainstorm {marked by Action Item}.
This is your workbook to help further your floral design business! Have fun with it!
When you purchase the workbook, you will receive a link to download an electronic zip file and will be able to start using the workbook TODAY!
Yesterday I purchased your new marketing handbook and wanted to thank you for your concise presentation and useful information which can be implemented easily and immediately! Fantastic work! Thank you! ~Michael
Happy Holidays to all our favorite floral designers around the world, and to all the people that love floral designers and flowers!
Just to let you all know that we’ll be taking the next two weeks off from blogging. Both Chuck & I are quite busy with work – as we are sure many of you are too! Plus, enjoying time with our loved ones.
It’s a great time to catch up on some past posts on Flirty Fleurs, remember these?::
Results from the Marketing Survey
The Orange Rose Study
The White Rose Study
Tell Me A Story
The Olympic Victory Bouquet
The Testing of Crowning Glory
The Price of Beauty by Alexandra Jusino
Floral Design 101 :: Prepping Containers
What You See Is What You Get; A discussion about samples by Chuck Graham
Pay Per View; A discussion about samples by Robyn Rissman
Class with The Little Flower School
2012 Flirty Fleurs & DWF Bouquet Contest
Pink Garden Rose Varieties by Florabundance
How much do you think that costs??
Also, download the Marketing Workbook & start working on marketing ideas for 2013!
We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We’ll be back full steam the week of January 7, 2013.
Sincerely,
Alicia
T5
Your name: Ariella Chezar
Your Business name: Ariella Chezar Design
Your Location: The Berkshires, Massachusetts.
How did you start your business and how many years have you been in business?
About 17 years ago I moved to the Bay Area on a lark, about a year after I began working with flowers. So many of the interesting flowers that came into the New York market came from the West Coast. As I’d expected, the San Francisco market was/is AMAZING! I worked in a few shops, and then was asked to do a friends wedding in Sausalito. The coordinator was impossible. After the wedding she came up to me and said, “I know I gave you a really hard time, but you handled me well, and not only that, your work is amazing. I’m putting you on our preferred list and will be telling everyone I know about you.” And she did. One thing quickly lead to another, and I started to get busy. Busy enough to quit all my other jobs. A year or so later I was approached by Chronicle Books (a friend of mine was an editor there) about doing a flower book. After Flowers for the Table was published I was able to call up all the NY magazines, House and Garden, Martha, Town and Country, etc. ask to meet with them and show them my book. Stephen Orr, now the garden editor at Martha, then at House and Garden was one of my first champions.
At the time, the more organic and natural style of arranging wasn’t particularly in Vogue on the East Coast. I think as a reaction to the 80′s wildness, we were still very much in what I call “Roundy Moundy” mode in New York. Tight, kind of French, safe and chic. Though I don’t believe that my way of assembling flowers is unique, I think I mostly benefitted from timing. My “look” was perceived, at the time, as “new” and “fresh” (though goodness knows, it wasn’t really!) and because of that I got a lot of wonderful press.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
I am happiest in the woods or with my hands in the dirt. I guess it goes without saying, but I don’t just love flowers, I LOVE!!!!!!!!! flowers, and I love color. I am moved and affected by beauty in all it’s forms. The interplay of colors thrills me.
What key moment in your life made you the floral artist you are today?
I’m not sure I consider myself an artist but rather, I think I’m a craftsperson. And I don’t think it was one key moment, but rather many moments, many factors that contributed to who I am and why I do what I do. My mother was Dutch, and an artist (a real one!) of multiple mediums. Everything she touched was an extension of her creative self. Dutch was my first language and we spent much of my youth around her art school friends and their art in Holland. I went to Waldorf schools which, among other things, foster creativity. I grew up way out in the country. Cousins would visit who lived in the city and talk about how boring it was in the country. My sister and I would roll our eyes, because for us, it was anything but.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
I’ve been using these super sharp pointy, delicate clippers from Hida in Berkeley that I adore. They aren’t good for branches, but for everything else, they are perfect.
What’s your favorite flower?
Seriously!!?? Give me a season, and I’ll give you my favorites. There’s no way I can commit to just one.
Spring: Hellebores, Ranunculus, Frittilaria
Late Spring: Tree Peonies, Tulips
Summer: Garden roses, young, green hydrangeas
Late summer: Zinnias, marigolds.
Fall: Japanese Anemones, Dahlias
Winter: Amaryllis, Quince, Citrus
How do you cope with and prevent creative burnout, what lights your fire, what do you wish you got to do more of?
