Last week I participated in the Art of Wedding Bridal Show at the Gerding Theater; it was a perfect opportunity to introduce a few whimsical bridal bouquets. Inspired by ideas in european design books that I bought during my last trip back home, I sparingly incorporated new elements: sisal, a natural fiber, along with a variety of decorative wires, a few pearls and feathers. Et voilà! what fun it was to patiently add a new set of details in bouquets!
There may not be an extensive variety of green flowers, but the ones that are available such as hellebore, alchimella, cymbidium orchids, viburnum, bouvardia and buplurum are all favorites. However, there is so much green texture available that makes these arrangements fabulous: green berries, such as hypericum, unripe black berries and blue berries, berzillia, to name a few and many herbs, for example: rosemary, sage, rue, thyme, lavender, parsley… Amazing seedpods of poppies, nigella, moneyplant, peonies, scabiosa, lotus and so many others add interest to bouquets; succulents and unusual foliage of begonias, some ferns, heart-shaped leaves of cyclamen are great choices also. Are you intrigued? Check out some examples:
Jamie Bosworth
Jamie Bosworth
Even though the selection of flowers and texture is certainly limited at this time of the year, the choices of white blooms shine. Early bulb flowers, such as tulips, anemones, paperwhites, ranunculus, cyclamen and hyacinths are here! Add to these the year-around availability of freesia, roses, sweetpeas, lilies, iris and phlox and voilà, the choices are abundant. Kale, parsley, brussel sprouts, small fruits, succulents, berries, evergreen foliage and vines from the garden will complement the arrangements beautifully!
An easy project in winter is to force paperwhites or hyacinths in water or soil; watching them grow steadily is fun and once they bloom, their fragrance will fill the room. My Mom used to force hyacinths every winter; their scent always elicits fond memories.
Thank you Joni and Jamie for photographing these winter arrangements!
Joni Shimabukuro
Joni Shimabukuro
July 25, 2009
Wedding Site: Abernethy Center
Photography: Shannon and Alec Varis with Redcouch Photography
June 20, 2009
Wedding site: the Oregon Garden in Silverton
Photographer: David Barss
Wedding Coordinator: Susan Adkins at Class Act Events
Cake: Bittersweet Cakes
A garland, embellished with citrus fruits and bright colored yellow and orange seasonal flowers decorated the archway behind the cake table
The garland that covered the archway for the ceremony was enhanced with dozens of lemons and mandarins along with amaranthus, jasmine, seedpods and a variety of green texture
A huge Thank You! to Lauren Brooks who offered to document the wreath making class last Monday.
Starting with a fir bough wreath, everyone created a rich arrangement that included clusters of bright berries and fruits, dried seedpods, cones and succulents, holiday spices, woodland gleanings and exotic orchid blossoms.
The results were stunning!
Check out a couple of details of Lauren’s wreath!
Lotus and poppy pods, hazelnuts, lichen, ilex berries, curly willow…
Figs (from Jamie‘s tree – thank you!), lady’s apples, bundled cinnamon sticks,
crab apples, dried orange slices…
June 27, 2009
Photographer: David Barss
Ceremony site: Leach Botanical Gardens
Reception venue: Avalon Hotel and Spa
Erin and Ken were married in front of the archway; we
hung sheer curtains on both sides and tied them together
with a leaf covered cone, filled with peonies and lots
of seasonal texture
Come join us for this hands-on class and learn to design a fabulous wreath for the holidays on Monday December 7 or Tuesday December 8. You will take your creation home and will enjoy it for several weeks to come!
Starting with a fir bough wreath, you will create a rich arrangement that includes clusters of bright berries and fruits, dried seedpods, cones and succulents, holiday spices, woodland gleanings and exotic orchid blossoms.
Mon, December 7 or Tues, December 8 6:30 – 9:00pm $75
The Monday class is full, but there is still room in the Tuesday class. Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829
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 yourplace in the class.
Gift Certificates Available for All Classes
https://www.francoiseweeks.com/classes/am-sched.html
