All Posts By

Garrett

Baudouin Roelants : Featured Designer

If you haven’t found your way to being a Facebook friend with the lovely Baudouin Roelants yet, you are missing out. Baudouin is one of those people that always has a kind word, a funny post or hilarious interactions with other people. Floral.today got our first glimpse of Baudouin on the Fusion Flowers Magazine‘s social media presence who was the tudor for their 2012 Fusion Flowers Magazine Summer School. His designs are beautiful and so is how he treats those around him.

We had the pleasure of doing a quick interview with him after his show at the 2014 AIFD Symposium a few weeks ago, so go make sure to check that out as we will have the link below after you enjoy some photo’s from our 2014 AIFD Symposium experience with the wonderful Mr. Roelants.

Part Of Baudouin’s Team And Volunteers

Team Member Securing Grass

Anthony Vigilotta AIFD, CFD Braiding Grass

Baudouin Creating a Bouquet With Paper and Fresh Floral

Baudouin and Husband David Showing Off Finished Bouquets

Nelson Hiltner Knotting Raffia To A Cylinder

Braided Raffia, Fresh Wheat, Orange Vanda Orchids

Raffia Tubes, David Austin Roses, Scabiosa, Peach Hypericum, Accent Decor ‘Jardine Planter’

De-Petaled Sunflowers, Raffia Tubes, Hanging Amaranthus, Accent Decor ‘Newport Bowl’, Accent Decor ‘Recycled Teak Wood Pillar’

Raffia Knotted, Yellow Vanda Orchids, Not Sure About The Pods, Clear Cylinder, Accent Decor ‘Recycled Teak Wood Pillar’

-White Larkspur, Stripped Green Stems with Green Discs Attached, Green Button Mums, Queen Anne’s Lace, White Paper Discs, Accent Decor ‘Guru Vase’, Accent Decor ‘Newport Table’ -Wood Base, Raffia, White Roses, Green Hanging Amaranthus, De-Petaled Sunflowers

White Paper Discs, Green Button Mums, Stripped Greens Stem with Green Discs Attached, White Larkspur, Queen Anne’s Lace, Accent Decor ‘Guru Vase’

David Austin Roses, Scabiosa Pods, Peach Hypericum, Raffia Tubing, Accent Decor ‘Jardin Planter’

Pictures Property of: Baudouin Roelants, David Dewel, and Cres Motzi AIFD

Baudouin’s ‘Transformation of Functions’ at the 2014 AIFD Symposium was absolute beauty, simplicity and impact. From ballet dancers with bridal bouquets, to all the raffia detailing, he kept you thirsting for more the whole time. We appreciate Baudouin taking the time to do an interview for Floral.today at symposium and you can find it HERE. We look forward to seeing Baudouin and his charming husband David again hopefully in Belgium! Thank you to Baudouin, his husband and all the volunteers and team members that created such an amazing show. Go check out Baudouin’s Facebook and Website to see even more from his show and other works. He loves cats and cat jokes, so make sure to show him your best on Facebook.

Till Next Time,

July 26, 2014 by Garrett

Feature Designer

Dr. Solomon Leong AIFD : Featured Designer

Floral.today’s first glimpse of Dr. Solomon Leong AIFD was actually on Facebook when someone shared one of his pictures with us. Our fascination grew from there. Solomon is the owner of Solomon Bloemen, where you will find expert floral consultations and design services for everything from weddings and corporate events to couture specialty designs such as bouquets and corsages. Solomon Bloemen prides itself as a company with the highest standards with their floral services which are artistic, bespoke, highly original and tailored to each clients’ specific needs.

Other than his great designs and company located in the Central District, Hong Kong, Floral.today instantly took notice of Solomon’s devotion to floral education and the many levels of floral education that Solomon Bloemen offers. Solomon offers many different levels of classes so that everybody can experience the wonder of working with flowers. It was through this educational path that really struck our notice since no matter the subject or skill level, Solomon always filled the class to the brim without sacrificing the attention to each student or the content.

We here at floral.today are super excited to bring you Dr. Solomon Leong AIFD to you through this interview. When he isn’t jet setting around the world presenting or competing he enjoys photography, music and just traveling in general. Come get to know Solomon and after the article go check him, his work, and all he is up to and make sure to go show your support to someone that is making all the right waves promoting unique design and strong floral education.

Where did you get your start in the industry and what do you see for yourself personally in the future?

S. I got into the industry first via designing wedding flowers. I started with friends who were wedding and event planners. Since then I have diverged into the education and also corporations. The future is to expand and further on this side of the business.

With all the class you teach, what are some of your favorite topics or design styles to present?

S. I don’t really have a favorite topic as such but I do enjoy the interactions and experimentations being carried out during classes. Sometimes original ideas come by accident.

How has being a Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural Studies affected how you design?

S. I guess coming from an academic background helps me to look at floral design in a completely different way. Alongside the obvious shapes and forms of the flowers themselves, I also tend to look at every plant in relations to our cultures and social economies.

S. For example, I am very interested in how some flowers are perceived to be cheap in some parts of the world but expensive in others, such as orchids. These discrepancies in perceived value directly influence my designs. Sometimes I will go along with these stereotypes, but sometimes I will try to challenge them.

Of all the awards you have won and events you gotten to design at, what are some of the most memorable?

