the daily petal

Distinctive Tropical Bouquet

2012-01-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

Tropical flowers have been my muse this month and they really inspire distinctive designs. They easily take center stage with their unusual shape, unmatched coloration, and sturdy structure. The added bonus is that they are extremely hardy--perfect for the hustle and bustle of any wedding!

The use of the orchids and pincushions alongside carefully chosen structured flowers in a bright color scheme really mimics the appearance of a coral reef. Give your wedding a modern, bright twist with these bold flowers.

The Daily Petal Featured on Hindsight Bride!

2012-01-19T00:45:00.000-08:00

Back in October, I was honored that the Rogue Bride featured some of my designs and opinions in a clever story about the alternatives to peonies, mason jars and macaroons when she was a guest blogger for Hindsight Bride. Check out the full feature here.

Also check out the Rogue Bride, herself. The name says it all...she definitely deviates from the norm and that intrigues me.

Katie and Aaron's ORANGE AND LIME green wedding

2012-01-04T16:22:00.001-08:00

A refreshing squeeze of orange and lime cleanses the wedding palette with a fruitful blend of modern simplicity, whimsy and charm. Orange dahlias, ranunculus, and tulips with accents of green hypericum and carefully placed mini persimmon branches added tanginess to the citrus mix. Pucker up and dare to try this vibrant color scheme for your summer or fall event.

The fun-loving nature of Aaron and Katie are beautifully captured through the clicks of Figlewicz Photography. Check out more photos from the wedding here.

The Daily Petal Featured on Style Me Pretty!

2012-01-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I wanted to start the new year by blogging about one of the highlights of 2011--being featured on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book. You can check out the full feature here.

Thank you to Kristeen of Kristeen LaBrot Events for coordinating such a wonderful event and submitting the beautiful photographs captured by Phoebe Joy Photography.

Floral Design: An Art Technique

2011-09-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

There are moments in my life when I look back and I have to chuckle softly to myself. Well, I had one of those moments a few weeks ago.

The Scene: Bookstore
My Mission: Finding an inspirational floral design book
The Problem: Didn't know what section to look in

I scan the walls for the department heading not once, but TWICE. I walked over to the section that I thought best described what I do as a floral designer--Art/Design Techniques! I looked through all the books in this section not once, but TWICE. I guess, only graphic design is considered an "Art Technique." I felt lost. Where could the books for my craft be? I ask for help. There they were, in very limited quantities under "Hobbies!"...very subjective, in my opinion =)

I had to laugh at the assumption I made and I secretly still think I'm right...**chuckle**. So, if any of you work for B&N and are in charge of categorizing books, here is a bouquet for you to consider. This is a quick photo I took before an event. I'm still waiting for the professional images, but I thought it was a good representation of art in floral design.

The placement of the yellow mini calla lilies had to be carefully designed. Coral peonies gave an unexpected pop of color. Craspedia was used to offset the fluffy texture of the white hydrangea and lisianthus and for its inherent whimsical quality.

New Mission: Getting floral design re-categorized at the bookstore

I tell this story only in good fun. It was sad to hear when I talked to a sales rep at the bookstore that they took out the floral design section for lack of books in that category. I hope you guys enjoyed my story...and my art.

THE Peony Centerpiece

2011-08-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

I have 10 minutes. Just doing a drive-by blog entry!...because I've missed my blog and haven't had the time to tend to it : { I was just thumbing through my files and came upon a set of pics of something I designed a while back. The photos were taken by Smith at Smith Photography (check out his work on www.spphotostudio.com).

Here's the front view, filled with Coral Charm peonies, Sarah Bernhardt peonies, pink dahlias, roses, lisianthus, and mini hydrangea.

Here's his behind ; O

Nothing beats a close-up shot of peonies. My ten minutes are up.

I Have the Blues (and Yellows)

2011-07-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

Blue flowers are the black diamonds of florals...very few and far between. If you happen to have a blue wedding around Spring, Fall or Winter, try blue anemones on for size! They definitely pop nicely against the yellow ranunculus and craspedia (billy balls!)--an exquisite combo of structure and femininity and a touch of modern whimsy.

Doesn't this combination of color take the blues out of your life??

Peacock Feather Wedding Done Simple

2011-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Peacock feathers display an undeniable mix of color that has so much depth even the best box of Crayolas would be envious. They make a statement with very little effort. It is no wonder why they swept the wedding scene in 2010.

Usually, peacock feathers are added to arrangements that are already over-the-top and there's no arguing the beauty of this ornate style of design. However, I wanted to mimic the simplicity and elegance of the feathers in Orchid and Tony's wedding. As a couple, their interaction was so natural and effortless and their floral choices reflected this.

In the bridal bouquet, green cymbidiums played the starring role with hydrangea, narcissus, and an unexpected spiral eucalyptus as the secondary players. Hints of peacock feathers are seen throughout the bouquet without overpowering the flowers.

Their reception centerpieces have been one of my favorites. In person, they were grand (spanning at least 4 to 5 feet at the widest and tallest points) yet still natural and minimalistic...a feat I'm proud to have accomplished! Thanks to Eric J Photography from Jim Kennedy Photographers, the beauty of the flowers and the evening was captured.

THE Purple Wedding Bouquet

2011-03-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Being that flowers are like my children, it's hard for me to pick favorites. So, it's our little secret that anemones and lilacs are crawling to top of the list. (Sorry "my little" peony and orchid, you now have competition!).

My purple Winter/Spring bouquet of anemones, lilacs, hyacinth and viburnum display these two favorites quite nicely. Anemones exhibit an understated elegance that I'm naturally drawn toward. The dark centers command attention, while the petals add softness and a touch of femininity. They are quite versatile and can easily be dressed up or down...although, even in the most casual of bouquets, they still uphold a certain level of elegance and polish. Anemones are major players in filling the rare blue and purple color category (which wins them extra Brownie points in my book) and they also exist in red and white.

Lilacs are equally stunning and offer the bonus of a lovely fragrance. They do have a larger price tag, but even the best impersonators [of these flowers] cannot match their effortless beauty. They have an abundance of random florets, but they don't appear to be clutter in a bouquet, which completely intrigues me.

If you happen to have a purple wedding at the beginning or end of the year, adopt these two extraordinary flowers into your family of wedding flowers and you won't be disappointed. I won't tell Little Miss Lisianthus, Hydrangea, or Roses that you have found their replacements. It's our little secret!

