We're dreaming....of a not so white Christmas here at Amanda's. As much as wakening up Christmas morning surrounded by the cold white stuff is fantastic, we'd like it to disappear so we have clear roads for our deliveries.
We hope that you will understand that we will do everything we possibly can to ensure that your flowers arrive on the day of your choice.
We would just like to say however, that if the weather looks to break again we will deliver orders earlier to ensure that every one gets their flowers before Christmas.
Orders are still being taken for all orders whether they are local deliveries, Caithness Deliveries and National Deliveries. International deliveries are dependant on where they are going to now, so just give us a ring and we will organise those gorgeous christmas gifts for you.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Remembering your loved ones this Christmas.
We all have people dear to us who are no longer with us. We remember them always but especially at this time of year.
We were asked by our customers to create different designs for the cemetery this year. Not only items that are unusual, bright and colourful but also made from fresh material that will last the winter weather.
Traditional holly wreaths are as usual, available for collection, ordering and also delivering if braving the snow is a little to much for you. Gorgeous holly on a mossed based.
Favourites also include holly sprays and holly posies as there are many people who would rather stay away from wreaths.
But lets go modern! Lets go a bit more funky and in your face!! Bright blue holly wreaths? Bright pink holly wreaths.... We wouldn't go that far would we? Off course we would!! A wide range of colours are available for colouring the wreath and also for the decoration.
Want to go different but not so in your face? What about our holly stockings? Also available in a choice of different colours. It's a modern twist on a traditional christmas icon.
We were asked by our customers to create different designs for the cemetery this year. Not only items that are unusual, bright and colourful but also made from fresh material that will last the winter weather.
Traditional holly wreaths are as usual, available for collection, ordering and also delivering if braving the snow is a little to much for you. Gorgeous holly on a mossed based.
Favourites also include holly sprays and holly posies as there are many people who would rather stay away from wreaths.
But lets go modern! Lets go a bit more funky and in your face!! Bright blue holly wreaths? Bright pink holly wreaths.... We wouldn't go that far would we? Off course we would!! A wide range of colours are available for colouring the wreath and also for the decoration.
Want to go different but not so in your face? What about our holly stockings? Also available in a choice of different colours. It's a modern twist on a traditional christmas icon.
Snow Joke!!
Christmas is such a busy season for sending flowers all over the world. A lot of people order their flowers via large household name companies which aren't florists.
This snow is going to cause so much chaos to all those that have done so.
Here at Amanda's we always suggest that you use your local florist, or a florist in the local are of the recipient.
A lot of the large companies use couriers to send out your flowers. With the current weather conditions, there are going to be back logs, orders being left for days...weeks maybe? Your flowers may not arrive on time and when they do eventually arrive what kind of condition will they be in?
Solution?? Use your local florists. Not only are you getting a professional service but you are also more likely to ensure that your flowers actually arrive.
If you are sending flowers further affield..still call your florist. They will have contacts and associations which can find you the best florist in that area to use.
This snow is going to cause so much chaos to all those that have done so.
Here at Amanda's we always suggest that you use your local florist, or a florist in the local are of the recipient.
A lot of the large companies use couriers to send out your flowers. With the current weather conditions, there are going to be back logs, orders being left for days...weeks maybe? Your flowers may not arrive on time and when they do eventually arrive what kind of condition will they be in?
Solution?? Use your local florists. Not only are you getting a professional service but you are also more likely to ensure that your flowers actually arrive.
If you are sending flowers further affield..still call your florist. They will have contacts and associations which can find you the best florist in that area to use.
Friday, November 12, 2010
More Awards for Amanda!
What a year Amanda is having with her competition work! Silver ware at the local show and qualifying for the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year. Now to top it off she has received two bronze awards for two of her pieces for the Fusion Flowers - International Designer of the year competition.
The competition received hundreds of entries and 88 awards were given.
" I am absolutely over the moon! I had so much fun creating the pieces and working on something different" Says Amanda " To get one award would have been great, but to be recognised for two of my pieces is just fantastic!"
