Françoise Weeks European Floral Design

photo: David Barss

photo: David Barss

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photo: Rebekah Johnson

Small arrangement in my mother’s first bronzed shoe

Joni Photo

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photo: Jamie Bosworth

photo: Jamie Bosworth

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Once I started using edibles in arrangements I never looked at the produce section quite the same way – my eyes wander to detect interesting texture first… You can use an eggplant, artichoke or squash as the container (make sure to line this organic container with plastic before adding the wet foam) or incorporate berries, key limes, kumquats, sliced kiwis or pomegranates, figs, persimmons, snippets of kale or romanesco, mushrooms, parsley or sage… In Asian markets, such as Fubonn or Uwajimaya the selection of unusual and exotic produce is fantastic!

David Barss Photography

Joni Photo

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Joni Photo

Joni Photo

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Delight your mom with a unique arrangement of lilacs, tulips, clematis, dogwood and fabulous textures! Using a full palette of pastel or vivid colors, learn how to create stunning arrangements  in a variety of imaginative containers.

Monday May 7                                            6:30 – 9:00pm   $75

Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829

http://francoiseweeks.com/seasonal-design-classes/

The hands-on classes are limited to 8 students per class and are conducted at Françoise’s Studio – 2754 SE 33^rd 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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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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photos: Jamie Bosworth & Joni Shimabukuro

Explore the many possibilities the woodlands have to offer and be inspired by the botanical treasures of the Pacific Northwest! Françoise’s absolute love for this style of arrangement stems from her time spent as a child in Switzerland. Foraging for a piece of wood or bark and moss and adding some wildflowers, she would make arrangements for her Mother while on summer hikes with her family in the Alps. Her woodland fairy creations have since bloomed into unique centerpieces and bouquets using the foliage of the Northwest as her muse. Detail is paramount in these layered, intricate creations. Gather ideas to express your creativity and learn to work with woodland materials found in nature!

Woodland 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 7, Tuesday May 8, Wednesday May 9

Time: 9am til 4pm (1 hour lunch break)

Where: At Françoise’s Studio

Cost: $1,300 – A 50% deposit is requested to reserve your space; the balance is due April 30th.

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

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A couple of months ago I made some botanical shoes and centerpieces for a fundraiser organized by Schoolhouse Supplies at the Portland Art Museum. Not only did Joni take wonderful pictures, she also surprised me with this fun short video.
Thank you Joni!!!

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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