S. There are quite a few but the most memorable one was to design a wedding using completely oncidium, all in huge glass vases. It was quite a daunting project to undertake as the orchids were so easily ruined, but we made it in the end. I also enjoy designing extravagant pieces at various 5 star hotels in Hong Kong. Once I created a design with globe chrysanthemums that looked like a pair of giant earphones!

Are there any exciting projects or shows we should be looking forward to for the rest of 2014 and coming 2015?

S. Yes! I have just finished competing at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and won Gold and Best in Show. Next will be the world show in Dublin in June. Afterwards I will be back in Hong Kong with various commercial installations. In late August I will be in Oxford for an event called FLOWERS@OXFORD. I will be creating a large scale installation as well as performing a few demonstrations. In September I will be in Croatia to hold a few workshops for the World Flower Council, and in October I will be in Japan, Nagasaki for another flower festival creating yet another floral installation. All at the same time I am also writing a book to be published next year in 2015!

What are a couple of your personal goals you are working on right now?

S. I am preparing for my new book, which I really hope I will be able to finish by the end of this year to be published in 2015!

With our ever-changing industry, where do you see it changing and where do you see it heading in the next 10-15 years?

S. I see floral designers are gradually having to become interior and fashion stylists as well, and brand marketing is as as the products themselves.

Who are a couple of your greatest inspirations right now?

S. Karl Blossfeldt, Gertrude Jekyll, and the Pre-Raphaelites. None of them are floral designers but I think they are very inspiring.

What advise or words of wisdom do you have for new designs all over the world?

S. Always remind yourselves why you love flowers in the first place and stay true to it.

If you could write a book on any topic, what would your book be about and why? ( We didn’t know about Solomon’s coming book)

S. You will find out when it’s published!

Keep your eyes peeled for all the amazing things coming from Solomon in the coming year. With his many awards and accolades we wish Mr. Leong the greatest of luck in his adventures and also with his book. You can click on Solomon’s name anywhere in the article to follow him and show him your support as he sets a strong bar for what design and education will be for the future of floral design.

Till Next Time,

July 14, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Industry Events

AIFD Preppers : Surviving “PFDE Results Watch 2014”

Even though the 2014 PFDE Candidates will have the shortest wait time of any PFDE Candidates, it’s is still a stressful 2 weeks. So we have decided to give you some activities to help tick those seconds by while you’re not working and so that you don’t break your mouse clicking the refresh button.

Stress Eat!

Try some of these healthy and not so healthy recipes!
Cooking takes up chunks of time and has a prize at the end if you follow the instructions.

Baileys Irish Cream Fruit Dip

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Strawberry Fields Salad

Herbed Potato Salad

Grilled Chicken Breast with Spicy Peach Glaze

Pulled Pork

Tart Cherry Cake

Grilled Plums with Spiced Walnut Yogurt Sauce

Meditate and Relax

Take the time to breath not just to wait for your results but to help reduce all the other stress going on.

Bubble Bath - If you are not one for sitting in water then go for a slow swim.
Read - Be inspired by a fashion trend or go on an adventure and save the princess.
Get Business Paperwork Done - Turn on some tunes and zone out into the world of paperwork. Those proposals won't write themselves.
Learn A New Skill - Knitting, Crochet, Basket Weaving, really what ever calls to you.

Be Active

Getting outside after work or on the weekends can help pass the time and can also be good for your body.

Take The Kids To The Zoo or Museum - If you don't have kids borrow some since there is nothing better than educating the youth of the world.
Go For A Picnic - You can prepare your picnic yourself or the grocery store has everything ready made for you.
Run, Jog, or Bike - A body in motion stays in motion and you can spend the whole time counting how many times you could have clicked your email refresh button.
Camping - Get away from your electronics so that when you get back home it is a wonderful surprise.
Throw a Summer Party - You'll be so stressed about the food, decor and entertainment you won't have any time to worry about your results.

No matter how you are dealing with the waiting, Floral.today is so proud of all the those that took the American Institute of Floral Designers, Professional Floral Design Evaluation. It is these people that are the future of our industry and what will be the backbone for our industry. Good luck to everybody and no matter the outcome, always remember that you are that much closer to your dreams.

Till next time,

July 11, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Industry Events

AIFD Preppers: “Blooms Over Chicago”

What is ‘Blooms Over Chicago’ and how can I get Involved? Well lucky you asked because the lovely Stacey Carlton AIFD, CFD, Blooms Over Chicago Chairperson, has just the answer for you. Check out the article on behalf of the American Institute of Floral Designers and the radiant Mrs. Carlton and then see how you can get involved! For all the other area’s involving volunteering at the AIFD Symposium contact Volunteer Coordinator Co-Chairs Laura Parker AIFD (laura_parker821@yahoo.com) or Carolyn Clark Kurek AIFD (coralcay2@aol.com) with any of your questions.

Floral Designers to Spread Cheer in Chicago

BALTIMORE (July 2014) – Eye catching hand-tied floral bouquets, uplifting floral arrangements, and smiles that only flowers can create. This is what certain residents and visitors to Chicago will experience when the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) rolls into town July 3-7 for their 2014 National Symposium “Transition Transformation” taking place at the Hilton Chicago. As part of this event, members and volunteers of the floral industry’s leading non- profit organization dedicated to the art of floral design will be spreading floral cheer through AIFD’s public service event “Blooms Over Chicago.”

