Françoise Weeks European Floral Design

photos: Elijah Park, Joni Shimabukuro, Ted Mishima

In this new 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 June 11, Tuesday June 12  and Wednesday June 13

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 May 28.

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

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photos: Evrim Icoz

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 June 18, Tuesday June 19, Wednesday June 20

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 June 4.

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

I have just returned home after taking Françoise’s 3 day class, and I can tell you that I am now full of ideas, motivated and even more passionate about floral design than before. — Karen Batman, San Mateo, CA

photo: Jamie Bosworth

photo: David Barss

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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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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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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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“The Power of the Purse” fundraising dinner at the Portland Art Museum on March 9th was a benefit for GirlsInc. The  mission of this incredible organization  is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Cindy Thompson  Event Productions explains what the fundraising dinner is about: “The Power of the Purse is not your standard fundraising dinner. In the months prior the event, Portland’s most notable leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists worked with local purse designers creating the handbag of their dreams.
Each piece was a unique work of art that was auctioned off during a live fashion show showcasing the fabulous handbags, the creative individuals who inspired their design, and the bright stars of the evening-Girls Inc. girls The Power of the Purse auction and dinner raises money to support Girls Inc., Portland’s local non-profit that supports girls in need to recognize their potential, honor their resiliency, and believe in themselves.”

Cindy asked if I could donate flower purses for the bistro tables; it was my pleasure to be able to contribute to this event.

A huge thank you to Joni Shimabukuro for the pictures!

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