Fusion Flowers is one of the industries leading magazines. It is available world wide and always features work from the world's top designers.
The competition received hundreds of entries and 88 awards were given.
" I am absolutely over the moon! I had so much fun creating the pieces and working on something different" Says Amanda " To get one award would have been great, but to be recognised for two of my pieces is just fantastic!"
Fusion Flowers is one of the industries leading magazines. It is available world wide and always features work from the world's top designers.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chelsea Flower Show 2011.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the most famous of its kind in the world and hundreds of thousands of visitors attend every year to wander amongst beautiful garden settings and see the newest trends in design and plant trends.
And Amanda has qualified to compete within the Chelsea show for the prestigious title of " RHS Chelsea Florist of the year"
This is a dream come true for Amanda.
She said: “The Chelsea finalists are not only amongst the best in the UK but are highly rated around the world. I’ve always wanted to visit the Chelsea show but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet that not only will I be there, I will be taking part!”
There are two different sections within the florist-of-the-year competition – the young florist of the year and the florist of the year.
The show lands just three days after Amanda’s 26th birthday, which means she will take part in senior award, which last year had 13 finalists. Amanda, who runs Amanda’s Creative Florist in Wick, won her heat in Glasgow with a 90
/100 mark to ensure her place in the finals in May 2011.
The event will run from May 22 to 28 in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
And Amanda has qualified to compete within the Chelsea show for the prestigious title of " RHS Chelsea Florist of the year"
This is a dream come true for Amanda.
She said: “The Chelsea finalists are not only amongst the best in the UK but are highly rated around the world. I’ve always wanted to visit the Chelsea show but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet that not only will I be there, I will be taking part!”
There are two different sections within the florist-of-the-year competition – the young florist of the year and the florist of the year.
The show lands just three days after Amanda’s 26th birthday, which means she will take part in senior award, which last year had 13 finalists. Amanda, who runs Amanda’s Creative Florist in Wick, won her heat in Glasgow with a 90
/100 mark to ensure her place in the finals in May 2011.
The event will run from May 22 to 28 in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Our delivery team...
As you know, we deliver flowers personally all over the county.
One of our members of staff loves this part of the job more than any other!
He gets bored in the shop and too cold but when he's out in the van the heating is on and he gets to explore so much of Caithness and even Sutherland!
So if our delivery van turns up outside your door... come out and speak to him, he loves socialising with customers... especially if you have a treat or two ;)
Kobi...
Kobi's Stats.
Age: 5
Favourite food : Vanilla ice cream!
Loves : Snuggling in on the sofa
Favourite walk: The beach
One of our members of staff loves this part of the job more than any other!
He gets bored in the shop and too cold but when he's out in the van the heating is on and he gets to explore so much of Caithness and even Sutherland!
So if our delivery van turns up outside your door... come out and speak to him, he loves socialising with customers... especially if you have a treat or two ;)
Kobi...
Kobi's Stats.
Age: 5
Favourite food : Vanilla ice cream!
Loves : Snuggling in on the sofa
Favourite walk: The beach
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The wedding show 2010
Are you planning your wedding? Know someone who is? Or would just like a really good afternoon out?
Then you want to attend The Wedding Show.
Being held on Sunday 5th September, in Wick High School. 12pm - 4pm. With a catwalk show with gorgeous dresses, kilts and mother of the bride outfits, starting at aprox 12.30pm.
Entry costs just £5 and we are offering a free non alcoholic drink on arrival.
With a rapid growing exhibitors list, we are currently standing at 28 exhibitors. Wedding dresses, kilts, cakes, flowers, caterers, wedding planners, bands, hand made invitations...the list goes on and on!
Last year was a huge success raising over £1200 for last years charity and we just know that this years event it going to be even better!! This year the money is going to Caithness ENABLE.
If you, or someone you know is planning a wedding... you don't want to be anywhere else!
Then you want to attend The Wedding Show.