Starting on July 5 and ongoing until the end of Symposium, numerous volunteers will be working hard to spread as much floral cheer through Chicago as they can. On Saturday, July 5, at both Columbia College Chicago and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, AIFD volunteers will host a “pedestrian pop-up bouquet giveaway.” This event will feature designers distributing hand-tied floral bouquets to pedestrians. The bouquets will each have a #blooms sticker adorned to them to encourage sharing photos of them on social media. On July 6 and 7, volunteers will head to the Ronald McDonald House and the Unity Hospice to set up beautiful floral arrangements throughout the respective locations and hand out bouquets to employees, staff and patients.

“We are taking a unique approach with this project this year,” explained Stacey Carlton AIFD, CFD, Blooms Over Chicago chairperson. “We wanted to warm each space up and showcase AIFD's design talents with some beautifully crafted custom arrangements. We also wanted to spread some cheer in the form of bouquets for the hardworking employees and staff and for the patients,” she said.

The Blooms Over program is an event that is held during the AIFD Symposium, an annual event where floral designers from all over the world gather to share the latest trends in floral design. Symposium features floral design education programs presented by industry experts, networking events and exclusive social events. Registration is open to all floral industry professionals. More information, including registration, is available at http://aifd.org/upcoming-events/2014symposium/.

If you are looking to get involved make sure to contact Stacey or the Volunteer Coordinators with all your questions and to sign up. If you are not a designer attending the AIFD Symposium make sure to go and get yourself or a loved one something floral and special, individually crafted by some of the top professional designers in the United States. Floral.today hopes that designers and pedestrians alike will go and support this awesome public awareness.

We can’t wait for the last few days to click by till we see all of you at the 2014 AIFD Symposium,

June 25, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Industry Events

AIFD Preppers : PFDE Tools

Though those of us that are taking on the AIFD Professional Floral Design Evaluation this coming Tuesday have been informed multiple times on what tools are allowed, there are still some of us that are confused. So join floral.today as we pack our tools according to the AIFD Guidelines so there can be no question. We will also enlighten you on what we have been told pertaining to music in the testing area so stay tuned for that.

First we have started off by identifying our tools. We use nail polish some part of our tool that is very obvious and is very clear to see. 

Here are few other ways other's mark their tools:

- Writing your name or initials with permanent marker
- Adding a ribbon or pipe cleaner
- A full set of one particular color
- Painting the tips or ends a distinct color as we have done.


What is allowed according to the rules:

- Floral Knife
- Pruner
- Ribbon Shears/Scissors
- Wire Cutter
- Needle Nose Plier

1 Scissor, 1 Pruner, 1 Wire Cutter, 1 Jewelry Plier, 1 Floral Knife
THIS IS ALL THAT IS ALLOWED

YOU CAN NOT SHARE OR BARTER ANY TOOLS OR MATERIALS!

Some objects of debate or questioned have been:

- Towel
- Music Players (Ipods, Phones, MP3s)
- Glue
- Extra Water
- Extra Foam

Here are the answers I've received, if you question it than avoid it since it isn't on the list. However here are some suggestions to cover some of the none products on the list. It was suggested to us to wear an old sweatshirt as it may be cold and if you spill water and towels are not allowed, you can clean up any spilled water off your table. Other than creating your five professionally executed designs you are expected to have an immaculate table when the time is called.

On the topic of music we music players, Ipods and MP3 players, are only allowed if they have no camera's or communication compatibility. So if it plays music and only music than you should be fine. We will be using a Ipod Nano 6th Generation that has music and a timer. Our Ipod will be held in a Hex rubber watch band that keeps it on my wrist and everything out of my way while I design. These can both be found on amazon.com and multiple other electronic sites. There is also the newer Ipod nano and shuffle available at all apple stores.

Ipod Nano 6th Generation In HEX Watch Band (Headphones not shown but they do go into the side of the watch to listen to timers and music.

For all those with questions of extra foam water or access to glue pans or extra glue.  There will never be any guarantee that there will be extra anything. Plan accordingly so you have clean water to the side, and plan your foam ahead of time so you know what you will have for backup just incase of any issues.

How We Will Be Packing Our Tools

Apron rolled out completely

Tools placed into pockets

Start Rolling It All Up

Tie It All Off With One Of The Cords

This can fit easily into any gap in your suitcase. Along with this, if your flying, place a letter stating that your attending the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium and these tools are for your national certification exam on top of your tools so that if it’s stopped by security after being checked-in they can better understand why you are traveling with tools. You will have a better chance of not having you tools getting taken away or your luggage missing when you arrive.

This is what we will be taking to the Examination Check-In area to be approved before the exam.

1 Ipod Nano in Hex Watch Band (Headphones Not Shown), 1 Sweatshirt, 1 Floral Knife, 1 Jewelry Plier, 1 Wire Cutter, 1 Pruner, 1 Scissor

Be prepared for anything so that any design can be altered in the blink of an eye, if a vase breaks, or stems break, your foam falls apart or a different design falls and is damaged you are ready for it. Try and keep a level head as it will be easy to loose yourself and your time along with it. If at anytime anything happens, step back from your table take a deep breath, count to ten and get back to work. Just don’t stop and above everything, don’t you dare give up until that time is called because you never what greatness can still happen. Floral.today is excited for all the of the designers taking the step to further their career. It takes a lot of confidence and personal education to take the AIFD PFDE so we wish you all luck and hope you achieve all that you set out for in your career.