I know it sounds superficial, but being surrounded by beauty is essential to me, and the opportunity to enhance spaces with one of the most amazing mediums, flowers! is so rewarding. I don’t mean this to sound smug, but I don’t think I’ve experienced much creative burnout. Which is not to say that I’m not absolutely bone tired/broken by the end of most events, it just takes a few good nights’ sleep to feel game again.
I love so much about what I do. I love growing the flowers, I love working with people, I love stepping into someone else’s vision of beauty and translating it into reality for them. Even when I’m not crazy about a particular vision, I can always find something to get excited about. And I love working with my crew. They are all so talented, so lovely. It can feel like a happy miracle when we are all humming along putting out one arrangement more beautiful than the next.
Perfect flowers light my creative fire. And I’m a sucker, like the rest of us, for the new or unusual varieties.
Running a business and being a hands on mom, I guess what I could always want more of is time.
Your contact information:
www.ariellaflowers.com
Another Twitter and WP MSched Test. Checking the fix.
Your name: Ariella Chezar
Your Business name: Ariella Chezar Design
Your Location: The Berkshires, Massachusetts.
How did you start your business and how many years have you been in business?
About 17 years ago I moved to the Bay Area on a lark, about a year after I began working with flowers. So many of the interesting flowers that came into the New York market came from the West Coast. As I’d expected, the San Francisco market was/is AMAZING! I worked in a few shops, and then was asked to do a friends wedding in Sausalito. The coordinator was impossible. After the wedding she came up to me and said, “I know I gave you a really hard time, but you handled me well, and not only that, your work is amazing. I’m putting you on our preferred list and will be telling everyone I know about you.” And she did. One thing quickly lead to another, and I started to get busy. Busy enough to quit all my other jobs. A year or so later I was approached by Chronicle Books (a friend of mine was an editor there) about doing a flower book. After Flowers for the Table was published I was able to call up all the NY magazines, House and Garden, Martha, Town and Country, etc. ask to meet with them and show them my book. Stephen Orr, now the garden editor at Martha, then at House and Garden was one of my first champions.
At the time, the more organic and natural style of arranging wasn’t particularly in Vogue on the East Coast. I think as a reaction to the 80′s wildness, we were still very much in what I call “Roundy Moundy” mode in New York. Tight, kind of French, safe and chic. Though I don’t believe that my way of assembling flowers is unique, I think I mostly benefitted from timing. My “look” was perceived, at the time, as “new” and “fresh” (though goodness knows, it wasn’t really!) and because of that I got a lot of wonderful press.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
I am happiest in the woods or with my hands in the dirt. I guess it goes without saying, but I don’t just love flowers, I LOVE!!!!!!!!! flowers, and I love color. I am moved and affected by beauty in all it’s forms. The interplay of colors thrills me.
What key moment in your life made you the floral artist you are today?
I’m not sure I consider myself an artist but rather, I think I’m a craftsperson. And I don’t think it was one key moment, but rather many moments, many factors that contributed to who I am and why I do what I do. My mother was Dutch, and an artist (a real one!) of multiple mediums. Everything she touched was an extension of her creative self. Dutch was my first language and we spent much of my youth around her art school friends and their art in Holland. I went to Waldorf schools which, among other things, foster creativity. I grew up way out in the country. Cousins would visit who lived in the city and talk about how boring it was in the country. My sister and I would roll our eyes, because for us, it was anything but.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
I’ve been using these super sharp pointy, delicate clippers from Hida in Berkeley that I adore. They aren’t good for branches, but for everything else, they are perfect.
What’s your favorite flower?
Seriously!!?? Give me a season, and I’ll give you my favorites. There’s no way I can commit to just one.
Spring: Hellebores, Ranunculus, Frittilaria
Late Spring: Tree Peonies, Tulips
Summer: Garden roses, young, green hydrangeas
Late summer: Zinnias, marigolds.
Fall: Japanese Anemones, Dahlias
Winter: Amaryllis, Quince, Citrus
How do you cope with and prevent creative burnout, what lights your fire, what do you wish you got to do more of?
I know it sounds superficial, but being surrounded by beauty is essential to me, and the opportunity to enhance spaces with one of the most amazing mediums, flowers! is so rewarding. I don’t mean this to sound smug, but I don’t think I’ve experienced much creative burnout. Which is not to say that I’m not absolutely bone tired/broken by the end of most events, it just takes a few good nights’ sleep to feel game again.
