My first wedding job

I've been given the honour of creating a number of arrangements for a friends wedding. 

My task is to make 1 x bridal bouquet; 5 x bridesmaid bouquet; 1 x flower girl wand and 10 button holes. 

The wedding is tomorrow and so far I've got the basis of the bridesmaid bouquets done and completed the wand! 

I've used gypsophila, grouped together with a decorative butterfly pick and some pearls. The flowers are mounted onto wooden dowels and then ribbon used decorate the working bits (the tape binding it all together!) 

I'm so pleased with the end result! Here is a photo of the wand. 

Going Freelance

I have taken the rather bold decision to become a freelance florist. My reason being, it has become a bit too much working full time in the week in my 'office job' then additionally every Saturday and most Sunday's too in the flower shop. As a result I have very sadly handed in my notice at Jazz Flowers and will be leaving there at the end of April. This was a tough decision, but unfortunately with a wedding to plan for myself and my fiance and no free time to do so, it just isn't viable to work two jobs currently. It's doubly hard considering it is the job I would truly prefer to do full time, but sadly the part time hours on offer wont pay the necessary bills I have.

Anyway, the plan now is to "go freelance" and seek work which will of course be on a more ad-hoc basis. I already have a friend's wedding lined up in June which I am really excited about and now that I will have my weekend's back, it gives me more time to plan for it also.

My additional plan is to also go on a few more specific courses to hone my skills and learn about new floral methods, particularly in the event side; so for weddings and corporate do's so to speak. I also want to do a graphic design course in order to offer stationary design services should they be necessary.

The end goal is of course to have my own business, be that a shop or a stall, and this move is the first step towards making that a reality.

Today I have ordered my business cards to get my name out there, and I will be more attentive to this blog adding new photo's of work I have done and designs I conceive.

So, from here on, if you know of anyone who is looking for a florist for an event in the London area, please do get in touch with me and I will be happy to discuss your or their needs: my email is hols_3@hotmail.com and I cannot wait to hear from you! :)

Table Centres

I am getting married in July and one of my biggest concerns are flowers. What to have, what style, what colour etc. being a florist it actually makes the decision making process a whole lot more difficult as I keep changing my mind.

Anyway, I also happen to have a lot of friends getting married this year, and they also keep asking for my advice regarding flowers.

Each weekend at work therefore, I have a play with any of the less fresh stock we aren't using in arrangements and here is ones made today.

Very simple Perspex cube, with an aspidistra leaf curled to mask the mechanics holding together as small arrangement of Grand Prix roses with hypericum. This is a very classic in its style and simple to produce. I think this would also look good in a fish bowl if you'd prefer a round container. The round design of the tied posie could lend itself to perhaps being on top of a martini glass also perhaps.

Anyway, have a look. Comments always welcome.

Time Flies

So in the many months since my last post I have certain,y been busy.

As such I now only work at the weekend at Jazz Flowers and full time as a showroom manager at a showroom in the Design Centre in Chelsea. This all adds up to not a lot of free time but lots of time spent making some great arrangements even if I do say so myself.

Further more I am also planning my own wedding flowers as I'm getting married in July. It's a bit of a daunting prospect to say the least as there will no doubt be expectations but I am relishing the challenge. I keep chopping and changing the ideas I have come up with but so far the only thing I've sorted is the table centres and will in fact be making wreaths; very simply out of yew with a few smatterings of small headed flowers such as lissianthus most likely as they're a personal favourite of mine.

Anyway, the main point of this blog of course is to provide images of the work I have created so please have a look below.

The Results are In...

I found out today how I faired in terms of the assessment for the work I did towards my C&G Level 2 Qualification in both practical, theoretical and portfolio terms. There is no easy way to say it but I didn't pass. I actually got a Distinction. I am as you might imagine over the moon. I heard the news from my wonderful tutor today via text message with the simple words of: "Distinction. Well Done! Xx". I owe her an awful lot as it was her guidance and encouragement that got me through it, so thanks Janine, I appreciate it so much.

I am in fact now only working at the weekends with Jazz - sadly the Olympics have put paid to deliveries and also July and August are notably always quiet. Add to the fact that my boss is potentially moving to a new shop a few doors down, that means refurbishment will need to take place meaning we won't be able to trade for a little while.

So there we have it...the question is, do I do level 3???

Fun at work

The beauty of working in a florist's is the fun I get to have and of course the chance to experiment.

I just made this with a few left over bits and pieces and think its quite nice.

It would make a lovely table centre or simple places in a coffee table to add an additional element to all your magazines.

Ps, I'm waiting on my course results now. My portfolios were handed in a couple of weeks ago. Utter torture not knowing how I've done!

Being a professional

I've been working for Jazz now for two weeks and it's been amazing. I've already learnt so much and believe my general technique has improved. Just need to learn the business side then I'll be laughing...well sort of.

Anyway, here are a few snaps of some of items I've made. Not sure what my favourite is!