We look forward to seeing everybody,

June 24, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Industry Events

Joseph Massie Does It Again!

From winning competitions to creating breath taking floral gown, Joe Massie always seems to have been put on this earth to wow us! This week floral.today is super excited as Touchwood and Joseph Massie have written a great article, A “Touch Of Chelsea : A Floral Couture Installment’ for you, our viewers, to enjoy. Check out the article and make sure to see all the pictures of the installment below!

JOSEPH MASSIE
A 'TOUCH OF CHELSEA' : A FLORAL COUTURE INSTALLATION

Floral fans were in for a treat yesterday afternoon when floral maverick Joseph Massie unveiled his unique twist on the Chelsea Flower Show on Thursday 22nd, May for Touchwood. Focusing more ‘horti-couture” than horticulture, the Midlands leisure and retail centre played host to artist and designer Joseph Massie (26) who created and exquisite dress made entirely from fresh flowers for TV’s Made In Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue to reveal.

Helping to showcase the summer’s biggest trend of floral fashions, five-time RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal award winner Joseph Massie hand-made the stunning gown for TV star and fashion blogger Rosie to unveil. Taking over 25 man hours to craft, the guests visiting the centre between 4pm and 8pm on the 22nd had the opportunity to meet with and chat to Rosie, and to be photographed with Joseph and the unique ‘horti-culture’ creation.

Created with thousands of fresh blooms and standing in SITU for five days, the floral couture installation contains a diverse mix of floral materials in a riot of summer colour. The majority of floral materials included within the floral couture installation were sponsored by a collective of growers under the luxury LM Flower Fashion banner including:

Phalaenopsis from Walter Grootscholten

Vanda from Anco Pure Vanda

Chrysanthemum from Zentoo Chrysanthemums

Sweet and Pearl Avalanche from Meijer Roses

Gloriosa, Eryngium, Clematis and Asclepia from Marginpar

Joseph comments: “It’s always a great pleasure and privilege to collaborate with brands on installations ~ especially during Chelsea week when there is such a wonderful abundance of gorgeous floral materials to work with and the whole country is talking about flowers. With this piece, we’re focusing on a luxurious riot of both colour and texture ~ combining bright contrasting hues against a palette of nudes, creams and pale blues. I’ve a feeling it will be a very special piece, and I can’t wait to unveil it to the public.”

Rosie comments: “I was thrilled to be asked to be part of such and exciting project. Floral is such a huge trend this year, and Joseph’s fresh flower couture creation offered a truly unique way to showcase the style. The dress itself is absolutely stunning and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already done so to pop down to Touchwood to see it for themselves.”

Lucy Burnett, marketing manager at Touchwood, adds: “Our stunning floral creation proved a huge success with our guests and brought a real sense of fun to summer fashion. Floral is the season’s must have print so we thought what better way to highlight what’s on offer at the centre than to create out own twist on the Chelsea Flower Show. We would like to thank Rosie and Joseph for the incredible work, as well as everyone who came along to enjoy the event. We hope all our guests have fun experimenting with their summer style.”

Joseph Massie Touching Up His Creation

Rosie Posing With The Gown

What a wonderful article and what a brilliant design and concept. Floral.today loves the combination of colors, textures and the beautiful silhouette of the design. For those that don’t know the wonderful Joseph Massie, he is five-time Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner which he has also won four Best In Show awards along with those. He has also been award a staggering 17 national competition victories and awards and he is only 26. Joe has his own company out of Liverpool, UK devoted to art and design. For those that don’t know about Rosie Fortescue, she is a BAFTA award-winning for her involvement with Made In Chelsea, a reality series on Channel 4. You can also follow Rosie at her fashion blog, At Fashion Forte, where you can catch up on all things fashion and style.

This was a wonderful article and design, click on all the links to go see more about the people involved, the flower companies or the fantastic Chelsea Flower Show. We thank you for joining us for this article and for Joe and those that sent us the article.

Till Next Week,

June 16, 2014 by Garrett

Feature Designer

Beth O’Reilly AIFD, TMF : Featured Designer

As a new mom along with being a freelance floral designer and product developer, Beth O’Reilly AIFD, TMF is always on her toes and that’s without spending time with her 5 dogs, 2 horses, and sculpting. As one of the three 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalists, Beth has been bringing us beautiful design video’s so far for the months of March and June and we are looking forward to her final video in September. We will have all of Beth’s video links below. Let’s get to know Beth a little bit better.

Where did you get your start in the industry and what are a few of the most exciting moments of your career as of yet?

B. I started as a “budvase” girl at the age of 18 at a shop in Perrysburg, Ohio called Ken’s Flower Shop. When I moved to Texas I worked for several flower shops as I worked my way through art school. I eventually earned my Fine Art, Sculpture Degree and found that I was so passionate about floral design and it translated so well with my 3-D Art Degree, I decided to stay in the industry and take my floral career as far as possible.

B. In 2006, I started competing and won the Texas Cup. In 2007 I was inducted into AIFD, in 2008 I received my Texas Master Florist Certification. In 2010 I presented my first AIFD Symposium Program and in 2012 I started traveling to China to pursue my career in product development for the permanent floral and home decor industry.