Not Your Grandmother's Vintage Bouquet

2011-02-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

If we were to play Word Association and you were to say "vintage wedding," I would respond with "intrigued"...oooh, ooh...or "endless possibilities." Nowadays, things are much cooler if they are old and I'm wholeheartedly jumping on that bandwagon (with a disclaimer listing a million exceptions, of course). It's undeniable that character is inherently in all things laden with rust and chipped paint, giving us a glimpse of the journey it has traversed.

Every bouquet I design evokes a certain feeling and takes me on an interesting journey. This particular one is set during a time when life still felt slow through the eyes of an innocent little girl sifting through her grandmother's linen closet eager to play dress-up. I picture her engulfed in large ruffly petticoats, long strands of pearls reaching her slightly turned in kneecaps, inching along in over sized white high heeled shoes.

So many elements in this bouquet add to the feeling of innocence from the fresh color of the two-toned, blush and green tulips, the abundance of soft petals from the ranunculus, garden roses and spray roses, to the presence of underdeveloped, green sprouting blackberries and ranuncula buds. The addition of the lace wrap finished off with a vintage broach completes the story beautifully.

I hope you enjoyed the journey, my little vintage creation has taken us on. It doesn't sit in a rusted urn, but I still think it's filled with a whole lot of character and charm!

The Ultimate Red Bouquet

2011-02-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

I'm back! The flu bug hit me for over two weeks!

Recently, I participated in a bridal show where I had an opportunity to showcase my designs and meet great new clients. It's hard for me to pick favorites since all my designs feel like my "little babies," but this one is somewhere close to the top of the list (don't tell any of its siblings!). It has so much texture and depth without appearing busy, inherently giving it a lush, elegant and polished feel.

My favorite flower in the mix is hands down the red garden roses with its intricate petal structure closely resembling a peony (with a similar, but slightly lower price tag). What do you think the little fluffy guys are that's filling in the negative space? Yes, carnations! If used correctly, they definitely can enhance a design.

The Daily Petal Website Launch This Week!

2011-01-12T00:34:00.000-08:00

With one eye open (and yawning every 10 seconds), I'd like to officially announce that The Daily Petal website will be launching at the end of this week! Keep your fingers AND toes crossed for me that I'll be able to accomplish this goal on top of a full workload this week. Who needs sleep, anyways?? Come check it out at www.dailypetal.com and let me know what you think. Connect with me on Facebook to get updated as soon as the website goes live.

A Modern Lemon Yellow Wedding

2010-12-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last month, I gave you a sneak preview of a contemporary, lemon yellow wedding I did back in September for a very charming couple, Regina and Rowel. I'm finally getting a chance to post the official photos even though Jordana from Hazelnut Photography was kind enough to immediately send them upon receiving my request. Click on the link to check out more of her stunning photography and if my communications with her are even a small hint of how it is to work with her, you will be in for a delightful surprise.

For the ultra-modern church, I designed two pieces to flank the front of the church using manzanita branches, orchid plants, China mums and aquabeads.

The Bride's bouquet was made of white cymbidium orchids and miniature calla lilies.

We used yellow tulips and miniature calla lilies for the bridesmaids' bouquets, but added yellow roses, dark red spray roses and black miniature calla lilies to the maids of honor bouquets.

The reception was kept clean and simple with pave arrangements at different heights. Each table had a different combination of yellow flowers.

Following this wedding, I was obsessed with designing in bright yellow for a while. It's such a cheerful, clean and modern color to use. Also, I didn't want to forget to mention their wonderful wedding coordinator Abby LaDuke who was awesome to work with, as well. Congratulations, Regina and Rowel!

Reinventing the Succulent Corsage Wheel

2010-12-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

So, here is the succulent corsage I promised last week to post. There's quite a few unique elements to this design, which I don't usually like to pile on all at once. However, since green usually serves as a neutral color, it allowed me leeway for extra "items." The black accents sandwich the entire corsage instead of being placed throughout the design, so they enhance rather than make it busy.

In terms of the flowers, I used small succulents, scabiosa pods and grevillea. I avoided any large focal flower to stray farther away from the traditional corsage (as the bride had requested). The size of this little guy is probably not much more than a couple of inches, which to me is the ideal size for contemporary personal flowers. Being that it is a pin-on corsage, the added bonus is that the lighter weight is more wearable.

This corsage may not fit everyone's aesthetic, but the design is something that most can appreciate.

Not Just Another Succulent Boutonniere

2010-12-14T23:46:00.000-08:00

I've been staring at a file on my computer labeled, "Photos to be Posted." The last three and a half months have been a wedding frenzy, so blog entries were put on the back burner. Since I drank coffee before teaching my class tonight, I am now wide awake at 1am and able to tackle an item (or two) in this folder.

Back in October, an awesome bride allowed me the liberty to free design her corsages and boutonnieres based on a few inspirational photos. The results were some of my favorite creations to date. I picked my favorite boutonniere and my favorite corsage and I think they both deserve their own spotlight, so I'm posting them in separate entries.

I've done many succulent boutonniere designs, but this particular one stuck out because it had so much charm. Two different types of succulents were used adorned with a couple pearl shell buttons and a ribbon stem tie. It was dainty, clean and simple and very much in-line with the purple and green color scheme in a way that seemed intentional, but not "in your face."

I actually love the decor of the entire wedding, so I'm still waiting for the official photos from the photographer to post the rest of the wedding flowers. The wedding was held at The Mountain Mermaid in Topanga Canyon--my venue soul mate! Between the mismatched vintage furniture (side note: I believe I prepped the flowers on a vintage autopsy table...at least that was what I was told), the numerous varieties of succulents growing on the premises, and feeling the serenity and the calm away from the city, I was in heaven. It provided for many great photo ops.

Stay tuned for its corsage cousin.

The Un-Christmas Wreath

2010-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Almost my entire life, I thought wreaths were for old-ER (Please don't get offended. I'll dig myself out of this hole in a sec!), more traditional people. I didn't dislike them. They just weren't for me. This year, I was challenged to teach a Fall/Winter Holiday Floral Design course where I came up with a wreath design that has inspired me to brainstorm even more unconventional wreath ideas. Now, my only concern is, do I have enough doors to display them on???