Being held on Sunday 5th September, in Wick High School. 12pm - 4pm. With a catwalk show with gorgeous dresses, kilts and mother of the bride outfits, starting at aprox 12.30pm.
Entry costs just £5 and we are offering a free non alcoholic drink on arrival.
With a rapid growing exhibitors list, we are currently standing at 28 exhibitors. Wedding dresses, kilts, cakes, flowers, caterers, wedding planners, bands, hand made invitations...the list goes on and on!
Last year was a huge success raising over £1200 for last years charity and we just know that this years event it going to be even better!! This year the money is going to Caithness ENABLE.
If you, or someone you know is planning a wedding... you don't want to be anywhere else!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
All over Scotland..
Did you know that Amanda's Creative Florist doesn't just do weddings and events in the north of Scotland? We do them all over the place!
We guess it's only natural that people assume that because they are getting married in an area, that it's best to use a florist from there. That is not always the case however.
If you like the style and idea's of a florist, why not just use them? Okay you may have to pay a bit more for travel expenses, but you know the quality that you are getting. Just because a venue may recommend a particular florist does not mean that they are up to the standard that you deserve for your wedding day and you may be quite disappointed with what you actually get. So surely that little bit extra is worth it?
We're almost as far north as you can go on mainland UK, but we have done weddings and events all over Scotland, including as far off as Edinburgh.
So if you are planning a wedding out of your area.. speak to your local florist first and see what they can do to help you.
Check out these images from events further south that we have created.
We guess it's only natural that people assume that because they are getting married in an area, that it's best to use a florist from there. That is not always the case however.
If you like the style and idea's of a florist, why not just use them? Okay you may have to pay a bit more for travel expenses, but you know the quality that you are getting. Just because a venue may recommend a particular florist does not mean that they are up to the standard that you deserve for your wedding day and you may be quite disappointed with what you actually get. So surely that little bit extra is worth it?
We're almost as far north as you can go on mainland UK, but we have done weddings and events all over Scotland, including as far off as Edinburgh.
So if you are planning a wedding out of your area.. speak to your local florist first and see what they can do to help you.
Check out these images from events further south that we have created.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Flower Show Success
Last weekend was the Annual Caithness Agricultural show, this year held in Scrabster. In amongst all the cattle, tractors and farmers there is the flower tent.
Amanda first entered the County Show as it is known, at the age of 7. She has entered almost every year apart from those years she was living in Edinburgh.
This year she finally got her hands on the prestigious Best in Floral art cup. She also came away with, amongst others, with the most points in floral art and the Runner up best exhibit in the flower show.
Amanda says " I am absoloutely delighted. I only decided the day before setting up that I was going to enter at all as we had a hectic weekend shop wise, with a total of four weddings the same weekend but I am so glad that I made the effort"
The competition is open for everyone to enter. This years flower show saw an increase in entries from the year before which was marvellous despite the poor weather.
Amanda first entered the County Show as it is known, at the age of 7. She has entered almost every year apart from those years she was living in Edinburgh.
This year she finally got her hands on the prestigious Best in Floral art cup. She also came away with, amongst others, with the most points in floral art and the Runner up best exhibit in the flower show.
Amanda says " I am absoloutely delighted. I only decided the day before setting up that I was going to enter at all as we had a hectic weekend shop wise, with a total of four weddings the same weekend but I am so glad that I made the effort"
The competition is open for everyone to enter. This years flower show saw an increase in entries from the year before which was marvellous despite the poor weather.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Yummm - Wedding cakes!!
It's a good job we're not bakers!! Most of the cakes would be sampled and we would spend all day eating!
The wedding cake is a very important part of your day and there are so many ways to decorate it. Did you know though, what there were so many ways to decorate them with flowers? Have a look at some of these gorgeous cakes we had the pleasure of decorating!
The wedding cake is a very important part of your day and there are so many ways to decorate it. Did you know though, what there were so many ways to decorate them with flowers? Have a look at some of these gorgeous cakes we had the pleasure of decorating!
Decorating the church, the venue...
