Françoise Weeks European Floral Design

photo: Rebekah Johnson

Small arrangement in my mother’s first bronzed shoe

Joni Photo

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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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photo: Jamie Bosworth

photo: Jamie Bosworth

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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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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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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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