Joseph Massie

Last January while at The Chapel Designer & Florabundance Inspirationdal Design Days Event I had the pleasure of meeting Joseph Massie, who had flown in from England. Now I’ve been a fan of Joe’s for quite sometime, really ever since seeing that dress created from Red Rose Petals – you know the one I’m talking about, right? Well, I was quite excited to spend some time with Joe and watch him do his thing –

I asked Joe what inspired him to make this art piece -
“It all really started with Holly’s invitation to come out to SB to be a part of the conference. Holly had seen some of my art pieces previously, and we thought it could add a nice twist to the event to have something a little different for the designers. We started brain storming ideas, thinking of themes, and naturally, we were led to thinking about the conference, and ultimately about connection ~ about how we were all coming together for this event, all participating, and how we’re all always learning and developing as we go.

I suggested working with circles ~ symbolic for connection and continuation, and poppies were a natural fit as they can be so different in colour, energy and in what they say, but still they’re all the same flower ~ which fitted really well with our ethos for the work. The poppies also fitted as we were in SB, and although the poppies we used weren’t the actual official state flower, it was a nice touch to work with them ~ a nod to our environment as it were. The wheat weaving technique fitted beautifully with both the poppies and our connection theme ~ and it was also practical to teach based on budget and time restrictions. We needed something that we could build up relatively quickly (as we only had half a day with the participants) but something that everyone could contribute to equally.

If I had to sum it up in a sentence or two, ‘United by Design’ was a true collaboration from every participant who attended the conference. We supplied the original idea and the technical guidance, but frankly this work could not have been constructed by one person alone. It’s a work literally made from connection, equality, growth and contribution, which I feel was reflective of the energy from the group. ”

Dana adding more wheat to the design.

Victoria wiring on the water tubes to the piece

Francoise Weeks peeling back the covering on the poppies

My addition to the piece..

Katie Noonan AIFD adding her poppy to the piece

Kristi adding water to the tubes

Joost, Holly & Joe

Contact Information -
Joseph Massie Creative
The Chapel Designers
Florabundance Wholesale

The Question:

My friend was responsible for bringing in a referral for a wedding that we booked. He asked if he got a “Finders Fee”. Does anyone pay any type of incentive to people who bring in weddings, if so, what. And if you pay a percentage what percent is common?
Designer in California

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The Answers:

Different communities handle this differently as far as I understand. Kickbacks and finders fees are not standard practice where I am (Oregon). For my friends in the industry, I try to reciprocate with well-matched referrals or help out with photo shoot flowers or something similar. For friends not in the business, I say thanks with gifts, usually a restaurant or spa gift card or a bottle of their favorite spirit. Nobody has ever asked me for a finder’s fee though, and I feel like that would be bad form!

anastasia ehlers, Oregon

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There is no such thing as finders fee unless you are selling real estate. If someone sends you a referral it’s because they appreciate your work, think that what you do is amazing, love doing business with you, know you will handle that person with kid gloves and make them happy. OR that you will be paying them a so called finders fee….. or a referral fee, or what it really should be called a kickback. If you really want to know most people pay 10% of the total amount. So if they spent $200 then you would pay then $20. But in reality you would have to increase your price by $20 in order to keep your profit margin intact. We all know that margins in the floral industry are already pretty tight as it is because so many things can go wrong in floral. I live in a town that many before me expect that, and ask for it without batting an eye. It has gotten so bad that a lot of the venues ask for 10% from the florist, the caterer, the rental company and even the entertainer. So as you can imagine in the end the client ends up paying that 10% finders fee in additional costs that they never even knew they were paying and in the end they are either getting a lesser amount of flowers, food, service, one less musician, etc.

My advice to you, don’t do it. Don’t open the door to it. If one vendor does it, the venue/planner/caterer will expect it and it will become the norm as it is in my town.

anonymous, Illinois

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Paying a finders FEE – NO way. I would never pay someone a fee to send someone to me. My venues are always good about sending brides my way. BUT, I have built a great relationship with them, too. I also send a nice gift card to anyone who is sending me business. Its shows I am thankful.

Tracy of Park Place Design, Michigan

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If it is a colleague or business associate, maybe a nice floral arrangement would be in order.
Laurie of Fleurie, California

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If a friend refers a wedding I will drop off extra flowers to them as a thank you.
Jane of Budget Blooms, British Columbia

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I recommend other vendors all of the time–planners, music, cake makers, lighting, officiates, etc. And only vendors that I know are good, reliable, etc. I only ask the bride to tell the vendor who did the recommending. I do not expect any finder’s fee. Nor do I pay a finder’s fee when I am recommended.
Kitty of Jubilee Flowers, Alabama

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I never pay a finder’s fee. If this person is really a friend, then they would want you to succeed and sending business your way is something a true friend would do. When a friend sends a piece of business my way, I thank them with words, flowers and perhaps take them to dinner.

