In celebration of the Riverdale School District's 125th anniversary, the Dunthorpe Garden Tour was organized on May 4th. Co-chair Holly invited me to showcase some botanical shoes and purses at the event, an opportunity that I very much appreciated.
My friend Joni photographed the shoes and purses at my studio. Thank you Joni!
Yesterday I posted pictures of the silk botanical shoes as well as images of the work of other artists at the 'Art & Sole' show this month at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River.
A huge thank you to my friend Joni who came to the studio last Thursday to photograph the botanical shoes and purses that I made for the opning night last Friday.
This month The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River presents a wonderful show 'Art & Soles'.
13 artists partcipated: Abigail Merikel, Judith Harvey, Melody Robichaud, Micki Shampang-Voorhies, Françoise Weeks, Mark Nielsson, Cathleen Rehfeld, Shawn Daughton, Judy White, Dawn Elle, Mike Friton, Charan Sacher, Damon Clegg.
Last summer I was contacted by Dawn Elle, the curator at the Gallery; she invited me to participate in the show with the botanical shoes. I was so honored by the request but told her that it would not be feasible, as the botanical shoes, made with fresh materials (without a water source) only would look nice for a few days. But Dawn didn't take no for an answer and asked if I could provide fresh botanical shoes for opening night and also make some with silk flowers. Silk flowers…. it never had crossed my mind to work with them. But after some research I found a nice selection of silk flowers and texture and once again decided to get out of my comfort zone and explore something new. Besides the obvious that the materials don't wilt, I discovered that the silk flower petals and leaves also stretch a bit – a perfect quality as shoes do not have flat surfaces….
So here are some examples of the silk botanical shoes as well as many marvelous pieces from several of the other artists. Tomorrow I will do a post of some 'real botanical shoes and purses' that I also made for the opening night.
Shawn Daughton, who made jewelry with the shoe theme took many pictures at the show. Thank you Shawn!
As kalanchoes are succulents, the flowers hold up super well out of water and they are a great accent in corsages, boutonniers and flower crowns. They look very similar to bouvardia, but come in a much wider color spectrum. This delicate flower also creates a perfect accent in centerpieces.
photo: Becca Dryer
Such a favorite!!!
Checkered lily is a bulbous perennial that is native to river flood plains in Europe where it is frequently seen growing in large colonies. Plants are somewhat dainty in appearance, featuring solitary (less frequently 2-3), drooping, 2” long, bell-shaped flowers which are checkered and veined with reddish-brown, purple, white and gray atop slender stems growing to 15” tall. Blooms in April. Linear, lance-shaped, grass-like green leaves are widely-spaced on the stems (Missouri Botanical Garden)
Joni Photo
I have to admit that I'm a bit obsessed with the botanical shoes these days as I was invited to participate in a 'shoe show' at an Art Gallery next month. Very excited about this!
Joni Photo
Succulents are super popular and I love using them in any type of arrangement!
living succulent purse
photos: Elijah Park, Joni Shimabukuro, Ted Mishima
In this workshop on Botanical Couture you will learn the mechanics behind creating sumptuous designs that mimic objects in our everyday lives. 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. 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 4, Tuesday March 5 and Wednesday March 6
Time: 9am til 4pm (1 hour lunch break)
Where: At Françoise’s Studio
Cost: $1,100 – A 50% deposit is requested to reserve your space; the balance is due February 18.
For more information, please call 503-236-5829 or check my website
