May 1st, 2012

It’s All About:

Choices for Mothers’ Day

Choices … Choices … Choices!

Leave it to your favorite floral retailer to surprise and delight in your Mother’s day gift giving.

There is always something new and different in world of flowers … like this new strain of veronica grown in Ethiopia called “Smart Alien” (named appropriately because it looks like it came from out-of-this-world).

Or these bright and cheery anenomies and poppies available just a little while longer from the Ligurian region of Italy.

If mom is a rose lover she’ll be amazed at these David Austin garden roses bred in England and grown in South America.

Or maybe she’d fancy the earthy textures of these assorted Cape Flowers from South Africa blended into a display of seasonal cut flowers for a rich organic look

Your favorite floral retailer has access to flowers from all over the world.

So if you’d like something different or special just let them know a little about your mom and give them plenty of notice to create a unique message of love and appreciation from you.

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Choices in Designs

For Mother’s Day you can choose a design that fits your mom’s taste – or choose one that represents your personality to her.

It’s your choice – and you can’t go wrong.

Whether you pick a traditional American design of cala lilies and hydrangea …

Classic yellow roses and seasonal flowers  in a vase …

A contemporary piece on an oversized white glass platter …

Or a trendy vertical European hand-tied bouquet …

Flowers are the perfect choice for offering gestures of love and appreciation – every single time.

~~~~~~~

Choices & More – Even in Bouquets!

Even for flower lover Do-It-Yourself hobbyists there is a wonderful selection of fresh cut flowers to choose from.

Mixed bouquets don’t have to be boring or mundane.

Lots of flower handlers have gloriously abundant bouquets available (along with their everyday selections)

You can mix and match several bunches of flowers and combine them into one big bouquet.

Or, have your floral retailer put an assortment together for you.

Almost every flower handler can wrap your selected flowers so you are proud to present hem.

And for tips on styling your special mixed bouquet, just remember to access the 24 Tip-Sheets we have designed to help you arrange and rearrange your flowers with ease (www.FlowerLoverMagic.com).

Posted in DESIGN IT YOURSELF:, Enthusiasts, Expressionists, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, Hobbyists, Mothers' Day, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Uncategorized | No Comments »

May 1st, 2012

May Day Surprise Flowers

When I was a little girl May 1st was “May Day”.

It was customary to put a few flowers (gathered around the farm as the closest florist was 45 minutes away) in a basket, place them on the doorstep of someone you loved (in my case it was my grandmother) and run away – leaving them pleased but guessing.

I doubt my grandmother had to guess who left the flowers – since no one lived anywhere near her except us.

But the game was fun just the same. And now that I’m a grandmother I’m sure she was as pleased with the game as I was.

I don’t know where the custom came from, when it started, or any history of it really – as far as I know my mom could have made it all up.

I just know it was something to look forward to mid-spring after the “April Showers brought Spring Flowers”.

It was a pleasant token of love that felt as good for the giver as the receiver.

So, I thought there might be people in your lives that it might be fun to share the concept with.

The gesture doesn’t have to be elaborate. Mine were a few spring blooms from my mothers yard and lots of blooming weeds from the edges of the fields.

If you don’t have a basket any container will do.

If you can’t knock on the door, leaving the flowers anyplace they will be found will do and sending them from a florist certainly will work if you can’t get there yourself.

If you have an elderly friend, relative, or shut-in May Day is a great excuse to say “Hello”, “Happy Spring”, or “I’m thinking of you”.

It doesn’t have to be a costly gesture.

But it can be good for both your souls.

Posted in DESIGN IT YOURSELF:, Enthusiasts, Expressionists, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Styling for Therapy, Uncategorized | No Comments »

April 30th, 2012

Long Lasting Rose

Over and over again people ask me how long their flowers should last.

It’s such a hard question to answer because there are so many variables to consider in every situation:

  • The original quality of the flowers
  • The preparation and hydration prior to receipt by a consumer
  • The care and handling of the flowers by the consumer.