OK - we may be a little bit biast when it comes to having flowers for your big day...but you have to admit..that flowers at the church, hotel, castle, ..where ever you have your wedding ALWAYS give those final finishing touches which make your guests go "wow"
From tall lily vases to bubble bowls, from large cocktail glasses to small tumblers. Having flowers as your table centre not only completes the look of the wedding, but also creates a conversation starter for guests who maybe don't know each other.
You'd be surprised at how many different styles, colours and idea's that can be created for your perfect table centre.
We're not only talking about the reception though. What about the actual ceremony? An empty echoing church can be brought to life with a few simple arrangements.
Take a look at some of the weddings we've done below to see exactly the atmosphere we're talking about.
From tall lily vases to bubble bowls, from large cocktail glasses to small tumblers. Having flowers as your table centre not only completes the look of the wedding, but also creates a conversation starter for guests who maybe don't know each other.
You'd be surprised at how many different styles, colours and idea's that can be created for your perfect table centre.
We're not only talking about the reception though. What about the actual ceremony? An empty echoing church can be brought to life with a few simple arrangements.
Take a look at some of the weddings we've done below to see exactly the atmosphere we're talking about.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The world of weddings...
We are so sorry about the lack of blog posts this past month. It has been so busy at the shop between one thing and another, but mostly with weddings.
This year has been our busiest year for weddings since we opened. All our bride's have chosen absolutely stunning combinations of flowers and styles.
Flowers play an important role in any wedding. Whether it simple bouquets and button holes, or exquisite table designs. Don't forget.. your flowers are in so many of your photo's and are memories for life. Make sure you're bouquet is absolutely perfect for you.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Rainbow Roses make the Daily Mail
These brightly coloured roses have made the daily mail. They have however got their facts completely wrong - but thats nothing new for a newspaper!
According to them, the flowers are dyed using several dyes in the water. Surely they are clever enough to know what if you mix dyes its just going to turn that horrible brown colour? No... they don't seem to think so!
These roses are actually injected with the dyes. Different sections of the stem feed to different petals, giving the range of colours through out.
They are also claiming that they are now available in Britain for the first time ever. Well any of our customers know thats not true as we've been selling them for a couple of years now.
Apparently these roses are very expensive and retail at £24.99 for just one!!! No. thats NOT true. Yes they are expensive but are around the £4/£5 mark. What we would like to know...is why a single rose is £24.99 but a dozen are £65....?
It's column like these in newspaper that are taking part in slowly tearing apart the florist industry. They don't get their facts right, they have been known to slag us for our prices.
Quality flowers are not cheap...as for everything in life you get what you pay for...perhaps thats why newspapers are so cheap ;)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1282879/Roses-red-yellow-blue-green-purple---spectacular-rainbow-rose-sold-Britain-time.html
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Congratulations!
Congratulations to two very special friend's of Amanda. Kimberly Rosie and Willie Miller were married in Auqamare earlier in the month.
Unfortunately with all the chaos caused by the Icelantic volcano, their families didnt make it out for their big day.
However, friends and family were there on Saturday for a special blessing.
Congratulations to you both on your wedding and also on the lovely news that they are expecting a new member to their family xxx
Unfortunately with all the chaos caused by the Icelantic volcano, their families didnt make it out for their big day.
However, friends and family were there on Saturday for a special blessing.
Congratulations to you both on your wedding and also on the lovely news that they are expecting a new member to their family xxx
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Weekend with the Designers.
So we told you all about Amanda's amazing experience with the Fusion Flowers Team.
Alison has kindly forwarded some of the pictures of Amanda's work to us. So we thought we would share a couple with you :)
The photo's were taken by Denis Bradely of Fusion Flowers Wedding Magazine.
Alison has kindly forwarded some of the pictures of Amanda's work to us. So we thought we would share a couple with you :)
The photo's were taken by Denis Bradely of Fusion Flowers Wedding Magazine.
Charity Masquerade Ball
Here at Amanda's, we are part of a group from the Caithness Chamber of Commerce called "Women in Business".
