Photography by Joni Shimabukuro

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Come join us  for this hands-on class and learn to design eye-catching arrangements for the holidays on Tuesday December 1.

Get inspired to create  your own stunning topiaries, textured flower garlands, wreaths,…by incorporating seasonal greens, berries, cones, cinnamon sticks with gorgeous flowers. Discover how to use natural candle holders by wrapping candles with rosemary, cinnamon sticks or foliage.

https://www.francoiseweeks.com/classes/am-sched.html

Candles And Flowers: Setting The Scene For The Holidays

Whether the occasion is an intimate meal or a grander affair, candlelight creates a lovely sense of warmth and atmosphere. Learn how to fashion unique natural candle-wraps, as well as beautifully incorporating candles into wreaths, garlands and other centerpieces. You make a fabulous arrangement and take it home! Tuesday, December 1    6:30 – 9:00pm    $75

Joni Shimabukuro

Jamie Bosworth

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Courtney Berry

Doug Mac Intosh

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What a fun class on Monday; everyone’s wreath was gorgeous! Feast your eyes…

“I had a really wonderful time. It was very rewarding to work on something
creative, spend time with my friend AND have all the tools and materials
set up and ready for me when I got to Françoise’s workshop. Plus, I got to
take home my wreath which I’m sure would have cost me twice as much as the class if I had bought it in the store instead. Françoise’s teaching style
is casual, creative and inspiring. In an hour, she had all of us making
wreaths that looked like they came from a professional! Paulette Carter
Portland, Oregon

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Come join us and learn how to design unique seasonal centerpieces for Thanksgiving on Monday November 23 or Tuesday November 24.

Ideas to make arrangements in squashes, eggplants, cabbages, artichokes or vases will abound and you’ll  create a stunning cornucopia:

Delight family and friends with a lavish focal point for your Thanksgiving table! This festive harvest arrangement combines a bounty of small fruits, berries and vegetables with flowers and lush foliage.  Unique, simple, and colorful!

Monday, November 23     or Tuesday, November 24    6:30 – 9:00pm    $75

Here are some examples of what you will learn and more ideas for centerpieces for this holiday. If you would like to order an arrangement for your Thanksgiving table, please call at 503-236-5829

Joni Shimabukuro

A seasonal woodland centerpiece

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Here are some examples of beautiful arrangements that students have created in class in the last few weeks. Keep in mind that these ladies had little or no experience with flower arranging. It is so much fun to stand back and watch it all happen…

Mindy & Amber

Amber’s arrangement

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Come join us and learn how to make a stunning Autumnal Wreath on November 16th (there is only one space left) or November 17th.

Create an  eye-catching textural wreath , which will provide a classic welcome at the door – or a beautifully seasonal centerpiece. You’ll use materials which reflect the abundance of the Pacific Northwest landscape: rough bark, cushiony moss, lichen-encrusted twigs, bright berries, and small fruit from apple and pear trees.
Monday, November 16 or Tuesday, November 17    6:30 – 9:00pm    $75

https://www.francoiseweeks.com/classes/am-sched.html

Joni Shimabukuro took these lovely pictures.

Texture is the visual or tactile surface and appearance of something….. I revel in it and love to juxtapose unexpected combinations of colors and shapes – Mother Nature is *the* ideal source for inspiration!

These arrangements were made in long, very narrow vases; it was a blast to decorate them with foliage, berries, mushrooms, bark and lichens to incorporate the vessels in the design.

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A few years ago a bride requested  200 small succulent plants; she wanted to transplant them in small terra cotta pots – that she spray painted in silver and embellished with a narrow blue ribbon – and give them to the guests as favors. It was such a clever idea!

Until that time, I never had paid much attention to the incredible array of those textural 2″ plants. A grower in Yaquina Beach specializes in cacti and succulents and once a week he brings his treasures to the flower market. I never have had the pleasure to meet him, because he comes in the middle of the day and I always shop at the crack of dawn, when the flower selection is the most opulent.

I bought an exquisite selection for the favors and a couple of days later the bride came by to pick them up. In the meantime I stared endlessly at these miniature green sculptures and I knew that I would start to incorporate them whenever I could in centerpieces, bridal bouquets, corsages and boutonniers.

If this peeks your curiosity, come and join us next week for a FUN class!

It’s All About Texture: Succulent Arrangements
With their striking forms and subtle colors, succulents are valuable design elements in our gardens. They also offer an enticing range of texture in flower design. Discover how these luscious plants enhance your flower arrangements. Later, replant the succulents and enjoy them in your garden or containers!
Monday, November 9 or Tuesday, November 10    6:30 – 9:00pm    $75
https://www.francoiseweeks.com/classes/am-sched.html

Want ideas? Check out some enticing examples!

Joni Shimabukuro

Joni Shimabukuro

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Notecards of Françoise’s arrangements, photographed by Joni Shimabukuro of Joni Photo

These cards highlight Françoise’s use of lush texture in all of her designs. Overall views of the arrangements show the structure, composition and atmosphere, while close-ups reveal the details of seed pods, fruits and vegetables, houseplants, succulents and seasonal flowers that naturally nestle together to form the whole design. Each card includes both views, one on the front and its opposite on the back. Thoughtful gifts for any occasion, they capture the beauty of each original design.

Green and Purple Notecard Set

Our new set of cards is a study in gorgeous greens and peaceful purples. Inspiration from the produce aisle to the forested hiking trails led to the creation of these sculptural arrangements. Let them inspire you and your friends!

To order these notecards, or any of the previous sets, please call 503-236-5829.

You can also use the PayPal option on my blog.