Monthly Archives:

December 2014

Feature Designer

Yuko Takagi : Featured Designer

 

To create something that leaves the world sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for more is a gift! Floral.today is super excited to bring one of Japan’s top floral gems, Yuko Takagi of Quelle Blumen Atelier.

 

We are jealous of those lucky few that got a spot at the 2015 Fusion Flower Summer School and that will get the amazing opportunity of being tutored by Yuko and Floral.today wishes we could be there! To learn her attention to simplicity and beautiful detail in a world of ball arrangements and mass designs would be a great refresher to the design mind. When Yuko isn’t teaching floral education or giving presentations, she likes to cook, travel and one of Floral.today’s favorite’s fashion! She is true master of physical and visual texture in design and always keeping the design clean and simple.

Floral.today hopes you enjoy Yuko’s interview as one the industries sharpest eyes for textural detail and making mundane traditional into new age extraordinary.
 
Where did you first start your floral design career?
Y. I started in the study floristry at private floral school in Japan 27 years ago.
 
What are you looking forward to the most at the 2015 Fusion Flowers Summer School?
Y. I’m looking forward to meeting international people and conversing with them. I hope, they will like my designs…
 
Yuko Takagi
 
Where do you think the floral education is strongest and where do you think it can be improved?
Y. Germany has the strongest in my opinion and Japan’s Ikebana culture could use some improvement. Sorry I don’t have images as examples.
 
When you do demonstrations or classes, what are your favorite things to teach?
Y. I like to teach using natural materials, showing the surface of flowers and materials, and color coordination/harmony.
 
Do you have a preferred design style or a favorite design technique?
Y. My style is simple and minimal. I want to show a quiet world through the of use one natural material with a minimum amount of flowers.
For example: Using rock sugar, 1 or 2 orchids  and 1 leaf.
 
 What inspires you and your floral designs?
Y. I find inspiration in fashion, architecture and trend!
 
Who have been some of your greatest mentors in your floral career so far?
Y. Kazumasa Kubo(Japan), Gabriele Wagner-Kubo(Japan/Germany), and Gregor Lersch
 
Yuko Takagi 
With our ever-changing industry, where do you see it changing and where do you see it heading in the next 10-15 years?
Y. Talking about only in Japan.
My teachers Kazumasa and Gabriele have been introducing great German floristry and the European floral world to Japan over the past 20 years. Mr. Gregor Lersch has come to Japan so many times also, he has taught many new technique and new designs to us.
This is the point of change for the industry. 
Y. Then the next 10-15years …
Now a days almost all people use the internet, especially Facebook. We can exchange our designs and ideas so easily and quick our floral culture will be more with no border and no country so the floral design world can be more international. I really enjoy communicating with all flower lovers.
Our culture will be wider!
 
What are some of your favorite products to design with right now?
Y. Thin bark, Gauze, Agar Agar and Glass Grain
 
What have been some of your favorite event or moments to design for?
Y. Christmas/ Wedding
 
Yuko Takagi 
What is one of your floral career goals you hope to achieve within the next 5-10 years?
Y. I have a flower school, it runs over 15 years . I want to keep on going.  I want to see and go to more other countries, to exchange floral culture with international friends andI really must brush up my poor English. (big problem)
 
 
Thank you to Yuko for taking the time for Floral.today and all our readers! We hope Yuko has a wonderful time at the 2015 Fusion Flower Summer School in Scotland and wish all the luck as she brings beauty and education to the floral industry. Make sure to follow Yuko on social media and keep your eye out for all the amazing things she is up to.
 
Till Next Time,
Siignature
Floral Companies

Get To Know Floral Soil Solutions

 

What is Floral Soil Solutions?

What are their goals and hopes for the future of their products?

How does this change the playing field for floral foam and organic floral products for the future?

 

We had the pleasure to attend the Floral Soil Solutions Webinar December 9th with the CEO/Founder Mikey Blake and moderated by Outdoor Living Expert, Debra Prinzing. It was great to be invited to see where this product is going and what their future plans are for the floral industry and organic, natural products. Floral Soil Solution is the new kid on the block that is developing 100% natural plant based floral soil, hard foam and containers. This is not the first time that someone has brought a product such as this to the industry but this is the first time it’s near perfect.

 

Floral Soil

Nontoxic

100% Plant Based

USDA Certified Organic & Biobased

100% Traceable

Able to Propagate Seed and Plant

 

Goals

Safe enough to eat

Nontoxic

Bio Based

Biodegradable

Grow Seed

Hold Water

Design for the next life first

Restorative after disposal

Circular Life Cycle

 

What That All Means

Nontoxic Human, Environmental and Global recognized to only contain plant products.