I love so much about what I do. I love growing the flowers, I love working with people, I love stepping into someone else’s vision of beauty and translating it into reality for them. Even when I’m not crazy about a particular vision, I can always find something to get excited about. And I love working with my crew. They are all so talented, so lovely. It can feel like a happy miracle when we are all humming along putting out one arrangement more beautiful than the next.
Perfect flowers light my creative fire. And I’m a sucker, like the rest of us, for the new or unusual varieties.
Running a business and being a hands on mom, I guess what I could always want more of is time.
Your contact information:
www.ariellaflowers.com
Ok, who else is looking around and saying — 2013, how did that happen?? Where does time go?
Well, I do hope you all had a lovely holiday season – both personally and for your businesses.
Have you all thought about your goals for 2013? Started putting them into motion?
It’s the craziest thing, I do not have set goals for 2013, this is so unlike me! I guess I’m just along for the ride this year. 
A few things I think that might be of interest to all of you:
There are still a few spots left at the upcoming Florabundance Inspirational Design Days, click here for more info:
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Have you seen the latest issue of Flower Magazine? The shop where Chuck works as a floral designer, BLOOM by anuschka, is featured!! Congrats to Anuschka, Chuck, Adam and Jenna!
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I came across this post on Sprout’s Blog, you know how I love pricing posts!
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Also, I think Cathy’s “Flower Fix” at Sprout is absolutely brilliant!
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The week after I’m in Santa Barbara for Florabundance Inspirational Design Days I will be heading to Portland, Oregon to take a class with the one and only Francoise Weeks. Her design style is so fascinating, I cannot wait to learn from her! I’ve been designing flowers for 15 years and still want to learn from others, push myself outside of my comfort zone. I hope other designers feel the same way and take any opportunity to learn from others.
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For those of you that are working on your marketing goals for 2013, you may want to download the Flirty Fleurs Marketing Workbook.
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We have a lot of fun posts lined up and lots of fun projects ahead + adding to the galleries on the website, maybe a contest or two *wink, wink*, . Looking forward to a great 2013 here at Flirty Fleurs!!
I love this quote, seems fitting for the start of a new year:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
Hi Flower Friends!
Well, I’ve been having quite a bit of fun on our facebook page for Flirty Fleurs asking all of you about what trends you are seeing for 2013 – it’s great to get to connect with so many amazing floral designers across the country and world!
I recently came across a 10 year old article about what was popular in flowers and this was the list:
I asked on the facebook page what flowers designers consider to be the most popular for 2013, here’s the top ten:
Next, I asked about what types of styles are being requested by brides for 2013. Sounds like the style hasn’t changed a lot from the 2012 season:
Some say Mason Jars are still going strong and some say they are receiving no requests for Mason Jars this year .. maybe their reign is coming to an end??
My favorite reply to the mason jar question came from Marci at Entwined Designs in Southern California:
I hope all mason jars spontaneously explode in 2013. 
) #refusetousein2013letscampaign
We rounded up a few examples of what’s on trend for 2013:
Floral Design by Three Sisters Custom Flowers & Events. Ian Martin Wedding Photojournalism.
Designed by Three Sisters Custom Flowers & Events. Ian Martin Wedding Photojournalism
Designed by Holly Chapple. Astrid Photography
Designed by Holly Chapple. Astrid Photography.
Designed by Sweet Peas Flowers, Denver.
Designed by Bella Fiori
Designed by Bella Fiori
Designed by Bella Fiori
Designed by Sweet Peas Flowers, Denver. Peonies and poppies continue to be in demand.
Designed by Holly Chapple Flowers. Combo roses add the perfect golden touch to this bridal bouquet.
Designed by Holly Chapple Flowers. Long, flowing antique ribbons add a romantic feel to the bouquets.
Designed by Holly Chapple Flowers. Romantic, blush toned bridal bouquet with accents of gold fern fronds.
What do you think? Are you seeing any other trends starting to emerge?
(Thank you Holly Chapple Flowers, Three Sisters Custom Flowers & Events, Bella Fiori & Sweet Peas Flowers for the lovely images)
Your name: Tina Riddell
Your Business name: Living Fresh Flower Studio and School
Your Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
How did you start your business?
