Last week's 3 day wedding/event workshop was so much fun! Jessica and Natalie were from Portland. Laurie came from California and Elizabeth traveled from Texas and they both stayed at nearby B&B's. 

As usual, it didn't matter that there were different levels of experience. Everyone was so talented and created fabulous arrangements. It was such a pleasure to share a lot of information and spend 3 days with all of you!

Thank you Laurie, for documenting the workshop! Here is a sample of everyone's work

many houseplants with gorgeous foliage are omni present

the first morning we explored many woodland ideas

Laurie's woodland

Natalie's woodland

Elizabeth's woodland

Jessica's woodland

More ideas for centerpieces:

Natalie's centerpiece

Elizabeth's wreath

Jessica's centerpiece

Laurie's centerpiece

The topic for the second day was ceremony flowers

Elizabeth's cone arrangement

Jessica's whimsical cone arrangement

Laurie's woodland cone arrangement, complete with a small bird's nest

Natalie's cone arrangement

The third day whimsical and woodland bouquets as well as purses were on the program!

Laurie's whimsical bouquet

Natalie's whimsical bouquet

Jessica's clutch in the works

and the finished treasure!

Their testimonials

Spending time in Françoise Weeks’ studio is a magical experience, where she weaves a bounty of foliage, flowers, fruit, vegetables and little bits of sticks and moss from the forest into enchanted arrangements. Walking into her studio, I was awestruck by the selection lined along the walls, all for me and my fellow participants to choose from for our own creations made under Françoise's guidance.

The day passes by at rapid speed.  We started by getting to know the other students.  Soon, sitting around the worktable, we watched the creations taking shape.  Mixing tips and tricks learned in her years as a teacher, businesswoman and florist with detailed demonstrations for making the unique arrangements she is known for, we soon set about making our own versions of the morning lesson.  Choosing from the huge selection of materials provided, we went to work.  Everyone's creations were so different, imaginative and wonderful.

She guides with a quiet manner and gives great practical advice. I have been in the floral industry for many years and came away with so many time and money saving tips, and a renewed spirit of creativity.

The area where the studio is located in is very pleasant for a person travelling alone; lots of walkers and bicyclists out. I stayed at a B&B which is a 5 minute walk to her studio, and there are many casual eateries and coffee shops just a few minutes away too.  From the airport, the light rail and bus was an economical and easy way to get to my lodging.

I can't wait to walk up the driveway, through the gate, into that wonderful studio, to be inspired again by Françoise!

Fleurie- flowers by Laurie Garza ,Reedley, California