I came up with a concept that was budget-friendly, yet still unique and contemporary. We started by wrapping the soaked Oasis wreath foam 3/4 of the way with almost 200 ft of jute twine. This is somewhat of a tedious process fighting against the tangled mess of twine, yet it's so worth it in the end. (Hint: If you keep the jute in its original roll, it will make it easier and lessen the chances of developing unwanted knots). We then proceeded to design with fresh flowers in the lower 1/4 of exposed foam. I chose a fall coloration utilizing yellow Fuji mums (similar to spider mums), bright orange spray roses, deep red spray roses and berzillia accented with red grevillea and tiny sprays of gold tip cedar. The grevillea adds movement to an otherwise stagnant design.

During the class, one of my students asked, "Is going through the tediousness of wrapping the twine worth it since you can only enjoy the fresh flowers for a short period of time?" My answer is yes, knowing that I would be taking photos of it and enjoying it for a lifetime.

Sneak Preview: 1940's Themed Wedding

2010-11-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here's another wedding that I wanted to give you a sneak peak at while I'm waiting for the photos from the photographer. I knew the bride (and her, oh so reliable, Maid of Honor) would be great to work with, when our actual meeting took 15 minutes a week prior to her wedding date! My creativity tends to flourish armed with such trust. Since it was a 40's theme, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to create the feather fan bouquet that I've always wanted to design. The bride was immediately on board and the rest is history.

Lemon Yellow Galore

2010-11-12T23:53:00.000-08:00

In September, I had an opportunity to do a charming wedding for a very charming couple. Since then, I have been a little addicted to lemon yellow. I'm hoping to get some photos from the photographer, so here's a sneak peak at some of the centerpieces, as well as, the ceremony piece. Unfortunately, my camera was being a little wacky and I lost all my photos of the lovely bouquets. Stay tuned for some more photos...I hope!

Off to a Deserving Home

2010-11-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of being a florist is being surrounded by fresh flowers all the time. One of the worst things about being a florist is you often watch leftover flowers die. During the school season, I often gift them to teachers since I think they do so much for our children. For awhile now, I've been wanting to find other, deserving homes so I can teach my kids that you can do nice things for other people in the community who don't directly impact your life, without any expectations of gaining something in return (except for the warm fuzzy feelings, of course).

Since I only have one small wedding coming up this weekend, I finally had a little time to do some research. This little guy below will be heading off this morning to his new home at a senior care facility to an elderly woman who loves children. I'm excited to brighten up her day and I'm even more excited for my children to learn from this experience.

If any of my readers have a person in the Long Beach/Lakewood area who does alot for the community, please comment below or email me and I will consider them for future arrangements.

Mini Calla Lily Envy

2010-10-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

As I sit here trying to figure out where I'm going to begin to describe the beauty of mini calla lilies, I just have to giggle. It's almost as if Mother Nature wanted to play a joke on all the other flowers and said, "Hey, let's create a flower with no petals, give it an odd shape, make it in a whole bunch of desirable colors, ensure that it is hardy and readily available, and, oh yeah...let's stick a hefty price tag on it too!" If I were a flower, I'd definitely be green with envy (haha)!

Mini calla lilies seem almost self-serving in that they need no other flowers to enhance their beauty and even if they were incorporated into a mix of flowers, they still stand out, literally above the rest. Each stem exhibits its own color gradient, as well as, variation in shape that inherently creates texture and interest. Basically, it's stunning without even trying.

Centerpiece of the Day - Summer Meets Fall

2010-09-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

As my car thermostat reads 108 degrees, I'm thinking (as I turn up the AC) that summer has finally hit Los Angeles, right in time for Fall! As an ode to the heat wave, I am posting the "centerpiece of the day," an effective blend of summer vibrancy offset by a subdued fall palette.

It is amazing how such a simple blend of roses, ranunculas and tulips can have such a strong voice. The textures of the different petals, the color patterns of each flower head, and the use of neutrals to allow the eye to rest, all work wonderfully and effortlessly together.

Hotel Erwin Photoshoot

2010-08-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I was approached to be a part of a photoshoot for a hip and trendy hotel in Venice called Hotel Erwin. I knew it was a match made in Heaven when I walked past an elaborate graffiti wall to enter the hotel. The staff was wonderful and I really had a great time designing for their modern, minimalist banquet room. Here were some of the design highlights.

I chose to design arrangements that can work for both weddings and corporate events, so the flowers were on the simple, clean, modern side.

If you have a smaller size wedding or just want a fun place to grab drinks with friends, I would highly suggest their rooftop lounge, which has a spectacular view of Venice Beach!

Fit for a Princess

2010-07-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

Often lost in the mix, flower girl head wreaths usually take a back seat to the numerous other frou frou details of the wedding. Perhaps rightly so, but they do deserve a debut once in a while. So, TA-DA...I decided to construct two very distinct styles. The first is a much more intricate, time consuming version (just ask my floral design students!) that requires quite a bit of wiring and taping.

More often than none, I usually design the much easier and almost equally beautiful version shown below. Its use of much less flowers may be reason for most people to vote hands down for the first wreath, come first glance. It's also the very reason why I think the one below actually looks more natural on. The daintiness and presence of negative space seems to be more fitting for a young and delicate child.

I can and definitely do appreciate the beauty of the first hair wreath, but I think my hands and fingers are really going to appreciate the orders for the second one ; )

A Little Piece of Aloha

2010-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

My husband and I honeymooned in Hawaii. It was our first big trip together and, ever since, it has been our family's favorite destination and a bit of a tradition for us to go every September. The last couple of years, we haven't been, so I miss it.

How fitting that this bouquet reminds me of the LA version of a Hawaiian hand tied...sort of city meets tropical island. What's interesting is despite the heavy ratio of orchids, the bouquet does not scream "tropical flowers," or "summer bouquet." This is due in large part to the color combination. It's not out of the ordinary to pair orchids with roses, but the obvious choice of rose color would have been white, ivory, or a color that has the same degree of vibrancy as the magenta Bombay dendrobium orchids or the blush centers of the cymbidium orchids. Instead, I chose a muddied greenish taupe color that brings a little "city polish" to the mix.

For now, this will have to be my Hawaii [in LA]. Mahalo.

