Françoise Weeks European Floral Design

photo: Rebekah Johnson

Small arrangement in my mother’s first bronzed shoe

Joni Photo

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Joni Photo

Joni Photo

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Nicandra is a coarse, erect annual that is native to Peru. It belongs to the nightshade family and can become quite invasive. In early summer, the plants are adorned with 1½ inch  solitary violet bell-shaped flowers with white centers; the delicate blossom, similar to morning glory,  are very short lived but the seedpods are a favorite in arrangements – some are green, some are black and green.

Joni Photo

Joni Photo

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An absolute favorite in the garden and in arrangements! These bulb flowers belong to the lily family. And big bonus is that they spread readily in the garden!

My favorite, fritillaria maleagris has a chequered pattern in shades of purple, or is sometimes pure white. It flowers from March to May and grows between 15 and 40 cm in height. The plant has a round bulb, about 2 cm in diameter. It is commonly found growing in grasslands in damp soils and river meadows and can be found at altitudes up to 2,400′.

photo: Ted Mishima

photo: Ted Mishima

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photos: David Barss

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 May 14, Tuesday May 15, Wednesday May 16

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 April 30.

For more information, please call 503-236-5829 or check my website

“This workshop was a dose of pure inspiration: from the minute I walked into the studio, I felt the buzz of creative ideas rocketing around in my head. Françoise is a brilliant teacher who has a clear excitement for sharing her methods, and also for encouraging the unique voice of each student. Her generosity was truly a special gift: it is quite rare to find someone so willing (not just willing, thrilled!) to share the secrets behind their work. Françoise did just that and more- demonstrating techniques and mechanics, then encouraging us to follow our own instincts and ideas, helping us along the way with one-on-one feedback and suggestions. It was so fun, inspiring, informative and encouraging- I left feeling elated from three days of flower-filled learning, with tons of new ideas and little tricks to bring my own artistic vision to life. It was fantastic in every way- thank you so much!!!!!” Kelly Sullivan, Seattle, WA

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photo: Becca Dryer

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Britni, the manager at Nambe, asked to provide a selection of wedding flowers for an event last weekend. This month, they will feature a wedding vendor every Sunday. Nambe, located in Bridgeport Village,  offers an amazing wedding  registry including ‘timeless alloy, dinnerware, flatware, and full-lead crystal designs. Handcrafted with structural and artistic integrity, their pieces endure and perform with grace.’

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Plantsmith Nursery  is a begonia hybridizer in Scotts Mill, OR. The gorgeous foliage of their beautiful plants adds wonderful texture to any design!

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

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Photographer Lauren Brooks asked if I could provide a couple of bouquets for a workshop that she taught with another photographer a couple of weeks ago. Thank you Lauren for the great pictures!

These bouquets are made in custom made wire cage, which is embellished with bullion and thin aluminum wire, pearls, feathers and wired blossoms. One of the handles is decorated with rose petals, wire and pearls; the other one with foliage and string of pearls.

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photo: Robbie Augspurger

photo: Joni Shimabukuro

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