My love of flowers began in my early 20’s when I started working at a garden centre for the summer. That summer of working outdoors with flowers and plants turned into a 16-year career in the horticultural industry. After working for and managing some fabulous garden centres and greenhouses in Ontario I was in need of a career change, but I knew my new career had to involve flowers. So I enrolled in a floral design program at the local college and loved every moment. After completing my studies and cooperative education program I started Living Fresh after a good friend asked me to create the flowers for her wedding. At the same time I also decided to go back to school once more to study Interior Decorating, another passion of mine.
In the beginning I had a lot on the go, I ran Living Fresh out of my house, focusing strictly on wedding flowers, worked full time as an Interior Decorator at a local furniture store, plus I was working on completing my certificate in decorating.
By 2011 my love for flowers won my little personal battle I was having with my career choice and I left my full time job to focus solely on Living Fresh and I have never looked back. In August 2012 we opened our flower studio in Downtown Kitchener.
photography by Nikki Mills
How many years have you been in business?
Five years.
What is your design aesthetic?
I have a very organic and natural design aesthetic when it comes to flowers, garden-styled, a little on the feminine side, sometimes wild. Flowers are beautiful and I like to let their beauty speak for itself.
I’m also a texture and colour junkie; I can never get enough. I love combining different elements and colours together to create an unusual piece whenever I can.
I love old things, objects with a history and a story. I spend a lot of time at flea markets in the summer and at second hand shops hunting for vintage and antique vases and containers to use in the studio. I prefer to reuse old objects whenever I can, instead of buying new Made in China pieces.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
My style and inspiration comes mostly from nature. I really love flowers and plants and they are the main focus of our flower studio, we do not carry giftware.
I have a lot of respect for our natural world and I have been drawn to nature since I was a child. I could spend hours in my garden watching the things grow, flourish and change with the seasons.
I also gather inspiration from my travels, exploring a new city always includes visits to local flower shops, garden centres and botanical gardens.
When I’m not travelling and/or stuck indoors I find inspiration from surrounding myself with flowers, plants and foliage in the studio as well as while shopping for supplies at wholesalers.
What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
The rustic chic and all things vintage are very popular for 2013 weddings: weddings in a barn with a modern twist or a bit of bling or glitter. Many brides are requesting a romantic, relaxed yet classic look for their big day.
The bouquets are unstructured and natural with flowers in the shades of ivory, blush, pink, peach and buttery yellows. Popular flowers are Peonies, Garden Roses, Ranunculus, and Anemones.
Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
We have a retail studio in Downtown Kitchener in the city’s oldest hotel, the Walper Hotel. Our studio is open by appointment or by chance.
Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
We teach floral design classes and workshops. We offer multi week florist training as well as special interest classes and workshops for people who love flowers and plants and are looking to learn new skills. We love sharing our passion for flowers with others and teaching is the best way to do so.
Although my main focus is now flowers I still offer interior decorating services to clients.
How do you balance the desires a modern bride when purse strings rest on the shoulders of traditional parents?
For us it is important to have a good understanding of the couples wedding flower budget and vision before talking details. This allows us to guide them in the right creative direction suitable to their overall look and budget. There is nothing worst than getting a bride all excited about specific design and than telling them it cannot be done in their price range.
If the bride really wants a pricey flower used that is not supported by the budget than we like to suggest it as the special flower used only in her bouquet and recommend other blooms to coordinate for the bridesmaids’ bouquets and centrepieces. That way she can still have her favourite flower and keep things within budget.
There are many ways to get the look a couple may be after for their wedding within their budget, sometimes it just takes a bit of thinking outside of the box and listening to what is important to them.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
My bunch cutters, I do work with a floral knife but the cutters seem to be my go to choice of tool. I do not have a favourite pair as I tend to throw tools out on a regular bases by accidentally dropping them in the garbage can.
What’s your favorite flower?
That’s a pretty loaded question! I love most flowers and I have seasonal favourites. My top 10 are:
1. Peonies
2. Garden Roses
3. Amaryllis
4. Tulips
5. Ranunculus
6. Astilbe
7. Helleborus
8. Magnolia Blossoms
9. Poppies
10. Lavender
Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
I love what I do and I have worked very hard to get where I am today but I could not have done it without the support and love of my spouse, my family and friends and this wonderful community. I learn something new everyday, this is an industry that is growing and evolving and I love that I’m a part of it. For me the best thing about what we do is seeing the joy flowers bring to others. That is what fuels me to do my job as best as I can.
Your contact information:
Living Fresh Flower Studio and School
20 Queen Street South
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 1V6
1-226-336-1017
http://livingfresh.ca