Summer Peach

2010-07-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Living in LA has really spoiled me...at least in terms of weather. Today was our first "hot" day of summer at a whopping 88 degrees! I am going to celebrate our introduction to heat and the fact that my kids' swim lessons will finally not be overcast and chilly in JU-LY, by posting one of the popular color combos of the season. If I had a penny for every time I have been asked in the last couple months about a variation of this color combo, I would be rich...well, like $1 richer =)

I am in love with the roses in this bouquet. This may sound odd, but their color reminds me of a vintage baby drawing. Go on, go ahead and Google Image "vintage baby drawing" and you will see the coloration I am speaking of...SEE! It emits such a pure feel, where the blush center meets the flesh tone, all enveloped by "new growth" green. The rosy cheek color of the hypericum berries and the fresh green of the mini hydrangeas lend beautifully to this rather neutral palette. One would think that yellow tulips with red stripes would overpower the subtlety of the bouquet. I think it is pretty surprising that it not only blends quite nicely, but it adds texture more than it adds color...take a moment to think about that last line.

For the centerpieces, I added a little burnt orange to make it stand out on the table and above it's natural-colored wooden container.

This is me getting carried away with the camera and admiring it from all angles!

Ahhh...welcome summer and all of the the coral, peach colors that it may bring.

Arm Candy

2010-06-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

My friends used to joke that I had monkey arms, which proved to be advantageous for my high school tennis career. But today I felt more like...ummmm...a T-Rex. I was excited to photograph a wrist corsage that I taught my floral class to make last night and, of course, I had to be both the model and the photographer at the same time! These were the results, minus the first 5 shots that completely missed the subject.

I am proud to say I eventually captured one good shot.

THEN, I had a more brilliant idea...

Aren't these Bombay Dendrobium Orchids gorgeous? I think wrist corsages, for the most part, should be kept simple and dainty. Anything too heavy will just be a nuisance to wear. Anything too busy will just detract from the dress instead of enhancing it. If you have extra time to waste and want a good kick, try google-ing (is that a word?) images of "wrist corsages" and you will see an array of out-dated, over the top versions that look like they belong in a creaky, upstairs, wooden-floored hallway in a black-and-white photo with straight-faced women all dressed in black. (That made me kind of giggle since the imagery is so vivid and kind of true).

Let me end this entry by saying that in most instances, I prefer pin-on corsages over wrist corsages, mainly because they are a little more contemporary. The only times I suggest wrist corsages are for more traditional brides, grandmothers, or women wearing lightweight fabrics. I don't have anything against wrist corsages and I'm actually kind of in love with this one. But if given a choice, I would prefer to wear the pin-on version. It really is just a personal choice.

Current Obsession: Herb Boutonnieres

2010-05-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to my current obsession. Reader, I would like you to meet Mr. Herb Boutonniere. Organically interesting, delectably fragrant, and simply chic, this little guy has it all! I have to say, he is the chameleon of all boutonnieres, perfect for almost any type of wedding--garden, spring, modern, organic, or traditional. He is also a great choice for the groom who refuses to wear a flower since he (the boutonniere, not the groom!) treads a fine line between masculine and feminine.

He is the perfect soul mate for almost any lapel, EXCEPT for maybe those that are sensitive to aromatics. Let's not forget the women. Mr. Herb Boutonniere can also moonlight as a corsage.

It was a pleasure introducing the two of you and I hope that soon he will also become your obsession!

The Big Misconception

2010-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't met too many brides that do not include peonies as one of their top five flowers. I can't say I can blame them since it is truly a beautiful bloom that is just a notch above most of its counterparts. Such beauty also comes with a hefty price tag, usually 5 to 10 times the price of a rose depending on the season. The size of the flower head and the intricate petal pattern (say that 10 times fast!) offers an ironically simplistic elegance that need not be paired with much more than some hot pink ranunculus and green hydrangeas.

On the flip side, I haven't met too many brides that do not list carnations as one of the flowers they dislike. So today, I'm playing Devil's Advocate of sorts (something my husband has seem to master!). At half the price of a rose, can a carnation really live up to the standard of a peony? Let me let you in on a little secret...the bouquet above has no peonies. Guess what those beautiful ruffly flowers are?

Carnations! Even if you were not fooled, you have to admit that they are quite stunning when they are incorporated correctly into a design. Perhaps its lack of beauty is a bit of a misnomer.

Happily Ever After at Wayfarers Chapel

2010-04-11T23:02:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain, go away...la la la...

I guess I've learned to appreciate rain more and more as I get older. It used to be a hindrance to just about everything--play, commuting, life. Now, it not only waters my extremely thirsty garden and washes away the dust on my bath-challenged vehicle, but it also makes me feel rejuvenated and cleansed (a "frenemy" of sorts). Why oh why does it always have to happen when I have to go buy flowers though? **sigh**

Instead of thinking about the hectic commute tomorrow, I'll reminisce about a recent morning outing up to Wayfarers Chapel atop the stunning hills of Palos Verdes where I was enveloped by rays of sunshine, a slight breeze and (dunt da da dah) silence (that just sounded like it could be the lyrics to a hit 70's song!). I had an early afternoon wedding to do and showed up a couple of hours early and took photos of the venue and the flowers I had designed.

If you are not familiar with the infamous Wayfarers, it is a beautiful chapel surrounded by glass walls and ceiling that features tremendous views of the ocean and affords you the feeling of being immersed in a natural environment even though the city is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

The bride made two requests from me: 1. Her bouquet needed to have the herb sage incorporated into the design and 2. The groom needed to have a hand in finishing off her bouquet. The first request was a cinch. The second request required more ingenuity and a bit of secrecy. The groom was excited with my suggestion that he surprise her by attaching a hand written note onto her bouquet handle. When the groom showed up to write his note that afternoon, he was smiling from ear-to-ear; a definite sign of their wonderful future together.

His boutonniere carried the same garden-inspired feel with the use of ranuncula buds and accents of sage.

I fell in love with the elegance of the Maid of Honor bouquet made of just ivory roses and ranunculus.

The flowers definitely embodied the beautiful simplicity of the venue and the refreshing feel of its surroundings which, on that particular day, was miles away from the weather I will be facing tomorrow...ugh. I know, I know...I can't complain. I live in LA.

Simple Orange

2010-03-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

With Project Runway running in the background and everyone sound asleep in my home, I set out to write the next blog entry that hopefully is more inspiring than this episode is turning out to be. My initial plan was to post some photos of a more neutral garden-inspired wedding I just did, but I think I'm going to switch gears and post something with a little more vibrancy to match the graphic detailing of the fabrics shown on the show. (Does that mean I was a little inspired?). It's actually quite fitting since this simple design was inspired by the Living with Flowers book I last blogged about. I better get going since the show is about over and I am literally moving an inch an hour!