And as soon as you think you know all the answers, something happens to throw the whole philosophy out the window.

Such is the story of this beautiful gem.

It had a rough start. A private lessons student brought it to class on a Saturday morning.

She had gotten assorted flowers (with a little age on them) from a wholesaler at a discount to be used for class.

When the bunch of twenty-five roses was opened this one was found with a broken stem that had prevented the rose from hydrating properly at the wholesalers.

It was removed from the bunch and placed in a wall paper tray filled with water to soak for a couple of hours after its stem had been re-cut to fit the tray.

And then, it was forgotten.

Since it was not used for class I took it to my kitchen, re-cut the stem, plopped it into a glass with an inch of water, and sat it in the windowsill (not the best place for flowers because of the sun but my favorite place for flowers because I can see them right at eye level – often).

There this single rose sat for the next week while I traveled away from home.

And, this (above) is the rescued rose that greeted me from the kitchen windowsill the next Saturday when I came home.

An unexpected surprise – I thought my husband would have put it in the compost by now.

Since it was such a trooper I immediately rinsed the glass, added water, removed some dying leaves, re-cut the rose and put it back in place …  where it stayed for almost another week.

During the next Friday’s house cleaning session I started to throw it out. The petals were weak, transparent, and stressed. The foliage had become nasty. But it still had a little life. So, I removed all of the foliage, rinsed the glass one more time. Recut the stem again. And put the rose back in the window in the glass. Within a day or two it did go to the compost. But I got two weeks and a couple of days of pleasure from that rose.

Which offers the question – why do some flowers last and others don’t? It can’t just be the original quality – because this rose was not that fresh and had been broken. It can’t be that all the “rules” of care and handling were observed – because I gave it no preservative and had it placed in a sunny window.

We all know that flowers make people happy – flowers make people feel better.

But I wonder … can people make flowers feel better?

Do flowers respond to the love, appreciation and respect offered by the people in their environment?

Are flowers vibrational barometers regarding the people who witness them?

Hmmmmmm … maybe it’s worth pondering.

Posted in Enthusiasts, Uncategorized, WELL BEING: | No Comments »

April 28th, 2012

Hot Pink Diva Centerpieces

Looking for a quick and easy way to decorate for your next “Girls Celebration”?

Whether you are hosting a bridal shower, birthday party, or congratulations gathering these floral centerpieces designed in clutch purses make the perfect statement of femininity and savvy.

The great thing about these purses, used on luncheon tables for bridal shower, is that they set the tone for the celebration and offered a big splash of hot pink color in the room.

My rule of thumb is “if it can hold water it can hold flowers”.

And when something of interest DOESN”T hold water you just have to get creative with a liner!

The trick here is that 4-5 glass salt-n-pepper shakers from the discount store have been filled with water and inserted into the purses as vessels for flowers.

Large beads were strung on an aqua deco wire and twisted into a mesh armature that the flowers were inserted through.

The wire adds glimmer but most of all it contributes to the bride’s “watermelon and surf” color scheme.

When flowers don’t grow or are not available in the color you want a floral accessory like wire is the perfect solution.

Once the flowers were placed in the purses (bottles within the purses) strings of pearls were draped in and around the designs so they would lay over a pale pink table linen.

In a project like this the lowers don’t have to be planned.

The purses provide color.

The accessories (wire and beads) align with the theme.

And you floral purchase can be spontaneous – simply pick up a few mixed bunches from your favorite floral retailer then separate and divide them among the centerpieces.

Just make sure to cut the flowers tall enough to peek over the back of your purse (container) …

and remember to share the accessories all over the design so your arrangement is cute all around and can be enjoyed from all sides.

Not a Do-It-Yourselfer?

Take your interesting containers to your favorite floral designer, stylist, or flower shop and let them fill your vessels with assorted fresh cut blooms for your next gathering or event.

