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
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.
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.
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′.
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
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.’
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!!!
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.