B. The biggest event that I produced to date was in 2009 for The Aga Kahn. I coordinated lighting, entertainment, a fireworks display, all the rentals, linens and draping, stage decor and assembled a great team of AIFD designers. The floral budget alone was over 200k… it was a spectacular event that worked closely with my mentor and friend, Coby Neal of The Flower Studio. I worked with Coby for almost 20 years before pursuing other goals in freelance and product development.

Congratulations on your new baby! As a new mom and an active participant in many parts of the industry, do you have any secrets for staying busy with a promising career and a new baby, without going crazy?

B. I think that staying busy and working as much as possible has helped me out tremendously. I love having a full plate and I do my best work under pressure and under time constraints. There is a certain sense of power and creativity that happens when you’re pregnant and I have tried to take full advantage of tapping into that… and I will say I will really miss being pregnant but I am so looking forward to being a mom. Traveling abroad while in my 2nd trimester was interesting, difficult at times but well worth it. Now I can say my son has been to China in my belly twice before he was ever born!

B. Since I don’t know exactly what to expect once my son arrives, it’s hard to comment on juggling career and motherhood, but so far I have LOVED being pregnant and working. I have been on ladders and doing event installs late into pregnancy and as long as I am super careful and feel good and confident about what I am doing, I think that working this hard has been great for me. I am hoping to spend as much time with my son as possible before heading back to my work in China. I am lucky to have a great support network close to home… but ask me how I am doing juggling everything about 8 months from now… that will be the REAL test. 🙂

Give us the scoop to being a 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalist. What are some of the highlights so far of the competition?

B. The Mayesh Design Star Competition has been a great experience. The year Mandy won, I came in 2nd place… so this year has given me such a great opportunity for exposure because they changed the rules this year. As many know, the 3 finalists get to do a series of videos throughout the year and the winner will be announced late November/December.

B. I love coming up with interesting techniques and ideas to share with others so this kind of competition is right up my alley. My videos aired/will air in March, June and September. It has been an incredible journey thus far. We actually filmed all the episodes in a 3 day period of time in October of 2013. I actually flew into LA straight from working in China so I had some jet lag to get through.. which was a challenge, but I do love a challenge. It was great to work with the Mayesh Family… they truly are a family business and everyone that works for them is part of the family as well. Learning about their business was wonderful and working with the other 2 finalists was equally rewarding.

B. Tony and Patience are true professionals and we all wanted to pitch and help each other with our videos. The 3 of us..(well I have to say 4 of us really) bonded during the filming. (Jodi Duncan was there to help us film our first video). We really did have a blast and because we are all part of the AIFD Family it made our time together even more meaningful. It was a lot of work to do in 3 days but we all had so much fun, we wished that 3 of us could all move on together… but there can only be one winner and I know I speak for my fellow competitors when I say that while each of us wants to win, we will truly be happy for whomever wins the final title of Mayesh Design Star 2015.

Other than being a 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalist, what are some of the other projects that you are working on or looking forward to?

B. I just did a spread for the April Issue of Florists Review which I am really excited about. I got the cover and 5 pages on couture wedding trends inside the mag. That was such a fun shoot. I worked with the local Austin models, photographers, wedding gown boutique, and a local rental and event company to pull off the shoot. It was such an amazing energy and everyone involved gave their all and their best to make the shoot a success. When this kind of energy and talent come together on a project, something magical happens.

When designing for yourself or others, do you have a preferred flower or design style for either?

B. Creativity and good solid mechanics are the most important thing to me when designing. The design style itself is something I like to change up. Working with and developing new trends is probably what drives my style the most. I think it is important to be inspired and inspire others with floral design. Keeping things fresh and new and DIFFERENT is so important in this industry. Within the last few years the trends have been strong but as far as creatively different, they have been lacking so I have found it fun to challenge people (the consumer especially) to try something new and move away from things like burlap and mason jars. There are so many possibilities in floral design that evolving and creating new ideas in design are so important. I love to discover new materials and I always have a new favorite. Right now it’s twisted and curly allium… Mayesh carries it. I also love the new novelty carnations in the muted tones. Some of my faves will always be orchids though. Who can’t resist a fabulous phalo or vanda?? Not me! 😀

What are you looking forward to for the future of the floral industry?

B. The floral industry has been undergoing major changes since the inception of online drop shipping florists and grocery store availability. Because of this market disadvantage, one of the biggest areas that florists have to excel is within the niche of highly specialized services like special events.

B. In my years of producing decor for special events of all kinds, I am finding it harder and harder for the floral designer to carry the respect, authority and creative direction that we once held. Our experience over the years has made us quite capable of maintaining this professional footing, but as of late (especially in the major event cities) that professional clout is wither being taken from us or slipping away from us without a fight. Event Coordinators have risen in the ranks of event professionals over the last decade and they seem to be diverting a lot of authority that we used to maintain with our clientele to themselves. They are becoming the authority and the go-to creative person when it comes to event decor. I can’t say I blame them… we have allowed this to happen and in many ways we didn’t anticipate things ahead of time and fight our own ground.

B. I think it is really important for florists to hold their footing, even if that means they integrate event planning and coordination into their repertoire and staff. This becomes very hard to do in some event networking circles because the florist is so afraid of stepping on the toes that might refer them, they are scared to hold their ground and be the professional event person they have worked so hard to become, in essence lowering themselves to a mere tradesman in many capacities. Business is business and it is time we stopped being afraid to be bigger and better than ever before and take control of the areas that we are perfectly capable of managing. We have stood by for decades and watched as everyone who saw an opportunity wiggled their way into the fruits of our industry.

