Tag: floristry

Arrange flowers like a pro: stylist Julia Green’s tips

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 19, 2018
1 Comment on Arrange flowers like a pro: stylist Julia Green’s tips

They say you can’t go wrong with nature, right? Wrong! How you style your flowers can make them look anything from sad to spectacular! Want to know how to arrange flowers like a pro? Stylist Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors shares some simple yet brilliant advice below.

These beautiful floral artworks are by Brisbane’s Beth Kennedy. “Flowers are so beautiful and I love to draw and paint them, always beginning with a drawing, a slow and contemplative process before the loud music plays in my headphones and the coffee flows as I engage with the emotional narrative driving the work and begin to paint,” she says. “I only work on one painting at a time, as it completely absorbs me, until it is finished and then I move on to the next one.”

Julia’s floral styling tips:

1. Ensure the bunches are relaxed, not tight. A wider neck vase will help them fall naturally rather than look uptight! It’s all about ‘field flowers’ now, that look like they have just been picked from the garden.

2. Remember to play with the height and the scale of the florals, so that they create visual interest. If they are all exactly the same height, they will be far less interesting to the eye!

3. Mix varietals rather than always opt for one varietal only.

4. Always trim stems, and prune leaves for longer lasting florals, change the water every three days, and add flower food if you have any! Natives will always last longer too.

5. Find an accent colour in the room and tie the florals back with it, i.e. pull out a colour cue from an artwork and repeat it with the flowers for a considered look to the space. Buy beautiful vessels to house the florals in so that they can be a ‘work of art’ on their own.

Shop Beth Kennedy online at Greenhouse Interiors

Styling by Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors and Alex Carter, photography by Armelle Habib, bedheads by Create Estate.

Tags arrange flowers like a pro, art, artist, Beth Kennedy, brisbane, floral, floristry, flower arranging tips, flowers, greenhouse interiors, julia green, stylist

Interiors Addict

Create your own floral arrangements with free online workshop

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 9, 2017
No Comments on Create your own floral arrangements with free online workshop

Given the popularity of unstructured bouquets and the ‘just-picked’ look, it makes sense that people are increasingly making their own floral creations. Creative, bespoke and rather therapeutic, what’s not to love? Capitalising on the DIY trend, and contrary to other florists, Bloombox Co deliver an array of seasonal flowers to their customers (on a subscription basis) together with video styling suggestions. And this month sees them host their popular free Five Minute Flower Challenge again – a series of short online workshops that let you play florist in your own home.

The company has run the initiative before and given its popularity has decided to host another series, kicking off on June 21. The workshops will teach you how to arrange flowers simply and with your own creative flair and are the perfect complement to the Bloombox Co business model. “It’s more about the experience than just the end product and that’s why we don’t sell pre-arranged bouquets,” says Philomena Kwok, one of the co-founders of Bloombox Co.

Using a sticky tape grid makes flower arranging easier – a technique covered in one of the weekly tutorials.

Since its inception in 2014, Bloombox Co have launched Sydney and Melbourne delivery services and are soon to launch in the US. The company has also gained a massive global audience who tune in to view their simple styling videos posted on social media – some videos have been watched close to two million times. “We want women to feel confident in their creativity and to enjoy flowers in their homes regularly, rather than feel like they’re something that only a professional florist can arrange,” says Melissa Whidjaya, the other half of Bloombox Co.

An arrangement by a past challenge participant @kristen.poissant

One of the classes shows viewers how to “forage” for botanical elements within their neighbourhood. “The best part is doing the challenge along with our participants, and seeing their beautiful arrangements. We show them a few simple techniques and it’s amazing to see what they can do with them,” says Philomena.

Tags bloombox co, diy, floristry, flower subscription, flowers

Expert Tips Styling

How to get creative with flowers at home: a florist’s tips

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date October 11, 2016
No Comments on How to get creative with flowers at home: a florist’s tips

By Vicki Kerr

Decorating your home with flowers should be an exciting project. Follow your instincts, use what you love and don’t try too hard. You don’t need an enormous amount of flowers to create a beautiful effect.