Melody of Fleurish Floral Designs, California

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	The Compote Floral Arrangement Workshop Saturday, September 13, 2014  /  10am to Noon In this class we’ll discuss how to design a lush, garden style flower arrangement in a compote vessel using chicken wire as the support structure. After the discussion each student will create their own floral arrangement masterpiece using gorgeous flowers supplied by Seattle Wholesale Growers Market – including dahlias, zinnias, vines, gorgeous foliages, and other seasonal beauties! Investment: $250.00 per person Register Here
	The Bridal Bouquet & Pricing Workshop Saturday, September 20, 2014 / 10am to 1pm The Bridal Bouquet & Pricing Workshop is a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to design lush hand-tied bouquets. After we design a beautiful bridal bouquet we will have a discussion and learning session about pricing our designs. All instruction and fresh flowers are included, please bring your own tools. Investment: $250.00 per person Register Here
	A Hands-On Boutonniere & Corsage Design Workshop Saturday, October 4, 2014  /  10am to 1pm Would you like to learn more about designing Corsages & Boutonnieres? Then join us for this 3 hour hands-on class where we will focus on wiring and gluing techniques!! We will practice wiring a variety of flowers and use various finishing techniques on boutonnieres. Corsages – we will work on Pin-ons and Wristlet corsages for a variety of looks. Investment: $200.00 per person Register Here
	A Flower Halo Workshop Saturday, October 11, 2014  /  10am to Noon Flower Halos and Hair Pieces are all the rage right now! In this hands-on design class we’ll review ways to construct flower halos with a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers. All instruction, fresh flowers and hard goods are included, please bring your own clippers. Investment: $200.00 per person Register Here

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All classes will be held at:

Seattle Wholesale Growers Market

5840 Airport Way S, Ste 201, Seattle, WA 98108

All instruction, fresh flowers and hard goods are included, please bring your own clippers.

Questions? Send Alicia an Email

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When you suspect you’ve been underbid for a design gig it can really get you down. If thinking about “losing” a customer makes you question your own pricing then this video is for you!

Visit Alison’s Blog for more inspiration -
Alison Ellis
Floral Artistry, Vermont
http://floralartvt.com

What happens when Craspedia (billy balls) isn’t available? Or perhaps your client likes the idea of a fun texture like craspedia, but the yellow is a bit too bright. Maybe you are concerned about the amount of pollen on the craspedia and allergies?
Laurie of Fleurie Flowers has a solution! She does a bit of work on the gaillardia flower & Voila, a faux Craspedia!

Pretty clever, right? I like how it ads a softer touch than the craspedia would have to the bouquets.

Thank you, Laurie!

Fleurie Flowers
Reedley, California

The Question:

I’m fairly new to the professional floral industry and have recently joined forces with a shop that has been going strong since the mid-eighties. With my background and experience in marketing I’ve been working hard to bring this veteran shop up to speed with the online world.

A huge part of this industry depends on photographed images of past and present designs, as you well know.
Any tips on staging our arrangements and designs so as to look more professional and advertise our work better? We’re currently having to use photoshop to clean up our make-shift backdrops, etc. Too much work…
Designer in Washington

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The Answers:

Good for you! I’d try to dedicate a well-lit spot to photographing the arrangements and make your backgrounds a little less makeshift. At the very least, make yourself a portable standard backdrop to match your brand that you use for all your images so they are consistent. Turn off the flash and just use natural light, but avoid super-bright outside sunshine. If you have a DSLR camera, a 50mm lens is definitely worth the investment. That thing has completely leveled up my pictures.

anastasia ehlers, Oregon

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I’ve been struggling with staging photos because of limited space. Recently, a middle of the night thought came and awoke me from my sleep. I have limited space, but LOVE the natural light my back yard brings. I have a bland back yard. And don’t want to add staging areas that are permanent. I am making 3′x’3′ backdrop boards of thin plywood. Attaching things like textured wallpaper, tile, whitewash, etc. Something different for both sides. I’ll bring in things like limestone rocks, an old stump or log, pretty flower pot, etc to aid in the propping of the bouquets. Easy, simple & inexpensive. I’m in the process of making props now…and would be happy to share the finished product later. Always look for natural light & use that to your advantage. And most importantly, invest in a good camera and photography class.