B. The small florist (the one with all the history and design experience) has been consistently left by the way side for cheaper end products or by letting others appear as the authority instead of themselves. I believe it is past time where we should be standing together as a solid front to preserve our history, knowledge and livelihood. Our legacy is being threatened at every avenue.

B. Creative design for many consumers is not enough, and we need to be able to step into the professional roles being sought after by the public, even if it means that we become or employ event coordinators in our own small businesses.

Beth O'Reilly's Mayesh Design Star Video's

March 2014 - Floral Perspective: Dipped In Gold With Beth O'Reilly AIFD

March 2014 Mayesh Design Star Video


June 2014 - Floral Perspective: Outside the Vase With Beth O'Reilly AIFD

June 2014 Mayesh Design Star Video


Entry - Beth O'Reilly AIFD Designs A Living Picture For Mayesh Design Star 2014

2014 Mayesh Design Star Entry Video

What major changes do you expect to see in the coming years?

B. I would like to see young designers and seasoned designer move away from the popular loose gathered design. While these are popular on pinterest and in many circles… there is no technique or design being showcased. Young florists especially are falling into a trap of getting by with very little knowledge of Principles and Elements of Design. I would like to see a shift towards highly skilled compositions. I think it is possible for us to move in this direction.

B. In my experience trend forecasting, florists have a unique ability to dictate many trends in wedding, event and home decor. When pushing trend forward ideas, it takes research, aesthetic and keeping a pulse on what is popular in the marketplace. With these skills, we can drive trends in the directions that help our business and profession grow. Sometimes just coming up with a new idea, pushing it out to our peers and the public through social media can have great effects on building trends “WE” want to see. If we see our ideas and designs as viable and popular, the general public will as well and consumers will follow suit by buying into the trends that we are discovering and pushing. So, I guess, more than predicting what is ahead… I challenge everyone in the industry to put forth this kind of authority and professionalism and MAKE their own predictions… with impeccable design, mechanics, principles and elements, as well as showcasing trends that we think are viable and profitable in the future, we stand to regain a lot of territory that was once considered ours. Let’s not wait for some other industry to dictate it for us. Seize The Day!

Who have been some of the more interesting designers you have gotten to work with so far and who has inspired you throughout your career?

B. I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with some of the best of the best.. and vicariously learning from afar from some designers that I truly admire. Every program, every event, every AIFD Symposium or local convention is an opportunity for me to learn and be inspired from other designers. This is something I think is very unique to our industry.. we have the capability of creating a community like no other.

B. My first mentor and really the man who taught me SO much in my early career is Coby Neal. I have also learned priceless information from my colleague and friend Michelle Perry-White, whom without her, my experience working in Asia and product development would never have been the same. Kim Morrill, Sharon McGukin, Susan Standerfer… my fellow “Pearl Sister’s” have also been a great source of knowledge and inspiration.

B. As a Past President of the AIFD South Central Region, I have been influenced by some of the most professional and talented people in the industry… Suzie Kostick, BJ Dyer, Frankie Peltiere, and the great Marie Ackerman, to name a few. I also look at designers like Hitomi and Gregor as the true artists in the industry and I am always striving to put forth work that speaks the same language of art and design as they do.

Do you have any countries that you dream of presenting or designing in?

B. I would love to present in Europe… anywhere in Europe. In 2008 I got a scholarship from the World Floral Council of Holland to take part in a special program that toured the Netherlands to learn more about Holland product. It was such an amazing experience, I ended up traveling to Paris and I would love to return in a professional capacity in the future.

B. I also would like to present to Asia, as I think Asian countries look to the US for inspiration and with a great curiosity. I feel they would be very open to learning design techniques rooted more in the western thought and culture.

What kind of presentation would you treat them to?

B. European design is very different than many designs and techniques in America, I think it would be fun to highlight Western aesthetics. Because I am a sculptor as well, I always love to incorporate my own distinct techniques and mechanics that I have learned through 3-Dimensional art exploration. Mixing the 2-Western culture and aesthetics with more sculptural type of design would be exciting to me.

How important do you find setting goals, and what are some goals you are working on right now?

B. Setting goals has been huge for me. It lets me know how far I have come and gives me a sense of perspective of where I am going on this endless journey in the art of flowers. I have been lucky in that every goal I have ever set for myself in this industry has come to fruition.

B. My next goal would be to work as a consultant, helping small flower shops realize the next step of being highly profitable and stable business in the present economy. I would like to continue my endeavors in researching and developing trends for our industry as well as writing for industry publications. I think all designers have a dream of one day publishing a book on floral design… All of these things are on my present bucket list.

You walk into a floral market anywhere in the world and you are allowed to pick any flowers you want. Tell us what you grab and why.

B. I am a visual person so I would pick the materials that speak to me at the time. The biggest, the most lush… maybe it’s the mutant double headed tulip that I am drawn to or the stem length of the vine maple. Whatever is at the peak in season is usually what I love to work with. Peonies the size of my hand, Dahlias the size of a dinner plate, Eremurus as tall as me, these are the kinds of material that I am drawn to. I also like to play with texture and unusual or new materials, for the reason I love green trich dianthus, things like twisted waddle or materials that are unique to the particular region I am in. For instance, if I was in Hong Kong during orchid tree season, I would love to work with them as the focal of a design. It’s hard to say exactly what I would pick, but these are the types of materials I would be drawn to intuitively.