I like to think of home floral decoration as creating your own installations. It is so much fun as it leads you not only on the path of sourcing beautiful flowers, but also finding other interesting pieces that will complement the flowers. It’s time to start looking at the back of the cupboard for quirky containers or looking in the windows of Vinnie’s to see what treasures they might have. This could be a set of espresso cups that would look great with flowers floating in them or a mismatched collection of dinner plates that would really complement florals on a table. It’s really about thinking this is my home, how can I decorate it beautifully with interesting props and beautiful fresh flowers.

Always buy fresh flowers in season. Ask your florist when the flowers came in from the market. Don’t be tempted to buy flowers that are on special or are sitting in the sun or in the wind outside the shop. It is really worth spending the extra dollars to buy good quality. You will be much happier getting a week out of your flowers as opposed to two days. Always cut the flowers on a slant and place them in fresh water. Change the water regularly.

It is now time to look around your home and see where flowers might lend themselves. An unusual jug, a collection of glasses or bottles, an old rusty bucket from the side of the house. How gorgeous would that be with fully blown roses in it? Pick a colour palette so you don’t end up with too many colours. One week it might be pastels, the next bright and the next monochromatic. Ask yourself: what else do I have that might make this vase of flowers sit beautifully in my home? You might add a scented candle next to it, a beautiful shell or a plate. Try and create a feature that will become a talking point for family and friends. Really open your eyes to what is around you and at your fingertips.

If you have guests, a bunch of something small and scented on their bedside is an instant and beautiful welcome gesture. Frangipanis and gardenias in summer, Daphne in winter and Lily of the Valley in October. It is so nice to use all the different flowers throughout the year.

Experiment and buy a flower you don’t usually use. A large float bowl at the front door filled with frangipanis is simple but very effective.

Once you start decorating your home with flowers you will realise how much they add to a space. You will grow in confidence with what you use and how you use it. The lovely thing about flowers is that you can keep experimenting with what you do. You can arrange flowers in anything as long as they have a water source. Don’t be afraid to use interesting combinations of flowers — succulents with soft flowers, natives with roses and tulips. There are no rules. Just enjoy!

–With nearly 20 years’ experience as a florist, Vicki Kerr has worked with well-known names including Susan Avery, and spent several years as the in-house florist for a large Sydney private club. After selling her Bondi business Miss Lily Trading in 2009, Vicki created The Flower Store, operating from a cooperative studio space in Darlinghurst that she shares with two other florists.

Vicki’s book, Floral Alchemy, is released this month, RRP $79.95. Buy it online.

Tags book, floral, floral alchemy, florist, floristry, flowers, vicki kerr

Competitions Styling

Launch your floristry career with this money can’t buy prize

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 20, 2015
No Comments on Launch your floristry career with this money can’t buy prize

Budding florists listen up… there’s a blooming beautiful (I know, I went there!) future awaiting you.

Introducing Project Rosie, a money can’t buy prize that will see one talented florist receive mentoring, financial assistance and free rent for nine months at Bay 9, an incredible heritage warehouse office space located under the iconic Harbour Bridge at Lavender Bay.

As with all good things, this amazing launch pad comes with some conditions. If you want the space and the chance to be part of a community of like-minded creative entrepreneurs, you have to show Bay 9 in words and pictures your creative and business plan. And promise to keep the herb garden alive at Bay Ten Espresso, the super cool cafe that’s right next door!

Entrants will be whittled down to a short list of six who’ll be given $200 each to refine their business plan. There’ll be a chance to pitch your proposal before the winner is selected on 18 March 2016, ready for an early 2016 start-up. There’s a low-interest $10,000 loan available to get the business up and running and to buy stock, plus free mentoring and assistance with getting the business plan right.

Bay 9 is a funky as anything concept for start-up and up-start businesses who want a flexible creative space in a cool environment with the bonus of seriously good coffee at Bay 10 Espresso next door. Bay 9 host Mark Davidson, knows a thing or two about start-ups and he wants to give a leg-up to a florist with creativity and entrepreneurial flair. Why? Because he believes in the Hindu idea that every day should begin with immersion in something of beauty. And because he believes that talent needs to be supported.