I utilized numerous stems of orange ranunculus and a few chocolate ti leaves that I had leftover from a class I just taught. It was such a natural pairing against the dark brown hue of the sticks I had collected last month and stored in my garage. (Against my loving husband's protests, my garage has become a bottomless pit for design materials I hope to one day use in designing). In my opinion, the ranunculus are so visually interesting since they have natural variation and every single stem is completely unique. Without doing much, the arrangement effortlessly has depth, interest and style.

I completed the story by creating a matching bridal bouquet consisting of the same ranunculus collared with the chocolate ti leaves. Isn't it ironic how simplicity can speak volumes?
Maybe if I clear my garage, my husband might agree to marry me all over again, so I can have these exact flowers for our second wedding!

PS. Thank you everyone for asking about my sickness. I'm much better now, even though I figured out that I'm allergic...to flowers! Nothing that a little Claritin can't fix!

Inspiration Found in the Dewey Decimal System

2010-02-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Having Art Directed and worked alongside some of the most amazing wedding and AIFD floral designers in the country, it is rare for me to be completely "awed" by too many designs. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate and love alot of designers' work, but it is not the "knock your socks off," "earth shattering," "light at the end of the tunnel," inspiring feel that I itch for.

That is why, I was pleasantly surprised when I made a trip to the local library in search of spider and dinosaur books for my son and came across a beautiful book called "Living with Flowers" by Nico De Swert. I must admit, I wasn't expecting much since the first ten books I picked up in the floral section all looked as if they were published before I was born, maybe even just after the advent of printing (such an exaggeration, but nonetheless, very outdated). De Swert's book captured me immediately through the use of such dynamic photographs (by Wendell T. Webber) of his work. What I admire most about his designs is their simplicity. It is so easy to make a striking arrangement with hundreds of roses, but it takes a real artistic eye to make something equally as inspiring with 15 stems of oriental poppies and some glass vases.

His use of clean lines is quite impressive and he allows each petal the room to breathe, creating alot of great movement.

I only displayed a couple of his most simplistic designs since those are probably more in line with event work. He does have more intricate, architectural designs in the book that might "wow" you a bit more, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise. It is definitely a book worth having so that inspiration is just an arm length away.

Christmas without the Cliche

2010-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Oh no! Could it be? Is it really possible? Am I really feeling what I'm feeling?...Yes...I officially have a sore throat, AGAIN! I'm going to stop it in its tracks this time. It is no match for my daily dose of Emergen-C working hand-in-hand with my intake of tangerines and lime juice with honey (***gulp***), I hope. Mind over matter, mind over matter.

So what does this mean for me? I get a relaxing day in front of my computer working on a blog entry and chipping away at the overdue photos I need to post. No meetings. No designing. Just rest day.

These photos are from a Christmas party that I did back in December for a popular dance school. I was given a budget and three days notice. Luckily, the client also gave me free reign to design...my type of job! I am not a traditionalist by nature, so Christmas was never really my favorite time of the year to design for. In a flower shop, Christmas usually meant creating wreaths and candle table arrangements. As a freelance floral designer, I get clients who seek out creativity. I decided on a traditional shape to keep in line with the traditional feel of Christmas and added a couple "new" elements, like feathers, succulents, and cinnamon sticks. I did three different designs that were alternated throughout the room. By far, my favorite was the white ethereal arrangement, that balanced softness against rigid, much like an actual snowscape. To me, the muted colors of the succulents, dusty miller and frosted pine cones gave the arrangement a "freshly fallen snow" feel and the lightness of the feathers and the fringed mums offset the stiffness of the evergreen and succulents quite nicely.

Every Christmas party needs a red and green color combination, so I did my own interpretation by replacing forest green with a more modern apple green. Alone, apple green paired against a bright red could translate to an animated style. So, I added in a deep red to give the colors a little more depth and elegance. The cinnamon sticks really completed the look and is really the only element of "holiday" in this arrangement.

Of course, I had to do one arrangement that was a little more traditional. My goal was to make the ornaments just as much of a focal point as the flowers and I think it was a successful pairing.

Could it really be? Am I really feeling it? Is this really happening?...Yes...After this project, I can actually say, I like to design Christmas arrangements!

Eclectic

2010-01-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Geez...this winter season has really hit me hard. I think I've been sick at least 10 times (no joke!). I don't even notice it when I'm working, but the moment I have down time, ***bam!***, it hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm at the tailend of this last episode and I can't imagine that there is anything else going around that I haven't already caught (and proudly conquered!). Maybe, I'm just really efficient and I get sick all at once, so I'm in the clear the entire year...wishful thinking!

Anyways, I wanted to post some really inspirational photos of the most eclectic, artsy centerpiece I've seen in a long time. It truly makes a statement without screaming, "I'm trying too hard." I think it embodies the feeling of LA mixed in with East Coast influence and a touch of Bohemia. So far, these have been the only arrangements on my blog that I have not designed, but I thought it was so blog-worthy. I was one of the photographers at this wedding, so there is a part of me in some of these photos.

I am in love with the use of random vases, a vareity of flowers and colors, ethnic tiles and, most importantly, a discerning eye. Not every florist can complete this look even though it looks like you just throw together a bunch of stuff. It takes a creative mind--an "outside-the-box" thinker--not just flower-making know how. Done wrong, it could totally cheapen the look. Done right, it's the most gorgeous display of...I'm going to say it...art!

I would love to do my own version of this look in the near future. Hopefully, one of my clients will fall in love with this as much as I have. It is a truly inspiring, memorable group of centerpieces that will leave your guests talking. Now that I look back through the photos, I would simply describe it as Anthropologie meets Costplus in a 85:15 ratio (definitely more on the Anthropologie side!).

The Long Awaited Photos

2009-11-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

The photos are in! Thanks to Michael at A House of Photography, I have beautiful photos of Geline and Jod's wedding. The coloration and execution of the theme really came together perfectly and I so appreciated their genuine gratitude when I received their "thank you" phone call during their honeymoon in Florida.