Wonderful responses from a wonderful lady, Floral.today loves the passion in her answers as you can also find it in her design work. Make sure to check out all Beth’s video’s as a view counts as a view and support #TeamBeth on all social media along with your other finalists #TeamTony and #TeamPatience. Watch out for Nature’s Bounty in September as Beth’s final Mayesh Design Star Video. We appreciate Beth and all she has and is doing for the industry and look forward to all that is to come from this great designer.

Until next week,

June 9, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Floral Companies

Adventure to Baisch and Skinner

For a fun floral field trip floral.today spent the morning visiting and exploring Baisch and Skinner of St. Louis. As one of the larger wholesale floral distributors, Baisch and Skinner is always up to something wether it’s hosting classes and shows at the Linda Kay Learning Center or simply bring florists great products there is always something happening at this great wholesale house.

Baisch and Skinner has been involved in the industry since 1952 and to this day have stayed very involved locally and nationally. This company has grown into being a 160,000 sqft power house with 8 total locations, droves of employees, up-to-date greenhouses, and many different programs and initiatives for floral companies and their customers over the years. Lets take a look at some of floral.today’s favorite currant programs and happenings.

*New Program* St. Louis Plant Rental Program

As this is Baisch and Skinners newest program, this is only available at the St. Louis location. Essentially you can rent plants ranging 3′ to 10′ tall for one to two day events for a lower cost instead of having to get in a bunch of plants you won’t need after the event and may not have the space for. All the plant rentals come in a wicker basket and require a minimum of a 2 week notice. You can click on the title to go directly to the full details for your next event!

Some of the 10′ -12′ palms and spathiphyllums.

Baisch Direct

Nothing is better than being able to know that your able to easily do the wedding or event you just booked out-of-state and not have to worry about how to get the flowers to the location. Baisch Direct does just that, you submit the online form and Baisch and Skinner boxes then ships your product straight to the given location of delivery. As someone that ordered my flowers in St. Louis, Missouri and had everything from craspedia to phaleonopsis orchids shipped to a wedding in Sarasota, Florida, we can tell you that other than one hick-up we received everything great. Click on the Baisch Direct title to check it out!

Brides Bouquet All product shipped with Baisch Direct.

Garrett finishing the last design. All product shipped with Baisch Direct.

Table Design All product shipped with Baisch Direct. Cylinders Rented by Festive Couture Floral.

Linda Kay Learning Center

You can never stay on top of trends and stay a good professional floral design without constantly educating yourself. In honor of the late Linda Kay, Baisch and Skinner has established the Linda Kay Learning Center which hosts a variety of shows, classes, and events. The space is also available to rent for events and meeting. Always keep your eye on the Baisch and Skinner Facebook page as that is where you can find all their upcoming classes, design shows, and events.

Baisch and Skinner has many other programs set-up for all their customers so make sure to go to their website and see what they are doing in your area.

Never seen the Baisch and Skinner St Louis location, well then click on the link below and enjoy seeing Baisch and
Skinner through our eyes!

Adventure Through Baisch and Skinner St. Louis

Thank you Baisch and Skinner for let us run around with our camera and adventure everywhere. Make sure to go check their website or social media to stay in the know of what they have going on. Here are a few of our favorite plants and flowers we got to see while at Baisch and Skinner. Make sure to subscribe to floral.today on youtube as we start Floral Fridays this coming friday!

Amazing “Marco Polo” Centurea This opens to be a beautiful yellow thistle.

Yummy Peachy Hibiscus

Purple and Green Hydrangea

Green and Blue Hydrangea

Succulents

Burgundy Succulent

Mounted Staghorn Fern

“Yellow Pompon” 28″ Roses

Crazy Cool “Vuvuzela” 21″ Roses

Fresh Cut Clematis

Fresh Cut Clematis

Really Interesting Aechmea Frappaccino

Mini Phalaenopsis Plant

Till Next Week,

June 4, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Industry Events

Garrett’s PDFE Mock Exam Day

The only way to succeed is to practice, practice, practice and while preparing for his American Institute of Floral Designers, Professional Floral Design Evaluation that is a lot of what Garrett has done. This last week was Garrett’s last major event till his PFDE on Jul 1st and it was a mock exam hosted by Forget Me Not Flowers in Bloomington, IL. This has no affiliation with AIFD but was a great preparation to understand testing in a 4 hour time restraint and also understanding PFDE evaluations from an evaluators perspective and as a group.

This mock PFDE was strictly followed to what would actually happen in the real examination. Starting with a briefing of the design categories, a time to review the product and to organize your space and then they were off! They had 4 hours to design 5 pieces to the categories Sympathy, Arrangement, Wedding, Flowers to Wear, and a Duplicate. For each category floral.today is going to list each category with the specifics along with Garrett’s design for the category. wWith the photo’s and descriptions floral.today is going to list a few of the critiques Garrett was given to work on before July.