“What we’re doing at Bay 9 is all about providing a place where people with good ideas can make them happen,” says Mark. “We’re signing up tenants at the moment and what they all have in common is a dream that can become real given the right environment and encouragement. This is the coolest work address this side of the Harbour Bridge and possibly the other side too and would be an amazing place for a florist to launch their career and business.”

For florists who think they’ve got what it takes to put their petal to the metal this is the stuff you need to know. Bay 9 on Middlemiss St, Lavender Bay, is located in one of the heritage listed warehouses under the Harbour Bridge. It will be occupied by start-up and entrepreneurial businesses who want flexible, creative space in an address that is iconic and memorable. It is walking distance to Milsons Point and North Sydney train station and 1,500 cyclists ride past each day with foot traffic of 300 and growing. There are 300,000 people working in North Sydney making it the fourth largest CBD in the country and there is a resident population of 25,000. That’s potential for a whole bunch of flowers needed to say thank you, sorry, I love you and have a happy day.

Expression of interests need to be in by 19 February 2016. The shortlist will be notified on 25 February and invited to a Pitch Day on 14 March. Winner will be notified on 18 March.

To be in with a chance send an expression of interest, which you can find here.

Tags bay 9, business, competition, design, florist, floristry, florists, loan, start-up, sydney, win

Art Expert Tips Styling

5 tips for arranging flowers at home by top Sydney florists

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 17, 2015
1 Comment on 5 tips for arranging flowers at home by top Sydney florists

I’ve never attempted to arrange flowers at home because I have absolutely no idea how! So I thought it was time to call in the experts and ask five of Sydney’s best florists how amateurs like me can create some floral loveliness at home.

Aleksandra Keast of Aleksandra: (Jen’s wedding florist no less!) “When you have spontaneous guests, use your fruit and veg as your flower arrangements! Adding sweet-scented orange and peach blossom and fruit on the branch such as cumquat, pear, fig, apple and mandarin, is a beautiful en masse vase filler and looks great for the kitchen and dining room. You then get to reap the rewards and eat it too! Rosemary and fresh bay leaves look beautiful next to the stove top and are on hand when cooking.”

Louise Reeves of The Posy Supply Co.: “I specialise in posies or little bunches of blooms so the most important tip I like to give is to use a size-appropriate vase. Little arrangements look beautiful in jars or small vases that narrow at the neck. A little jar of flowers on the bathroom vanity or bedside table can have just as much impact as a huge arrangement. Try mixing different flower types of varying size and texture such as a big feathery Protea with delicate Geraldton Wax, along with some lovely fresh foliage like Dollar Gum.”

ss6ppwx6uKqs0BJI0Nu2tg5cna42LoI8ZMadEiZwLWc,myAIAEQS04J5_CY98meG0S20ELSQAV8H6byo_GU4CIc — Louise

Claire Simpson of Willow and Dune: “To keep flowers looking fresher for longer always remember:

To remove foliage from the stem that sits below the water line; this prevents the water from getting polluted.
Cut stems at an angle to maximise the area for water absorption.
Re-cut stems and change water in the vase every two days.
Keep floral arrangements away from warm sunny areas and heaters.”

wedding full size-305 — One of Claire’s bouquets

Sophie Rothwell of Little Flowers: “You should always arrange the flowers in their natural form, be it wonky, kooky or perfectly perfect. By leaving them in their natural state and not forcing them into a position they are not suited to, the flowers not only live longer and flourish, but it allows the arrangement to take on a beautiful, uncontrived freedom. Depth is also important because it encourages the eye to look at every individual element of the bunch instead of just the bunch as a whole. You can create depth by layering your stems and placing different floral elements at different heights throughout your arrangement.”

Holly Hipwell of The Flower Drum: “There’s nothing worse than getting home with an armful of beautiful blooms only to realise you don’t have the perfect vessel. Be sure to have a good selection of the basics. Every home must have a tall cylinder vase with a heavy base for big blooms and blossoms; a fishbowl vase for tulips and posies of roses; a tear shape vase with a narrow neck to keep arrangements from splaying out of control; a cone shape to construct a relaxed looking masterpiece; and a couple of old pasta jars for garden picked treasures. Making sure your flowers are in the correct shape vase is really the number one trick to making your florals look good.”

