About the workshop
DAY 1: Introduction and Hand-tied Bouquets
We will begin with a chat about how The Flower Appreciation Society started and give you lots of tips and advice on running your own business. We will show you how to select the best blooms, choose lovely colour combinations and create shapes all in The Flower Appreciation Society style. We will discuss where to source your flowers, buying British and growing your own. You will each be given a selection of seasonal flowers for the day and be taught how to prepare them for use and longevity.
After lunch we will demonstrate how to make a beautiful hand tied bouquet in our wild, natural, gardeny style. Then it's your turn to have a go. The day will finish with a demonstration of how to present and package your bouquet (this is something you can then practise as the week goes on) so you can take all your flowers home easily.
DAY 2: Table Design
On Day 2 we shall focus on table arrangements and introduce different methods of arranging in a variety of vessels using sustainable methods and our large collection of old and new containers in all different shapes and sizes. We will discuss where you can source your vases and what shapes work best for different table set ups. The afternoon will be about styling and photographing your work and there will be time for each student to style their own table scape.
Day 3: Wedding Flowers- Bridal Accessories and the Bridal Bouquet
Today we shall concentrate on wedding flowers- from the consultation and the buying to the creating and the delivery. We shall begin with a discussion on setting up as a wedding florist, the meeting, mood boarding and proposal writing. Next we shall explore bridal accessories and show you how to make a fresh flower head dress, a buttonhole and a hair comb. Then it will be your turn to have a go. The afternoon will be spent working on a bridal bouquet (with a demo to begin with). You will select the colour palette and flowers you would like to use and spend time creating a stunning bridal bouquet, tied off with a beautiful silk ribbon.
Day 4: Ceremony Day: Larger arrangements and Pew ends
Today we shall explore designing in larger vessels and floor standing meadows. First we will demonstrate and then guide you through your own urn arrangement using chicken wire for structure. With a selection of beautiful flowers and foliage we will teach you how to create a loose and natural shape, discussing colours, form and texture. After Lunch we shall discuss different ideas for pew ends and show you how to make a standing meadow mound which can be used to create a dramatic walkway down an aisle or up a staircase. It will then be your turn to have a go and creating your very own.
Day 5: Freestyle and Installation
The final morning will be yours to create what you would like using one of our vases or containers to practise what you have learned from the week. We of course will be there to guide you! In the afternoon We shall discuss how you can make beautiful wow-factor floral pieces without the use of harmful floral foam, using sustainable techniques. As a group, we will make a large installation piece and finsh the week with time for photigraphing your work and a glass of fizz!
General Information
The course will take place at our studio in De Beauvoir, Hackney (please see here for exact location).
An essential part of being a florist is learning how to capture great images of your work. This is something we will cover over the course of the workshop giving you lots of advice as to how you can achieve this. We encourage you to bring your own camera or a smart phone to document your work. We will also take pictures throughout the workshop which we will share with you.
All flowers used will be British, many sourced from small independent growers and will be yours to take home.
Tea, coffee, croissants in the morning and plenty of biscuits will be provided throughout the day as well as all the materials and flowers that you will need.
A surprise gift will be included too!
We shall have an hour’s lunch break every day to restore energy levels. There are lots of wonderful places to eat near us but you are also very welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay in the studio (as long as you don’t mind us getting ready for the next session around you!)