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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Last week, I posted pictures of a botanical shoe &  purse from the intimate bridalshow Art of Weddings at  the Armory earlier this month. A flower purse and different styles of bridal bouquets were also showcased. The whimsical bouquet, as well as the woodland one are constructed differently than the hand-tied. These technique allows for much more detail!

A huge thank you to Jamie Bosworth who graciously took pictures of the arrangements in her studio the following day. The props were generously donated by Vintagerentaldept.

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Last week Friday was opening night for the new play "I Love to Eat" at Portland Center Stage, located at the Gerding Theater at the Armory.

"This new play celebrates the life and talant of a Portland, OR original – James Beard "

A delectable dinner, catered by Art of Catering, preceded the first show.

Of course, edibles had to be the focus of the centerpieces. Instead of using vegetables for the  containers, I glued edible leaves, such as kale, cabbage, spinach as well as asparagus stalks and rosemary stems on inexpensive vessels. A time consuming project, but worth the effort! And then the fun part started!

Thank you Joni for the great pictures!

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Last week, the Armory was the setting for the intimate bridalshow Art of Weddings.

A huge thank you to Jamie Bosworth who graciously took pictures of the arrangements in her studio the following day. The props were generously donated by Vintagerentaldept.

These botanical shoe and purse are a whimsical set for a dinner centerpiece, or they can be used individually on bistro tables for example. Botanical purses are also a delightful alternative to a bridal or bridesmaid's bouquet.

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Joni Photo

Come join us  for this hands-on class and be inspired by the botanical treasures of the Pacific Northwest! Begin this textural arrangement with lichen-covered branches and moss. Mix in seedpods and berries, miniature fruits and vegies, lush foliage, succulents, fragrant herbs and seasonal flowers. Gather ideas to express your creativity and learn to work with natural materials  found in your own garden. You will take your creation home!

Monday, January 28        6:30 – 9:00pm   $75          

Call to reserve your space @ 503-236-5829

More info on the website

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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A while back, I was contacted by a Production Company  GeoBeats, Inc., ' an award-winning online video network .

This is one of  the videos that was produced; it features a woodland bridal bouquet. You can learn how to make these detailed textural bouquets in the woodland workshop that I am offering on January 28, 29 & 30 in my studio in Portland, OR.

Thank you Geobeats!