Tags aleksandra, Aleksandra Keast, Claire Simpson, floral arrangements, floral stylist, florist, floristry, flowers, holly hipwell, little flowers, louise reeves, Sophie Rothwell, sydney florists, the flower drum, The Posy Supply Co., top tips, willow and dune

Art Designers Homewares Interviews

Florist to the stars Jeff Leatham on his lavish projects

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 30, 2015
No Comments on Florist to the stars Jeff Leatham on his lavish projects

As the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and the go-to florist to the stars, Jeff Leatham has come a long way from the boy who used to lock himself in his room so he didn’t have to mow the lawn!

Falling head over heels for flowers in 1995, Jeff is often referred to as a contemporary artist, creating works of art, rather than simple floral displays. “I do see myself as an artist in the way I approach my designs and creations. I think you can create striking, living sculptures with flowers. They’re not static, they move and respond to light and other elements. And like art, floristry can evoke emotions, trigger memories and speak to the viewer.”

Tina Turner's wedding — Tina Turner’s wedding

Counting the likes of Cher, Tina Turner, Oprah and Kylie Minogue as his clients, he has a wealth of projects under his belt. So the challenge comes to name his most luxurious job: “One of the most lavish events would have to be Tina Turners’ wedding to her partner Erwin Bach in 2013. I wanted to create special areas throughout the gardens. So we had a huge red rose wall — homage to Tina’s red lips — that took 34 hours to install. We had to work overnight because there was a heat wave in Zürich at the time and we didn’t want the roses to wilt. It was magical.”

Jeff has also created some truly unique displays at the extravagant Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. As the artistic director he is in charge of all the floral and sculptural arrangements, the most jaw-dropping being their annual Christmas display, where he designed red-mirrored polar bear sculptures, which he affectionately refers to as his “babies.”

Red Polar Bears Image — Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris’ Christmas display

Working to design and create sculptures has also led to Jeff’s latest collaboration, Fleurology by Jeff Leatham. Designed exclusively for Waterford Crystal, it comprises of three capsule collections of fine crystal vases and rose bowls. Inspired by Jeff’s provocative combination of shapes, angles and geometric precision, the pieces reimagine traditional floral arrangements. “I love to work and collaborate with high-end, luxe brands that understand and respect the design process and producing timeless pieces. Waterford Crystal embodies all of these things and together we’ve produced a sculptural and bold collection. I personally think that great floral design starts with the vase.”

Waterford Fleurology by Jeff Leatham is available online or in-store at Myer, David Jones and selected independents.

Tags crystal, crystal homewares, design, fine crystal, Fleurology, Fleurology by Jeff Leatham, florist, floristry, flowers, homewares, interiors, Jeff Leatham, rose bowls, vases, waterford, waterford crystal

Interiors Addict

Try your hand at floral styling with Prunella

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 26, 2013
1 Comment on Try your hand at floral styling with Prunella

Whether you call it floristry or floral styling, if you like your workshops with a serve of afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles, check out the upcoming Prunella workshops in Kyneton, VIC.

There’s the signature cloche workshop, a floral headpiece workshop (perhaps for those with a wedding coming up) or the floral French salon workshop, where you create your own still life with flowers and other accessories and take a photograph of it home with you (as well as the blooms, of course). Safe to say, these are not your average flower classes!

Tags daylesford, floral styling, floristry, flowers, kyneton, prunella, workshop

Expert Tips

8 top tips for displaying flowers in your home

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 27, 2013
1 Comment on 8 top tips for displaying flowers in your home

Stylist Samantha White shares her top tips for using flowers in your home or at your next event and these photos of her work. From combining focal flowers and filler flowers, to changing the water every 2 days, to using foliage, there’s bound to be a nugget of useful information for everyone.

1. Instead of using traditional vases for arranging flowers, try bringing a little personality to your arrangements in a design theme.

2. Using your favourite homewares or quirky vintage pieces with your blooms is a fun and interesting way to add style to your home. Our rusty vintage typewriter and Art Deco birdcage are perfect accessories for floral styling.