Sympathy

A Floral Tribute For A Cremation…

The Red Memorial Container Represents The Urn That Is To Be Incorporated Into (Or Set Next To) Your Design

Critiques:

*Adding willow or a few more tulips to left side to make it stronger to add balance to my line

*Reduce the orange roses, add a small grouping to the back to pull the eye through the arrangement

*Reducing the orange roses by only a few to create a heart

*Wire all the tulips or avoid the tulips since they will grow over night

Wedding

A Bouquet For A Bridesmaid

Critique:

*Bind all the orchid tips together

*Take the extra time and triple check as there was a piece of tape showing

*Take last minute wire off the handle as it wasn’t needed and kept falling off

*Add an aspidistra leaf or grass to the orchids to make it completely clear how to hold the bouquet and it’s direction

*Hold the bouquet to test physical balance

A Centerpiece for a Dinner Party

Your Arrangement Will Be Placed On An Elongated Rectangular Table, Seating 12

Full Design

Closeup Of Design

Critique:

*Break-up the middle of the arrangement by creating different levels with the flowers for depth

*Reduce the amount of flowers in the center

*Double Check that the equisetum is all in a uniform curved line

Flowers to wear

A Corsage For Prom

May be worn on the wrist or arm

Full Design

Closeup of Detail

Critique:

*Triple check for exposed glue

*Make sure backing is similar shape to whats carried out throughout the design

*Watch where the tips are going so it isn’t poking anybody

Put the corsage on your wrist to understand where all the flowers are sitting.

Duplicate

Duplicate The Design From The Picture Provided

Unfortunately Garrett didn’t take a picture of his duplicate at the time, but here are some of the critiques he received.

Critique:

*Do this design first to get it out of the way or start it and then come back to it if you are struggling with it

*Triple check the flower count

*Create a good grid so you can place your flowers into the vase without them moving around

*Watch my scale to where all the placements are.

Complete Table

Garrett finished with a good 45-1hour to go and should have went back as a tiny bit of glue was showing past the corsage backing and a little bit of tape was showing on the bouquet, so time management could be worked on also before July 1st comes. This was a fantastic day of prep and education. Thank you Eldon and Jane Haab of Forget Me Not Flowers and also all the AIFD members that took the time to come help those testing this year understand the process a lot better.

What are you doing to prepare for the PFDE this year or any other floral related examinations? We love to here what our floral.today followers are up to so keep us in the loop on our social media. Make sure to check out Garrett’s adventure to his PFDE Test Prep Day Video.

PFDE TEST PREP DAY
http://youtu.be/v4UMALLKsRY

Floral.today has already started scheduling interviews at the 2104 AIFD Symposium so keep your eye out for us!

Till next week,

May 22, 2014 by Garrett

Extra

Get To Know Garrett

So many people have no clue who I am so floral.today decided you should know who’s writing the articles and doing all the fun stuff for floral.today. Along with our two ‘Get to Know Garrett’ videos here is a fun quick interview so you can get to know Garrett! If you ever have questions or comments, I’m a very blunt person sometimes so I welcome every comment, question or criticism.

Name: Garrett Fairbanks CF

Age: 25

Currant Location: St. Louis, MO, USA

Occupation: Editor in Chief, Floral.today and Freelance Floral Designer

Exploring While in Scotland for the 2013 Fusion Flowers Magazine Summer School

Exploring While in Scotland for the 2013 Fusion Flowers Magazine Summer School

Favorite Food:

Gourmet Pizza, Gelato, Sweets, Most All Desserts

Pets:

1 Black Mystery Snail

1 Blue Snail

1 Ivory Snail

1 Betta Fish – Floyd

2012 Fusion Flowers International Design of The Year Competition Piece

2012 Fusion Flowers International Design of The Year Competition Piece

First Ever Floral Class Attended:

Novice – OSTC SW Floral and Animal Studies 2007

Professional – “The Dutch Touch” tutored by Els Teunissen 2007

First Floral Award Won:

Novice – Michigan Floral Association GLFE 2007 Student Division 1st Place

Professional – Illinois State Floral Association 2014 Tablescape Design Contest 2nd Place

Adventuring in Las Vegas at the 2013 AIFD Symposium

Certifications:

Michigan Floral Association – Certified Florist

Testing for my CFD, AIFD at the 2014 AIFD Symposium

2013 Nature’s Creative Edge Piece

Favorite Duo In The Whole Industry at Nature’s Creative Edge 2013 – Luz Cardenas CFD, Garrett, Stacey Carlton AIFD

Where I’ve Traveled In The World:

Australia, New Zealand, Scotland

Where I Plan to Visit:

England, Germany, Japan, China, Thailand, Sweden, Finland and really anywhere else!

Sister’s Wedding Bouquet Designed By Garrett

Hobbies:

Reading, Traveling and Now Blogging

Favorite Color:

Ox Blood Red, Midnight Violet, and Most Jewel Tones

2014 Illinois State Floral Association President Banquet Hair Piece

2013 Mayesh Design Star Entry Piece

Checkout the 'Get to Know Garrett' Video's

Click on the Links Below

Floral.today - Get to Know Garrett Part 1

Floral.today - Get to Know Garrett Part 2

We appreciate all your support and look forward to all the exciting adventures we are going to be taking our floral.today followers on in the next few months. Make sure to always give us your questions, comments, or critiques on any of our social media because we love hearing from you and what you want to see and are thirsting to know.

Till Next Week,

May 16, 2014 by Garrett

Older Posts

Newer Posts