Françoise’s Studio

 

A relaxing escape to reward yourself and tap into your wonder for flowers again.

Françoise travels the globe but it’s her jewel box garden studio that is home. Up a succulent lined drive to a vine laden arbor and gate, Tanner, her big, lovable dog is always there to greet and lead you. Across the  slate patio, under the old evergreens and dotted with lush pots of abutilon and begonia, sits the shingled and light-filled workspace. Seeming to grow out of the garden as much as the elderberry, hosta or clematis, Françoise’s studio is a peaceful place of respite while also humming with creative inspiration.

You will choose your materials from a very large array of botanicals, flowers and textures.  No expense is spared as we steer away from traditional flowers, a welcome treat for attendees.

Welcomed inside, you will invariably find a massive work table displaying the days treasures: rolls of bark, twisting branches, baskets of mosses and cones. Along the back wall, a galvanized stadium of buckets stuffed with blossoming and fruited twigs, seasonal blooms, orchids, variegated house plants, seed pods and herbs stands ready. The case of well-worn botanical books, the cafe table set with hot tea and the floral, tile mural add to the warmth of the space as you design and soak up the hard-won knowledge that Françoise has amassed during her career; around the globe and in her little garden studio.

In the center of one of Portland’s trendiest neighborhoods.

The FW Studio is located just two blocks from SE Division, the hub of Portland’s hottest restaurants and coolest treats. Literally. Our famed Salt & Straw ice cream is right there! Add in local boutiques, close accommodations and ample and easy public transportation to create the perfect workshop experience.

“In three days with Françoise, I felt as if I left with an entire lifetime of acquired information. She graciously shared so many of her self-developed mechanics and strategies for creating amazing floral designs. Additionally she slipped in a slew of infinitely helpful hints on streamlining process, delivering goods safely, and running a successful business. With the small class size, it felt like having three days worth of private lessons among friends. Françoise is a confident and talented artist with a kind, calm, and practical way about her. She is also a skilled and generous teacher with a desire to help each student grow both in her workshop and beyond. Overall, my time spent in her storybook studio was dreamy and left me with an entirely new perspective on floral design and the limitless possibilities for creativity in our work. I cannot recommend a workshop with her enough whether you are new in the business or an experienced designer. You will leave filled to the brim (and spilling over) with knowledge.”

Mercedes Ivener, Sioux Falls, IA