Posted in Birthdays, Congratulations, DESIGN IT YOURSELF:, Enthusiasts, Fast, Fun, & Easy Arranging!, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, HOME ENTERTAINING, Hobbyists, Home Decor, Hostess, SOCIAL EVENTS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Uncategorized | No Comments »

April 27th, 2012

Wonderful Window Vase

Who says, there’s no room for flowers?

Now you can enjoy the beauty of a fresh cut bloom in the tiniest of spaces!

Deborah Florian’s unique hand made suction window vases, inspiration vases, and wire sculpture vases are re-creations that make home décor for small spaces easy and gift giving for any occasion personal.

Along with her extensive collection of ready-made single stem and mini vases Deb can produce a customized gift that speaks to the individuality of your friend, or the personality of your living environment.

This little dragonfly vase found the perfect home with a friend of mine who sails. She has a habit of snipping a tiny little piece of an interesting bloom or branch once she comes ashore – just to keep the memory of the excursion fresh in her mind a while longer.

Now she has the perfect little vessel to display and keep her treasurers safe while she hits the high seas.

Deb’s vase art allows you to make a statement with the power of a single bloom.

And the packaging is thoughtful and cute as can be too.

You can get Deb’s ReCreations at:

www.ReCreationsByDeb.com or

www.VasePlace.etsy.com

Posted in Birthdays, Congratulations, Enthusiasts, Fast, Fun, & Easy Arranging!, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, Get Well, Home Decor, Hostess, Thank You, Uncategorized | No Comments »

April 4th, 2012

Spring Compilation

You might have a collection of mini containers, trinkets, and accessories that have been gathered over the years for one holiday or another. Some might have sentimental value or represent your tradition for seasonal décor – but your taste or desire for using them may have diminished.

Here’s one way to use all the elements of your collection in a new, trendy, and convenient way.

Simply create a compilation piece with all the artifacts you don’t want to use on their own.

In this compilation we started with a board that we painted a shade of trendy aqua blue that blends well with our home. Then we braced two crisscrossed sections of reed fencing to the board creating platform or structure for everything else to rest on.

Two patterns of aqua ribbon were woven through the reed to create continuity between the board (the bottom) and the reed (the top) of the compilation. The blue ribbon and paint color also help to assure that a synergy develops between all the odd accessories to be used in the piece.

Accent colors of yarn and sisal enhance a faded heart shaped basket.

Two two-piece wicker novelty bunnies are tied together with a natural colored string and ribbon is attached to their necks to liven them up.

All of the small containers (vases, ceramic novelties, and wicker) are anchored to a board with wire, string, and/or removable glue tabs.

Water and fresh cut flowers are added to the novelty containers and vases. The assorted roses, and alstromeria are commercial cut flowers but the graceful spierea was harvested from the yard.

And, because the flowers are cut to such short stems this piece of floral art will last a long time.

This piece was designed to be used on a fireplace mantel, but it also makes sense for a buffet, breakfront, or console table.

And the really cool thing about it is that it can be moved from place to place as one whole unit!

So, each time you want to use it in a new location you don’t have to move lots of individual little pieces – risking the chance of not getting it put back the way you arranged it.

This is an idea that can be created for every season using any holiday or memorabilia tidbits and trinkets that you have collected through the years.

Hope you have fun with it.

Posted in Easter, Enthusiasts, Fast, Fun, & Easy Arranging!, HOME ENTERTAINING, Hobbyists, Home Decor, Hostess, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Uncategorized | No Comments »

April 3rd, 2012

Party With Flowers!

The next time you are hosting a party, gathering, or celebration in your home consider inviting your favorite flower handler (florist, floral retailer, designer, stylist) to do a walk through of your home in order to help plan the event.

Your florist will see the decorating potential in your home that you might overlook. And, they’ll consider the logistics of the event in such a way that little problems might get solved along with the decorating.

For example: If as the host, you don’t want to use balloons but do want to mark the house for guests to recognize, this floral décor on the mailbox will do the trick. Ribbons flowing in the breeze are just as eye catching as balloons – and there is no change they’ll break loose and fly away.

