Kale is such a favorite vegetable to use in arrangements. I love the curly 3d texture and that kale is readily available at the grocery store year around. Simply re-cut the stems and put them in water and they will last for at least a week.

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

photo: Joni Shimabukuro
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1 Comment » | February 20th, 2012
Last Friday the new website was launched by my incredibly creative and fantastic designers Josh & Qiana Rickabaugh-Rich at Quoin Design.
This year I will be offering two new 3 day workshops: Botanical Couture and Woodlands in addition to the popular Wedding/Event Workshops.
Botanical Couture
Learn the mechanics behind creating scrumptious designs that mimic objects in our everyday lives. These ornate purses, shoes and headpieces will expand the way you think about flowers! Françoise shares the techniques she has honed in the creation of these beautifully-crafted floral designs. To stand alone as centerpieces or to be worn as an elegant fashion statement, these couture pieces delight and amuse.
This class offers practical, hands-on experience that will further develop your own skills and repertoire and increase your confidence to think outside the box

photo: Ted Mishima

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

photo: Joni Shimabukuro
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2 Comments » | February 16th, 2012

photos: Jamie Bosworth
Wedding/Event Workshops are intensive and inspiring, providing insights and techniques developed over many years of European floral design. Classes begin with a lecture and presentation, where your input and questions are welcomed.
After a demonstration of floral techniques and mechanics, you will design your own pieces. You will hone your artistic talents, and will be encouraged to listen to your intuition and further your own vision. Classes are limited to five students to ensure valuable individual attention.
Dates: Monday March 12, Tuesday March 13, Wednesday March 14
Time: 9am til 4pm (1 hour lunch break)
Where: At Françoise’s Studio
Cost: $900 – A 50% deposit is requested to reserve your space; the balance is due February 27
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No Comments » | February 13th, 2012
Last Friday Schoolhouse Supplies, an organization that connects members of the community with students in over 130 schools throughout the Portland Public School district, had it’s annual fundraiser at the Portland Art Museum. OnPoint sponsored the Celebrity Bee benefit. The fundraiser was a huge success!!!!
It was a pleasure to sponsor the flowers for this special event. Joni Shimabukuro was the photographer extraordinaire! Joni has such a keen eye and her images always reveal the most minute details.
It was a blast making the botanical shoes for the bistro tables!


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1 Comment » | February 9th, 2012


photos: Joni Shimabukuro
Bring the outside in and learn how to force blooming branches! Quince, cherry branches or forsythia arranged by themselves en masse look dramatic. Learn how paired with other spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, hellebore and hyacinths they make exquisite arrangements. Come and join us for this fun class that will remind you that spring truly is around the corner!
Monday February 20 6:30 – 9:00pm $75
Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829
http://francoiseweeks.com/classes
The hands-on classes are limited to 8 students per class and are conducted at Françoise’s Studio – 2754 SE 33rd Place. Prices include flowers, supplies, use of tools, and best of all, your creation goes home with you! Receipt of your check (or payment with Paypal) for the full tuition secures your place in the class.
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1 Comment » | February 6th, 2012
A favorite texture! A few years ago, one of the local flower growers started growing thornless blackberry shrubs – What a treat that was!

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

photo: Joni Shimabukuro
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No Comments » | February 2nd, 2012
These bouquets are structured differently than hand-tieds and they are all about detail. Time consuming to make, but a lot of fun!

photo: Steven Scardina
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2 Comments » | January 30th, 2012
If you’d like to order an arrangement for your sweetheart, please call 503-236-5829 or email by Friday February 10.

photo: David Barss

photo: David Barss
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No Comments » | January 26th, 2012
My friend Kate Bryant co-authored this magical book. She is an extraordinary gardener and gardening writer – check out her blog Plantwise in Portland Monthly
Amy Bryant Aiello created the delightful terrariums. She and her husband own Artemesia, a very popular shop in Portland, OR specializing in terrariums.
Kate Baldwin photographed all these treasures.
Terrarium Craft, selected as one of the 100 Notable Books of 2011 by The New York Times.

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1 Comment » | January 24th, 2012
Imagine that when the exquisite textured little orange cap drops, a brilliant yellow feathery blossom appears. One of my favorites!


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2 Comments » | January 19th, 2012