Jessica of Blooms ‘n Blossoms, Kentucky

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Carve out a space in the shop/studio that can be exclusively for taking photograph’s of your work. Make sure the space has a good light source (natural lighting would be ideal). Paint the wall a nice neutral color so you have a clean, consistent backdrop for the images. An exposed brick or painted brick wall would be great too! Use a prop of some kind if needed for photographing hand tied bouquets. Incorporate taking a picture of each arrangement and/or bouquet as part of the design process. Once the design is made it goes to the photographing space for a picture and then into the cooler or out for delivery. At the end of each day or week review all the images and select the ones you feel best reflect your work and upload them to your website or other social media platform. This could become a weekly blog post or a separate tab showing your clients what you’ve been up to that day or week. Showcase a new style or design that you’d like to start selling. Having a camera mounted on a tripod may also be helpful so it’s already set and ready to go and you just have to turn it on!

Alicia of Alicia Jayne Florals, Maryland

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If you are working with everyday designs especially for website ordering, then purchase a light cube. They are easy to set-up and will do wonders for highlighting your gorgeous designs! And, if you are near a well-light window giving you a plethora of natural light you won’t have to invest in the lighting. Just a few tweaks in photoshop and it will be fab!

Christi of Bergeron’s Florist, Virginia

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Very simple to handle image taking…..you don’t even have to have an expensive camera! Set up an area in the shop where you can hang a white back round (even a sheet works). Make sure it covers the back area, then flows underneath where the design will be placed. Natural light is always the best, but you can buy a great set of lighted photo umbrellas from Amazon for about $60.00. Or you can purchase inexpensive flood light clip on lights. Just remember to use at least two angled up and to the sides of the area, facing towards the design. Lighting and back round are crucial so the color and texture of the design is the best it can be, and having the least shadows is important as well. You can also use a stone wall, or outdoor area that has good, natural lighting. Some brick walls look great as well. With the white back round, the goal is for the white to face out and the beauty of the design to show up. The best place to see great images and back rounds is on Pinterest. Once you start doing it, you’ll be addicted! Now go create and have fun…..

Flowers by Joe Guggia, California

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The simplest things I can suggest would be a smooth heavy canvas drop cloth or a large chalkboard hanging on a north wall with a pedestal or table underneath. A great stone wall in my mind would be really great. Make it plenty large so that you are not limited by size.

Laurie of Fleurie, 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

Flowers Lovers —
Help those who have friends in the floral industry, those who just don’t want to see Profit over People, those who love the charm and history of the SF Flower market, those who believe that small business owners need support and a voice in SF. #savethesfmarket #flowerpower #peopleoverprofit

Sign the Petition to save the SF Flower Market –

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/647/003/401/save-the-san-francisco-flower-market/

Once upon a time there was a young girl, a girl who did as she was supposed to do – go to college and upon graduation take a job with a start up software company in San Francisco. After all, isn’t that what one should do? Work in the computer industry in the Bay Area? But, there was a blip in the path. That young girl decided to be artsy and take some floral design classes at College of San Mateo in the evenings. “just for fun”. Then the teacher, Sally, took that girl to SF Flower Market early one morning. Well, as the saying goes .. The rest is history.
That was 1998.

Fast forward to 2014 and that girl is sitting here crying in front of her computer because her beloved SF Flower Market is about to fall to the same computer industry, an industry that controls the majority of SF & the Bay Area.

I know my story is not unique. I know many other designers have walked a similar path, one where they felt they came alive when they walked into the market. Wanting to hoard all the flowers and goodies they see. Loving the early mornings. The great little coffee and pastry shop at the entrance. The rush, the energy. Running into friends. Fighting over the last bunch of a certain flower. Checking out Figone’s dahlias. Perusing Torchio’s offerings & being greeted with smiles. Jockeying for a parking space at 5am on a Wednesday.

I want nothing more than for other people to find themselves amongst the flowers. I want other people to practice their art, build a business of their own, share their passion & to create.
I want them to have the opportunity to walk into San Francisco Flower Market.

Here’s what I don’t get though. I know I’m not the only one that is feeling distraught and saddened for the future of the floral industry. Yet, when I just checked the online petition to save the market I see only 2,150 signatures. Do only 2,150 people care about saving the flower market??!! I don’t get it. Do something! Take a stand. Speak up. At least try, just try.

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION!!!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/647/003/401/save-the-san-francisco-flower-market/

Beautiful Video -

Save San Francisco’s Flower Market from Steve Agnos on Vimeo.

The Question:

Floral Walls are super popular this year. Does anyone have tips on how to create these walls? What are the mechanics used to create the stand, and to keep the weight and water in check? Do designers use floral foam or water tubes? Would love to get some tips from the pros!
Designer in California

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The Answers:

We ordered huge pieces of styrofoam from a local supplier. This works really well with fresh and paper flowers. We got 10′ by 4′ pieces. We used long hyacinth stakes to stack them next to each other on-site. Pipe drape supports were our background mechanic. We stuck cable ties through the styrofoam and attached them to the pipes. The flowers were water-picked and then we used greening pins to attach them from stem into the foam. It was the backdrop for Martina McBride!

