"The Power of the Purse" fundraising dinner at the Portland Art Museum on March 8th 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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Succulents are super popular and I love using them in any type of arrangement!

living succulent purse

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Jamie Bosworth Photographer

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Jamie Bosworth Photographer

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Joni Photo

Bring the outside in and learn how to force blooming branches! Quince, cherry branches or forsythia arranged by themselves en masse look dramatic. Learn how paired with other spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, hellebore and hyacinths they make exquisite arrangements. Come and join us for this fun class that will remind you that spring truly is around the corner!

Monday March 11                                             6:30 – 9:00pm   $75

Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829

https://francoiseweeks.com/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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Two weeks ago Schoolhouse Supplies, an organization that connects members of the community with students in over 130 schools throughout the Portland Public School district, had it's annual fundraiser at the Portland Art Museum.  OnPoint sponsored the Celebrity Bee benefit. The fundraiser was a huge success!!!!

It was a pleasure to sponsor the flowers for this special event. Joni Shimabukuro was the photographer extraordinaire! Joni has such a keen eye and her images always reveal the most minute details.

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Joni Photo

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Wedding Date: November 17, 2012

Venue: Maysara

Wedding Coordinator: Becky with No Ordinary Affair

Caterer: Vibrant Table

Photographer: Jessica Hill

Over 600 candles transformed the reception area at Maysara into a magical space. Clusters of pillar candles and runners of rosepetals decorated the long tables. Beautiful heirloom candelabras with flowers, also lined the head table. The other long tables featured manzanita trees, illuminated with dozens of candles; the container was covered with bark, moss and lichens  – flowers and textures lined the base of the trees.

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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

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Wedding date: September 29, 2012

Venue: Hawks View Cellars in Sherwood

Photographer: Alaln Weiner

Caterer: Artemis Foods

Cake: Papa Haydn

Thank you Alan for the great pictures of this woodland wedding in the wine country on a gorgeous fall day.

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