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.

September 12, 2009

A woodland theme was exactly what Brigett was looking for! On their way from Boise to the coast, she and her family stopped by and gathered her bouquet, other personal flowers as well as textured moss spheres for the aisle. Photographer Nathan Cordova documented their wedding beautifully!

The ringbearer moss pillow, decorated with green blackberries, lichen, ferns and succulents

The moss spheres were decorated with small splendors of the woods

Come join us for a very fun class, BYOC (That’ Bring Your Own Container’) on Tuesday, October 27 from 6:30 to 9:00; there are still a few spaces available.

No need to buy a fancy crystal vase to hold this glorious arrangement. Instead, bring a vessel that you already have to class – a favorite bowl, dish, urn or candelabra – and learn how to create a work of floral artistry that is tailor-made for your own container with beautifully autumnal, highly textural foliage and flowers.

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

If you would like to schedule a private class with your friends, we can help you out. If your group is between 5 and 8 people, the organizer receives 50% off their registration price, and you can coordinate the time that works best for you and your friends. Call for more details(503-236-5829).

Want ideas? Check out some enticing examples!

Joni Shimabukuro

Any platter you have would be great!

Joni Shimabukuro

When  the wedding theme was about citrus fruits , the bride collected a variety of citrus reamers from eBay. So fun to decorate those!

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August 7 and 8, 2009

One year ago, my friend Kristin Lee asked Thomas Batty and I to team up, to design the flowers arrangements and decorations for Joe and Nisha’s  wedding and rehearsal dinner.

The garden of the Mother of the Groom was the ideal setting for the rehearsal dinner on a perfect summer evening. The next day this fabulous Indian wedding took place on the  rooftop of Hotel Deluxe .

Alesia Zorn did all the stunning calligraphy.

These pictures were taken by  Kristin’s husband, Mike Duley.

The large flower balls that Kristin made welcomed the guests near the entrance

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July 18, 2009

Photographer: Eric Cable

Venue: Waverley

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The new class schedule for the fall classes is up on my website.

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

You will learn how to utilize the bounty of the Willamette Valley, whether from backyard gardens,  the local farmer’s market or the grocery. Classes emphasize readily-available materials and common household items to create one-of-a-kind arrangement that are an expression of your unlimited creativity and ingenuity. These classes will change the way you look at your own garden, our abundant landscape and the world around you. Please call early to reserve your place!(503-236-5829).

The hands-on classes are limited to 8 students per class and are conducted at my studio – 2754 SE 33rd Place, Portland, OR 97202. Prices include flowers, supplies, use of tools, and best of all, your creation goes home with you! Receipt of your payment by check or Paypal for the full tuition secures your place in the class.

If you are thinking of bringing together a group to take one of our classes, we can help you out. If your group is between 5 and 8 people, the organizer receives 50% off their registration price, and you can coordinate the time that works best for you and your friends. Call for more details.(503-236-5829)

Here are some examples of what you will learn:

BYOC (That’s Bring Your Own Container)

Joni Shimabukuro

How about a citrus reamer?

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Flower garlands are so versatile! They make fabulous centerpieces for long, narrow or wide tables and they decorate the chairs of the bride and groom beautifully.

Embellished with flower garlands, entryways and archways look very inviting. Staircases, window sills and the top of half-walls look stunning with such flower decorations. And they are great to brighten up the bar at any event!

Joni Shimabukuro

Thomas Batty

Kristin Lee, Thomas Batty and I collaborated last August; we did the flower and tent decorations for a wedding on top of the parking lot of Hotel Deluxe

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