Christi of Bergeron’s Florist, Virginia

I believe that they are frames constructed to withstand weight, with a good solid base. I would fill in with wet foam then chicken wire to hold in place. I am sure there are many ways to do this. But this way works for me.
Tracy, Park Place Design, Michigan

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	The Compote Floral Arrangement Workshop Saturday, September 13, 2014  /  10am to Noon In this class we’ll discuss how to design a lush, garden style flower arrangement in a compote vessel using chicken wire as the support structure. After the discussion each student will create their own floral arrangement masterpiece using gorgeous flowers supplied by Seattle Wholesale Growers Market – including dahlias, zinnias, vines, gorgeous foliages, and other seasonal beauties! Investment: $250.00 per person Register Here
	The Bridal Bouquet & Pricing Workshop Saturday, September 20, 2014 / 10am to 1pm The Bridal Bouquet & Pricing Workshop is a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to design lush hand-tied bouquets. After we design a beautiful bridal bouquet we will have a discussion and learning session about pricing our designs. All instruction and fresh flowers are included, please bring your own tools. Investment: $250.00 per person Register Here
	A Hands-On Boutonniere & Corsage Design Workshop Saturday, October 4, 2014  /  10am to 1pm Would you like to learn more about designing Corsages & Boutonnieres? Then join us for this 3 hour hands-on class where we will focus on wiring and gluing techniques!! We will practice wiring a variety of flowers and use various finishing techniques on boutonnieres. Corsages – we will work on Pin-ons and Wristlet corsages for a variety of looks. Investment: $200.00 per person Register Here
	A Flower Halo Workshop Saturday, October 11, 2014  /  10am to Noon Flower Halos and Hair Pieces are all the rage right now! In this hands-on design class we’ll review ways to construct flower halos with a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers. All instruction, fresh flowers and hard goods are included, please bring your own clippers. Investment: $200.00 per person Register Here

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All classes will be held at:

Seattle Wholesale Growers Market

5840 Airport Way S, Ste 201, Seattle, WA 98108

All instruction, fresh flowers and hard goods are included, please bring your own clippers.

Questions? Send Alicia an Email

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Recently Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers sent out the above boxes of goodies to Laurie from Fleurie, Carmel from Mt Lebanon Floral and Myself. I find it so interesting how three floral designers in three different areas of the USA can receive the same box of goodies and come up with such different designs, interesting isn’t it??

First, a closeup of each flower & foliage we received -

Designs by me, Bella Fiori, Washington -

Designs by Laurie, Fleurie, California -

Designs by Carmel, Mt Lebanon Flower Shop, Pennsylvania

I needed a change of pace today as I’ve been posting quite a few loose, garden-y styled arrangements lately. Today I’m going Contemporary on here! Hope you enjoy these intriguing designs as much as I have ..

Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik

Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik

Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik

Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik

Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik

Botany Flowers

Ellen Seagraves – Chic Florals

Piverdie Piverdiere

Simply Petals

Tantawan Bloom

The Empty Vase

Viburnum Designs

Seattle Wholesale Growers Market hosted a Dahlia Festival the first week of September and this is the Wall Of Dahlias we had on display for designers. Each dahlia was labeled with its name and the name of the grower.

I’ve spent a few hours browsing over the lovely arrangements in this new book released by Southern Lady magazine – Flowers with Southern Lady. Its 134 pages are packed full of gorgeous, full color images of floral designs plus, a couple of “how-to’s” on how to create some of the looks. The book is definitely geared towards home entertaining, or event entertaining although quite a few of the designs could be used as inspiration for wedding reception looks.
What I’ve particularly enjoyed are the bright colors used for the designs, I suppose a wedding season heavy in “blush” will make many of us crave a bit of brightness?! I also quite enjoyed the variety of containers which were used to complement the flowers, unique and a good variety. The book also includes information on Tools of The Trade & Helpful Tips which are nice reminders for floral pros on mechanics used to create our floral designs.

The book does flow through the seasons, starting with spring and ending with winter. I’m a sucker for a big, lush, bright red, traditional Christmas floral design with Red Roses & Red Berries so the last pages of this book did make me happy!

Now for the exciting news!
I have TWO copies of this beautiful book to give to two Flirty Fleurs followers!! woo-hoo!!

Here is how YOU can win a copy! Email in a photograph of a centerpiece you have created for a dinner party, wedding reception, theme party, etc.
Bottom line – a centerpiece set on the table!

Email to: info@flirtyfleurs.com

Subject Line – Book Contest Entry

Entries are due by 8pm PST on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
All the photographs will be posted on the blog next Monday, September 22nd and the winners will be announced on Monday, September 29th.
Good Luck!