Your guests will know right away that they have arrived at the right spot.

This basket of mini arrangements lets guests know they have come to the right entrance for the party and welcomes guests through the door.

Once inside the foyer an arrangement in the clients’ own classic piece of pottery greets attendees and sets the stage for the rest of the celebration.

In a room designated as “coat room” or “changing station room” guests are made to feel welcome and appreciated while they are there with the addition of fresh flowers for the day.

And, if guests all travel a seldom-used path to access a downstairs party room, studio, or man-cave that you just haven’t had time to find art for – your florist can make a custom wall piece to fill an empty space and bring a celebration atmosphere to your event.

After the party the flowers can be removed from the wall piece.

You’ll have a permanent piece of art (that you can add fresh, silk, and/or dried materials to) that will always remind you of your gathering of friends and family.

You’ll be surprised at what a designer finds interesting in the things just hanging around your house.

This old lantern was rescued from the trash and used as a foundation for a floral centerpiece.

And, if you have a ton of accessories that you’d like to use but you are just not sure how … your floral stylist knows lots of ways to mix, match, and put things together so they all make sense.

In this compilation (pictured here on a desk) lots of odd little things were grouped together and safely anchored on a board to become a focal point placed on a mantel under which a mother-to-be would open her baby shower gifts.

Don’t have room for flowers on the food table? No worries.

Your flower handler will find all the little nooks that can be decorated with flowers without interfering with your food and beverage service.

And, they can merge the colors of your event with the colors of your home perfectly, balancing different shades throughout the house.

Your florist can even keep your budget balanced – as with this piece where the favors (little mini bouquets in a basket) are used to decorate the party before they each find a new home with the guests.

As soon as you begin to plan your next party call your flower handler for insight. If it doesn’t make sense for then to visit just send them pictures of your home along with your theme, color scheme, desires, wishes, problems, and challenges.

Flowers can create a synergy among all the components of your event, allowing you to feel pleased with your day, and ensuring your guests feel welcomed and appreciated.

Posted in Enthusiasts, HOME ENTERTAINING, Home Decor, Hostess, MEETINGS & GATHERINGS, SOCIAL EVENTS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Uncategorized | No Comments »

April 2nd, 2012

New Clematis – Surprises & Delights!

Flower Lovers! Get ready to be surprised and delighted with your fresh cut flower selections this spring season!

For years Roseville Farms has supplied garden centers and nurseries with their exclusive clematis plants and climbing vines.

But little did anyone know that they have also been (for years) developing a long lasting, long stemmed version of their famous clematis for the fresh cut flower market.

This March at the World Floral Expo they unveiled a bounty of these gorgeous, dainty, free flowing blooms to floral industry professionals and they have made over 20 different colors and varieties available to all types of industry markets.

Rumor has it that “Martha’s People” were fascinated by this beauty at the show. But you don’t have to wait for her to publish info about them.

Flower Lovers everywhere can look forward to seeing this star-shaped beauty in their fresh flower arrangements this spring for Easter, Administrative Professionals Week, and Mother’s Day, and this summer for Father’s Day and Fourth of July, – as Roseville Farms has prepared their Florida grown crops to yield well into the fall season.

Consumers love clematis because it lends a natural look to professionally styled flowers and designers love it because of its trailing foliage and full range of colors.

Clematis has always been a garden favorite and now that it is more readily available on the commercial market, don’t be surprised if you see it everywhere – in floral home décor, gift giving, weddings and events.

Posted in Easter, Enthusiasts, Expressionists, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, Home Decor, Mothers' Day, WEDDINGS | No Comments »

April 2nd, 2012

Make a Welcoming Guest Room

Seldom-used spaces that are designated as guest rooms, are often minimalistic and uninviting.