The three most important things to Geline and Jod were the colors standing out against the background, the designs being unique, and their ocean theme being carried through into the flowers. I suggested adding a vibrant red to the magenta and eggplant they were already set on and they loved the idea. The jewel tones stood out against the blue (or green...haha) of the ocean, the white and purple of the dresses, and the warm brown wood of the boat's interior. Of course, no better flower than orchids could have finished off this color scheme and theme so brilliantly.

The manzanita branch ceremony pieces created a distinct focal point for the event. Small clusters of flowers were designed in large shells and suspended from the branches.

A ghostwood sweetheart table piece mimicked the appearance of driftwood and it so perfectly finished off the theme.

This was definitely a flawless blend of colors, an effective, not "in your face" execution of the theme, and, of course, a perfect marriage in the works!

Playing Catch Up

2009-11-02T11:20:00.001-08:00

We are now entering the lull of the wedding season, which will last the holiday months through about February (although I hear from many designers that February is looking pretty active next year). In my case, I welcome this temporary calm in order to play catch up on all of those little things in life that get neglected when life is a bit chaotic (like posting a blog entry!). My computer has been a bottomless pit for photographs and I am determined to go through them during the next 3 months and post what I think might inspire others. I also might post some crafty designs that I create along the way since designing invitations and decor is another passion of mine.

Buried in my graveyard of photographs, are these event photos mainly made of circus and fuchsia roses. Circus roses are a great choice for a fall wedding. They are yellow roses with red tips, which appear orangey. They are quite hardy, have a good size head and open rather full.

For all of you that check back periodically on my blog, I appreciate it so much and apologize for not posting any new entries. Recently, I found that my blog was being used inappropriately, what I would call, blog trespassing. I leave out all the details associated with it only because I like to cut off negativity at its source. For everyone else, I whole-heartedly welcome you to continue to share in the inspirations and designs that I offer.

Spring Garden Bliss

2009-09-27T21:44:00.001-07:00

I have been sick since Tuesday...actually, I think I've been sick since last Saturday, but my body and mind wouldn't accept it knowing I had a Monday wedding to prepare for. It's funny how the mind works! In order to lift my spirits as I get over the lingering cough, I decided to post a cheerful spring garden bouquet and its matching centerpiece that I had in my portfolio. I find this color combination rather soothing (and a great seg way into the topic of color selection!).

Most brides focus on one or two main colors and repeat them throughout their entire wedding, which is fine. However, many times a color scheme can be enhanced by adding one accent or "bridging" color, as I like to call it.

Let's first explore cases when you probably shouldn't add in another color:

1. You are going after a monochromatic color scheme.
2. Your color palette already has 3 or more colors.
3. You already love your colors the way they are!

So, in what cases do I think another color might be a good idea?

1. You feel like the two colors you have are bland and just blend together. For example, the light pink and lavender in the bouquet above may feel too similar in coloration. By adding the green, the pink and the lavender now have a contrasting color to stand out against.
2. Your current color palette has extreme contrast and you don't like that. For many people, red and white work as a great pair. If you don't personally like this type of contrast, try adding in pink as a "bridging" color. This allows you to visually move up the spectrum from light to medium to dark.
3. You want your color scheme to have more depth. If your wedding color is medium pink, try adding flowers one shade lighter and one shade darker to the bouquet to make it more dynamic.
4. The colors you chose don't exist in flowers. I have seen this alot in a blue color scheme. Very few flowers naturally occur in blue, so what do some florists suggest to their clients? They suggest spray painting them blue! (I might address spray painting flowers on another blog entry, but for now let's leave it at, run the other way if you hear this as the first option!). Greens, purples and whites are excellent options as accent colors for blue.

I was an Art Director of fashion and trends and one of my duties was color prediction. Even with my experience, if one of my brides asks me for my opinion, I still end the conversation with, "Ultimately it's up to you." I can give you options for days, but you have to love it for "your day." The most recent success story I have in terms of color pairing was the Monday wedding I just did (right before I got sick). Geline and Jod were probably the most open-minded couple I've had in terms of color selection. They really wanted magenta and purple to be in their color scheme, but they wanted the flowers to pop against the purple bridesmaids' dresses. So, what did I suggest? Add red. You will see how successful this marriage of colors was (if I can get some photos from their photographer...keep your fingers crossed). Let's just say, it already lifts my spirits reminiscing about it!

A Sneak Preview of This Week's Wedding

2009-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of the flowers for a wedding I'm doing this Monday...yes, it's a Monday wedding with 25 guests! They are a smart couple! A small, but eventful wedding with a select group of family and friends is definitely the way to go. I have to say, I've been really lucky with the clients that I am getting. So far, every couple has been wonderful to me and more importantly, wonderful to each other. This couple, in particular, gave me alot of artistic leeway, which challenges and excites me as a designer. We are doing manzanita branch ceremony pieces and a ghostwood sweetheart table piece (photos will be posted next week!). I couldn't resist giving everyone a sneak preview of these gorgeous blooms of mokara orchids, phalaenopsis orchids, dahlias, dendrobium orchids, and hydrangea.
The wedding will be on a boat, so the vibrant jewel tone colors will definitely pop against the blue of the ocean and the dark woods of the boat.

Destiny & Destinee

2009-09-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

A month an a half ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a fun-loving bride and her equally genuine fiance. She was the first flower account I booked immediately after making the decision to start my own business and ironically, her name is Destinee (a sign, perhaps!). Two weekends ago, their big day came and went with the blink of an eye. Everything went smoothly and turned out beautifully. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to take photos since the chair rental guy decided to show up only 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and left without filling up the generator with gas!...Never a dull moment in the wedding world. Destinee's wedding is the first of a series of fall weddings I have to come and I couldn't have asked for a better start. It's clearly "destiny" in the works.

Self-Contained

2009-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Side Note: It's been a busy month and I've regretfully neglected this blog, but now I'm back! I've been preparing for some upcoming events including the wedding that I did yesterday and I was away on a 5-day camping trip to Yosemite (photos to be posted soon!).
Usually I am always talking about the floral make-up of an arrangement, but for this post, I am going to get to the bottom of it...literally! I found a couple of random containers and used them with a simple arrangement of red roses to show that containers do make a difference and may be worth the investment.

Can you guess what type of container this was shown up above? It's a wooden utensil holder! The sleek container, unexpected use of the moss and the simplicity of the flowers all contribute to the modern look of this piece.

For an organic feel, go for a chunky wooden bowl that doubles as a salad bowl!