100% Plant Based – Created out of coconut husk and renewable plant extracts

USDA Certified Organic and Biobased  100% Naturally based, Meets all EPA requirements

100% Traceable – You can follow the life the produce from start to finish to start again with a Circular Life Cycle or a IERE Life Cycle Assessment from start of product extraction to recycling and waste management.

Propragatable – Seeds and plants can be planted into the product and grow from it.

 

Under Development

Natural Dry Flower Foam – To create silk, artificial and permanent botanical arrangements. Mickey and her team are working on this product to be 100% naturally based and on the same lines of their new floral soil.

100% Plant Containers US & EU Certified Biodegradable & Compostable Containers – The title says it all, a container that floral.today thinks is going to be able to fit the Circular Life Cycle and most definitely the IERE Life Cycle. A plant based container line that will be 100% natural plant material and if your customer tosses it, the container will not take 100% to break down.
 

Our Final Thoughts

Competition – In a part of the industry that has a strong floral foam oligopoly, it’s refreshing to see a new kid on the block bring something new to the stage of floral containers and foam. I will always use Smithers-Oasis and Chrysal because they have other great products but as the world is always looking for the next best thing I think it’s time for this new floral soil to come into the industry and impress us.

Organic and Biobased – Knowing florists that have respiratory issues and other major health issues, the use of Black Carbons, Barium Sulfates, and Formaldehyde on any level used in floral foams makes us weary. Not only does it give the industry a healthier option, it also pushes the other floral industry providers to up their game in make our industry cleaner and healthier.

What’s Not to Love – Floral Soil Solutions has a Design Competition running right now to showcase you the designers and to let the industry not just experience this new product but also play with it to help them find what you the designer think needs to be changed or adjusted. We can’t wait to get our paws on some here at floral today to see what it’s like! This product can also be used in the industry for more than just designing, so you can try planting in them to see how your willow or seeds grow.

 
So what do you think of this new soil? You can always check out the Floral Soil Solutions website to see floral designs and a ton more information on what this interesting company is up to. We look forward to trying the soil out and are intrigued by their under-development containers. Are you looking forward to what Floral Soil Solutions is doing?
 
Till Next Time,
Siignature

 

 

Extra

Marsala – Industry Professional Thoughts on the 2015 Color of the Year

To get the feel about the new 2015 Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala, Floral.today asked a few industry professional what their first impression was and where they are most excited to see it in the floral industry. Interestingly enough, the answers are as different as the designers that we asked.

 

 

Jodi Duncan HS

Photo property of Jodi Duncan

Jodi Duncan AIFD
Jodi Duncan Designs
Norris City, Illinois

I don't love it. I GET it, but I don't personally love it. It's very warm red. Almost a burgundy! Which is a throwback to the 90s for me. I'm old enough to remember this color the first time around. I think it will look very good with Woodtones and brown. Brown has become passé in recent years. Maybe pairing it with this color will bring on a resurgence of brown. Can you tell I like brown? Giggle.

 

Angela Darrah

Photo property of Angela Darrah

Angela Darrah AIFD, CFD
Freelance Designer
Atlantic City, New Jersey

Honestly, my first thought when I saw the new Pantone color of the year was that it would be a perfect new nail polish. I'm attending my first holiday party tomorrow and I have fashion on the brain. As for the floral industry, Marsala pairs well with metallic yellow and rose golds, along with the satin rich blues that are so popular. Utilizing blossoms with natural gold, orange and green highlights will keep Marsala from appearing too dark and receding into the shadows. Brides can add Marsala to softer peach and pink color palettes for additional depth, or neutral white and green designs for a sophisticated rich brown tone. My favorite flowers to watch are lady slipper orchids, and variegated parrot tulips. I also like the natural orange highlights of petite banksia, and unique roses like Rose exciting with their green ruffled centers. Leucadendron (especially the smaller spray varieties), kangaroo paw, and hellebores could also be in demand. Overall, I'm very optimistic. I can't wait to read what others have to say.

 

Jacyln Gough

Photo property of Jacyln Gough

Jaclyn Gough
The Skinny Vase LLC
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

After finding out that Pantone's color for 2015 was Marsala, I said to myself, "Well I guess Navy will have a shot at it next year."I thought long and hard that Navy Blue would be the color, but I was wrong and that is ok. Marsala not only reminds me of my days as a prep cook in MD cooking Marsala Chicken, but to stay grounded. Marsala is an earthy and warm color that symbolizes strength. In floral design, I'm most excited to see this color in floral arrangements; monochromatic color schemes and Burgundy Cymbidium Orchids, Hypericum Berries, Cranberry Antique Hydrangea mixed with earth tones for a wow impact. I'm excited to see this color used as an accent in floristry. I'm a big fan of detailed arrangements and have a feeling others will get fancy with beaded wire and ribbon treatments on bouquets, just to name a couple. Now, let's raise a glass of red wine to 2015 and make the very best of this earthy, clay like and lava rock color Pantone has just declared as, Marsala.