When preparing for short-term house-guests it can be a challenge to find just the right balance of “Warm & Inviting” and “Enough Clear Space” for the stuff (personal belongings) they will bring and use.

Flowers in the guest room are the perfect medium for making your guest feel welcome and appreciated.

And they can add a surprising splash of happy color to the other accessories in the room, making it look complete and finished.

A tightly packed pave design with short stemmed flowers like this one doesn’t take up much space and will last a long time assuring that your guest can enjoy the flowers throughout their stay.

Placing a small arrangement of flowers in front of a mirror makes it look larger than it really is – so you get a lot of impact without loosing precious dresser top space that your guest will need as they unpack their bags.

Since there are no turquoise flowers, this compilation is done in a turquoise container with the addition of matching colored dried materials to align with the room. Then fresh cut flowers in their natural bright colors are used to accent the décor.

Your Tip-Sheet #19 (access at: www.FlowerLoverMagic.com) offers instructions for making a design similar to this one.

And, if you are not a “Do-It-Yourselfer”, just remember to bring some containers or accessories from your room to your florist (flower handler) when you are requesting them to design something for you. They’ll be better able to get a feel for your room and they probably will be able to use some of your things in the design they create for you.

Posted in DESIGN IT YOURSELF:, Enthusiasts, HOME ENTERTAINING, Home Decor, Hostess, Uncategorized, WELL BEING: | No Comments »

April 1st, 2012

I bought fresh cut flowers from the supermarket yesterday before enjoying high tea with friends. The bouquets were named “Cherry Blossom” and were filled with romantic pink, white, and deep rose colored blooms – no branches of cherry blossoms – but lovely displays that my friends were delighted to receive just the same. It reminded me of an event I did last year for Jo Malone.

The fragrance company was introducing a new scent and I was asked to provide large displays of cherry blossoms in four corners of a blank room. Seemed like a simple request but timing these branches to bloom for the event proved to be a challenge.

When I ordered the branches to be delivered to me a few days later they were in full bloom. My wholesaler, not wanting to send me old product, delivered fresh branches to me – naked fresh branches – with no blooms! I had to call them and ask specifically for the OLD branches to be sent over quickly so I would have some color in the vases.

Luckily I had also been asked to fill some other vases with and assortment of pink and rose colored flowers along with cherry blossoms – and these vases added an abundance of color to the room.

And the organizers had asked that every guest receive a small cluster of fragrant flowers in their color scheme to be inserted into their little shopping bags. What a cute idea. We used pale pink rananculus, deep pink spray roses, and fragrant pink freesia. These mini arrangements were placed in the center of the tables for guests to take upon leaving the event.

When you are working with a professional flower handler to decorate an event, these gift bag flower favors are an easy idea for you to create – so you can keep your favors in alignment with the rest of your floral décor while keeping your budget intact.

We measured and cut little chunks of floral foam to fit the bags. Then we wet the foam and placed it in double plastic sandwich bags. And finally we cut the flower stems short and designed them to fit in the bags. They traveled safely to the event stacked in rows and were easy to distribute among the tables.

Just as these tall vases of cherry blossom branches filled the empty event room, a large vase of any spring branches (forsythia, cherry, apple, spieria, bridal veil, mock peach, pussy willow) make a beautiful statement in your home. And if you cut them fresh you’ll be able to enjoy the process of the blooms  gradually changing, growing, and unfolding instead of worrying (like I did) that they won’t be showy enough for a single event.

Because branches get top heavy as they hydrate and open you might want to review your Tip-Sheet  #3 and #7 for some helpful descriptions on arrange a vase of branches. If you haven’t accessed all the free flower resources we offer, simply join the Flowerhandlers Community in the right side bar.

Posted in Enthusiasts, Fast, Fun, & Easy Arranging!, GIFTS & SENTIMENTS:, HOME ENTERTAINING, Hobbyists, Home Decor, SOCIAL EVENTS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS & LIFE CELEBRATIONS:, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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