On occasion, if you are going for a very specific theme, using the right flowers may just not be enough. You or your florist may need to carefully hand select some containers to finish off the theme successfully. For instance, if you want a pin-up girl retro feel, find some vintage tins. You might spend a little more on the vase, but perhaps you can scale back slightly on the flowers. There are endless possibilities and, if you are like me, you might have to figure out ways to "contain" yourself. I will definitely be exploring this concept further on future blogs or for your wedding ;)

Life is Like...a Bouquet of Flowers

2009-08-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today, I was perusing through some of the images in my portfolio and came across this particular bouquet and this might sound kind of odd, but inherent in this flower mix was a feeling of happiness and a subdued excitement that I felt summed up my weekend quite nicely. Incorporating flowers in decor lends more than just physical beauty. It also adds an emotional aspect to the event. For instance, an arrangement with a palette of deep rich reds using structured flowers like roses, calla lilies and orchids lends a bit of drama to the decor. In the same sense, this bright bouquet of tulips, ranunculus, and tulips adds fun, whimsy and joy to any function.

So, why was my weekend like this bouquet? (Still sounds odd to say!). It all started with a successful yard sale that allowed me to make room for my new flower cooler that was delivered earlier than quoted!!!! Then, I had the opportunity to meet a client and her fiance and she proved to be just as genuine and nice in person, as she was through her email communications. I also got the opportunity to relax with my family while sitting out in my front yard watching my piles of junk (or treasures!) disappear. When you are starting a company, life tends to be a bit hectic and you forget to relax. It is when you start appreciating the little things that makes you realize that life is going well and indeed it is. I've always known I have great family and friends, but recently with the start of my business, I've been blessed to work with a great group of clients who are so easy going and open to different ideas. With weekends like these, who needs a box of chocolates!

Zen-ly Stated

2009-08-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

The simplicity of this arrangement, enhanced by the soothing color scheme and the modern, structured yet random look, gives off such a feeling of Zen. I created this arrangement to look like a piece of art full of interesting lines and movement...definitely not your run-of-the-mill centerpiece. The fluffiness of the ranunculus beautifully contrasts the stiff lines of the mini calla lilies and equisetum giving the overall look much more depth and texture.

Although the look is simple and clean, I would caution you to be very selective on the florist that can execute this type of style. Believe it or not, randomness is harder to achieve than uniformity. It takes a floral designer that has an eye for modern design or understands effective spacial placement...(don't tell me I didn't warn you).

Due to the height of this particular design, it would work best on a guest sign-in table or place card table. In a wedding, I would complement this arrangement with similar but lower seating centerpieces for the guest tables so that guests are able to have an unobstructed view in conversation. Surround these works of art by intimately lit candles and--voila!--a Zen scape has been painted.

Judgement Day

2009-07-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the round hand tied bouquet in order to compare and contrast the look of the cascade versus the nosegay. I used a similar mix of flowers, but felt that the nosegay bouquet needed the pink pom poms to offset the darker coloration, mostly for photo purposes (This is kind of the Art Director side of me kicking in). In real life, the bouquet would look fine with shades of burgundy and purple, but in photos, the details get a little lost with large clusters of darkness. You might ask, why wasn't this the case in the cascade? The use of a bouquet holder allowed the flowers to be placed with some separation, so even in photos, each bloom can be appreciated. This separation is relative since you can see that the flowers still look beautiful in the hand tied bouquet.

Due to the spacial relationship of the flowers, even though the cascade was larger in size, more flowers were used in the construction of the nosegay. On the flip side, more time was logged in the designing and flower prep of the cascade.

One last thing to consider with the nosegay is the finishing of the handle. The handle is often overlooked because it is usually covered at least partially by the hand that is holding it. However, similar to wearing a killer pair of shoes under your long wedding gown, it finishes the look and it's those moments when someone catches a glimpse of it that makes it worth finishing off the look. For this garden inspired bouquet, I chose to do a twine wrap.

There's a million other options depending on the look and style of your bouquet. Use rhinestones, leaves, contrasting ribbon, vintage handkerchief...whatever best suits you on your wedding day. So, what's the verdict? Cascade or nosegay?

What Goes Around...Comes Back Around

2009-07-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Within the last decade, cascading bouquets have had a shaky past full of ups and downs. They were once the norm, then went almost obsolete, and have now been starting to make their way back fighting their reputation as being the antithesis to modern design. The blame lies on the shoulder of none other than Martha Stewart who popularized the round, hand-tied nosegay bouquet. As a result, the cascade became known as "your mother's bouquet," and only the most traditional brides carried them down the aisle.

In my past life at the magazine, we dedicated editorial space to promote the comeback of the cascade and our attempts have had a fairly positive effect. I must admit, I am still biased towards the hand-tied bouquet, but I have a great appreciation of cascades and in particular, the smaller tear drop bouquet. To me, tear drop bouquets are the modern cascade. They are shorter in length, skinnier in width, and as its name states, shaped like a tear drop. With vivid images of French countrysides (from watching the Tour de France with my husband) and Irish green pastures (from forcing my husband to watch the chick flick P.S. I love You with me), I was inspired to make a tear drop garden style bouquet. I also made a nosegay version, which I will post on my next blog entry, so you can see the two styles side by side.

Advantages of a Cascading Bouquet:

1. Inherent in the style is the feeling of romance and movement.
2. If designed in a bouquet holder, the flowers can be placed so they have room to breathe and do not appear crushed.
3. If designed in a bouquet holder, delicate flowers can survive longer since it will have a water source.
4. Due to mere size, the bouquet becomes an instant focal point.

When considering a cascading bouquet for your wedding, make sure the bouquet will be made proportionate to your body size. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've seen a small framed bride being overwhelmed by a humongous blob disguised as a bouquet. These extra flowers also unnecessarily adds weight that you will have to bear throughout your entire event. Cascades also take more time to prep in order to ensure the flowers do not fall out. I don't think all florists take time to do this step and I always find it sad seeing a bride picking up parts of her bouquet off the ground as she walks.

I hope that cascades do come full circle because they add another dimension to floral design. In essence, cascading bouquets are almost analogous to letterpressing in invitation design. They are both classic forms that have found a place in modern day application.

A Palette to Fall for

2009-07-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

Nothing reminds me more of fall than vivid images of vineyards at sunset and rows of maple trees entrenched by fallen colored leaves. These images alone, full of rich deep colors and an overwhelming sense of serenity, are quite inspiring serving somewhat as a muse for this design. The arrangement of flowers are rather simple, but the impact that the color palette has is self-explanatory.