 

Laura Daluga CFD

Photo property of Laura Daluga


Laura Daluga CFD
Anna Held Floral Studio
Chicago, Illinois
 
"Nice! A warm, romantic base color." After months of speculation, the designer consensus was that this year's color would be in the blue range. I was surprised, and relieved that a greyed-down dusty blue hadn't been chosen. Phew!

 

Joe Guggia HS

Photo property of Joe Guggia


Joe Guggia AIFD
Joe Guggia: Floral Sharing
Santa Maria, California

Being aware of current design and color trends in the floral industry is a must to succeed, while embracing the changes that occur so rapidly in our design world.  Now, just because the knowledgeable Pantone team directs us to a certain color does not mean we immediately run out and buy everything in that color to satisfy our client base.  I do think it guides us to be aware of a trend towards a color, knowledge that will put us at the head of the pack when savvy brides ask “I saw this color, are there flowers to match this?”
The 2015 Pantone color of the year “Marsala” has been described as “hardy, robust, satisfying, fulfilling” with “a certain glamour” attached to it, along with a “natural earthiness”.  On their own, the words  “glamour” and “natural earthiness” will sell this color to any bride.  It truly is a beautiful shade that will take over the runways and be the perfect color for attendant’s dresses, table cloths, accessories.  And talk about the flower choices and hues:  dahlia with shades of faded pink, garden roses in creamy white, coral peonies. Or the boldness of purples and dark, rich blues.  Honestly, so many possibilities they make me dreamy just thinking about them!
I’m not one that feels we must be guided only by trends.
Every area has brides who will undoubtedly gravitate towards different styles like Shabby Chic (one I feel will be around at least through this year).  We need to be aware of their needs, and please them.  Having more knowledge about color and what’s happening in the world will do just that.  We can suggest adding this beautiful Marsala color to the jars on their table.  Maybe even convince them that the color will go so well with raffia and burlap, especially adding a bit of “bling” to the mix.  Our sharing possibilities are endless.  It’s our duty and honor to have the professional knowledge to help guide our clients to new heights, being their “go to” source for floral AND decor.

 

 

Stacey Carlton

Photo property of Stacey Carlton

Stacey Carlton AIFD
Freelance Designer
Oxnard, California

The design world was due for an earth inspired palette. Marsala has substance, it's hearty and rich. It's tone will translate into many mediums but will favor the floral industry because of it's cue from nature. Pantone's choice is in line with the green movement and the resurgence of bohemian style and culture. Marsala feels right for 2015 and I'm already inspired. 

Thank you to all the industry professionals that took the time to send over a quick thought. As we move into a new season for floral shows, demonstrations and events it will be intriguing to see what Marsala has waiting for us!

 
Till Next Time,
Siignature

Uncategorized

A Mayesh and Pantone kind of week!

For those living under a rock you may have missed the fantastic new Mayesh Wholesale Florist logo that was just released and the announcement of Beth O’Reilly AIFD becoming the new Mayesh Design Star for 2015. Also happening this week was the announcement of the 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala, by Pantone.

 

We are starting off today with a big congrats to Mayesh Wholesale Florist on their new logo as we were just looking at what makes a good logo and you can see that Mayesh has a new simple and clean logo. We here at floral.today like that it’s not immediately over modern but not a standard traditional. We have seen this look before with the Certified Florist program logo, but Mayesh Wholesale Florist has a simpler look focusing on the name of their company and their establishment year of 1978. We bid farewell to their old flag background with just their name and open the doors to this simple and refreshing new logo! Go read about all the details of their new logo at this LINK!

Mayesh

Image property of Mayesh Wholesale Florist.

 

Next for this week we have the new 2015 Mayesh Design Star, Beth O’Reilly and her interview with her good friend and past mentor/boss Coby Neal. We got to get to know Beth in her Floral.today interview and now even more in this video! Go watch the video and show your support for your 2015 Mayesh Design Star!

 

Last but not least the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year was announced and it is going to be Marsala! What do you think of this shade of red? Pantone shows us glasses of wine, pomegranate seeds, rich burgundy pillows, and cranberry fabrics. What are your feelings about Marsala and how do you see it doing in the floral industry? At first we were a little let down, but the more we see of the color and its uses, the more we are falling in love with it.

Pantone 2015

Image property of Pantone.

 
Check back here tomorrow when we bring you industry professional personal thoughts about the 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala!

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