Eco-Friendly Favor

2009-07-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

Light on the pocketbook and light on the planet, these eco-friendly favors are definitely worth considering for your next event. The pots are made of recycled paper and your guests are able to take these home and plant them directly into the ground--pot and all! If you plan early enough, I hear succulents are relatively easy to grow and they will spread into multiple plants with time. Each one cost me less than $2 and 2 minutes to make!

Materials:
1. Edge Punch
2. Paper
3. Bottle
4. Plant with Soil

Choose a paper with an interesting pattern or use of color. Keep in mind the thinner the paper, the more your edges that wrap around need to overlap and thicker papers will not fold under as cleanly. I found the best papers for me were the pages of an Anthropologie catalog and the pages of a newsletter I receive. Both had a thickness similar to regular copy paper.

1. Cut the paper into a 4" X 9" rectangle. You can adjust these measurements depending on how large you need your pot.

2. Use your punch edge along one of the 9" sides of the paper that will be the top rim of your pot. I chose the Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch. You can use your favorite one.

3. Choose a bottle that has the same diameter you want for your final pot with a concave bottom. I used an olive oil spray bottle. Place your bottle parallel to one of the 4" edges approximately 2 1/4" from the bottom of the paper and roll until you reach the other end.

4. Tuck the bottom edges under the bottle.

5. Remove the bottle and your pot should stay together. If your paper is too thin, you may need to overlap the paper more.

6. Place your plant inside the pot. If you choose, secure with twine or a bow.

Try out different types of papers. The possibilities are endless! Add a tag to your favor explaining to each recipient that they may plant your pot directly into the ground. Not only will your friends thank you for such a wonderful gift, but the planet will too!

Flower of the Week: Hydrangea

2009-07-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

There's probably a good chance that someone in your neighborhood has a hydrangea plant, or more accurately, an overgrown bush in their front yard. In its natural form (not a nicely trimmed gallon bucket plant recently purchased at Home Depot), its visual appeal is often masked by spent leaves and brown sun spots. The true potential is hidden by the unflattering presentation, much like the lack of hanger appeal of an oversized 80's top. However, once unveiled, a world of girly sophistication will be revealed that will definitely not go out of style.

Hydrangeas are often used for Spring, Summer or vintage themed weddings. Often seen in light to medium refreshing colors and armed with the "freshly grown right out of your garden" look, they are the perfect candidate for a Spring or Summer bouquet. Having said that, do not get deterred from using it in a fall or winter wedding. The price tag may be a bit higher during the off season, but a talented designer can incorporate your favorite blooms and make them work effectively with your theme. Like calla lilies, hydrangeas are synonymous to vintage flowers. They come in a spectrum of blue, olive green, and speckled pinks that work so well with the vintage look.

Here is a list of other things to consider when choosing hydrangeas for your wedding or event:

Pros:
1. With a single stem, hydrangea can accomplish the work of over half a dozen roses by covering a large area beautifully and effortlessly.
2. Comes in a variety of colors.
3. One of the few natural blue flowers.
4. Florists can obtain yearround.
5. Excellent for spring or vintage themed bouquets.
6. Adds texture.

Cons:
1. Without a water source, it will wilt. Water tubes and oasis are often used in designs with hydrangea to ensure they will last throughout the event.If you are ever in a situation where your hydrangea is wilting, soak the entire stem...bloom and all... in water and it will revive it.
2. Per stem wholesale price is costly ranging from $2.50 on up and usually staying around the $3.50 to $4.50 range.
3. Not available in deep vibrant fall colors.

I just recently purchased one of the well-groomed 1 gallon hydrangea plants from Home Depot and my challenge will be to keep it from looking like the overgrown bush that I know it has the potential to become. All of the upkeep will be well worth it once I am able to enjoy the blooms atop my dining room table.

Orchids Anonymous

2009-06-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

CONFESSION: I have an unhealthy obsession with orchids. Basically, anything that ends with an -ium...dendrobium, cymbidium, oncidium...bacterium, ammonium, spermatogonium. Obviously the last three are not actual names of orchids, just science terms from my years as a biology major in college.

The interesting thing about orchids are that they are able to command attention even if they are in a sea of flowers. (Perhaps, I'm living a little vicariously through them). Although they can carry a hefty price tag and require more labor to prep, the impact they have undoubtedly justifies the cost. If a designer uses them effectively, a large quantity may not be needed to achieve the look you want. Plus (and this is a huge plus), they are very hardy and have a nice range of colors.

I designed this particular centerpiece to show that orchids do not always have to equate to a tropical theme, although that is equally beautiful. The use of a subdued color palette and pseudo-garden flowers like hydrangea and roses, can force orchids into playing the role of shabby chic. The possibilities are endless and that is, in a nutshell, why I'm being pushed towards a 12-step program.

Organically Inspired

2009-06-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been called a nerd or an overachiever and, despite the negative connotation, you secretly enjoyed the label because it meant you were really good at something? I think my Type A personality takes over from time to time (my husband would probably say, "all the time!") and today was no exception. After a long day of designing, I decided to challenge myself, "Iron Chef" style. I took only my shears, floral tape and some wire out to my garden with the goal of creating extraordinary boutonnieres (subjective, of course) out of ordinary things in 10 minutes...let me repeat, 10 minutes! I ended up using pods with mint, chiles with a persimmon leaf, and baby Roma tomatoes with geranium leaves. Organically, interesting?

I think my Lab pup made this task harder than it had to be. Since we adopted her in December, she's single-handedly cleared my garden. Who would have thought dogs love eggplants and tomatoes? At least I know the chile plants will always be safe!

A Midsummer Night in New York

2009-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

If flowers could take on a persona, this bouquet would be a cross between "a midsummer night's dream" and an "autumn in New York" in the literal sense (no association with the Shakespearean play or the Richard Gere movie). It is truly simplicity at it's best using only 2 colors and 3 types of flowers. You can't get more efficient than this...striking color scheme, check...effective combo of flowers, check...truly inspiring, check!

Beginnings

2009-06-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

The journey begins today...officially. I guess you can label it a "seven year itch." After seven years of floral designing in a flower shop dedicated to events and art directing a national bridal publication, I am now ready to branch out and explore my love of design on my own...***pause*** deep breath...I couldn't be more ready.