For the past four months the Women in Business group have been busy organising a charity masquerade ball in aid of ClicSargent Caithness and Enable Caithness. It was held in The Mackays Hotel, Wick.
It was a busy evening with all the tickets being sold out! Business' all through Caithness and as far a field as Perthshire were all very generous with donations and prizes for the auction and the raffle.
Everyone looked absoloutely stunning, the ladies in their gorgeous gowns and the men in their kilts and suits.
We are delighted to say, that the current total, with money still to come in and still to be counted is sitting at £3500!!! An outstanding amount money which will hugely benefit the charities.
Well done to all involved - it was most definitely a night to remember!!
For the past four months the Women in Business group have been busy organising a charity masquerade ball in aid of ClicSargent Caithness and Enable Caithness. It was held in The Mackays Hotel, Wick.
It was a busy evening with all the tickets being sold out! Business' all through Caithness and as far a field as Perthshire were all very generous with donations and prizes for the auction and the raffle.
Everyone looked absoloutely stunning, the ladies in their gorgeous gowns and the men in their kilts and suits.
We are delighted to say, that the current total, with money still to come in and still to be counted is sitting at £3500!!! An outstanding amount money which will hugely benefit the charities.
Well done to all involved - it was most definitely a night to remember!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Busy Busy Bee's....
When you think of beehive's you think on two things...
Lots of bee's buzzing around their home busy making yummy honey! OR.... Amy Winehouse's BIG hair!
Flower petals are probably something that you wouldn't expect a bee to be interested in, never mind build a hive from....
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126556246&sc=fb&cc=fp
Lots of bee's buzzing around their home busy making yummy honey! OR.... Amy Winehouse's BIG hair!
Flower petals are probably something that you wouldn't expect a bee to be interested in, never mind build a hive from....
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126556246&sc=fb&cc=fp
Monday, April 26, 2010
The chance of a lifetime..!
Well it has been a very hectic week here at Amanda's. Mostly because Amanda is finding it hard to keep her mind on what she is doing rather than the most inspirational weekend she has ever had.
The Icelandic volcano has caused so much chaos over the past 2 weeks. Planes grounded and people stranded all over the world. It was because of such chaos she got the chance to work with some of the best designers in the floral world.
Many international designers were unable to make it over for the Fusion Flowers magazine's annual photo-thon. It is one of the industries leading magazines, filled with innovative ideas and the most gorgeous designs you will ever see.
Proving that Scotland has talent and that Scottish florist's are up for a challenge, 3, chipped in to lend a hand with designers which had already made it safely to the lovely village of Kippen, near Stirling.
Amanda also offered to "pop" down the road to help in any way that she could.
"Just being there seeing what those designers could do was an experience on its own. These guys are at the top of the game and the bouquets and arrangements they produced were to die for! The concepts, the attention to detail and the work put in can only inspire anyone to push their own boundaries. There are no limitations apart from those that you put on yourself!"
"It was an amazing weekend and I can only thank Alison and Denis Bradley, Sue Phillips, Debbie Gough, John McDonald, Lorna McGuire, Wendy Andrade and John Hosek for taking the chance on a rookie. I have come away with not only completely new out look on the world of flowers but also on myself!" - Amanda.
To have a look at what Fusion Flowers is all about and how it continues to break the boundries of modern floristy take a look at their website.
www.FusionFlowers.com
The Icelandic volcano has caused so much chaos over the past 2 weeks. Planes grounded and people stranded all over the world. It was because of such chaos she got the chance to work with some of the best designers in the floral world.
Many international designers were unable to make it over for the Fusion Flowers magazine's annual photo-thon. It is one of the industries leading magazines, filled with innovative ideas and the most gorgeous designs you will ever see.
Proving that Scotland has talent and that Scottish florist's are up for a challenge, 3, chipped in to lend a hand with designers which had already made it safely to the lovely village of Kippen, near Stirling.
Amanda also offered to "pop" down the road to help in any way that she could.
"Just being there seeing what those designers could do was an experience on its own. These guys are at the top of the game and the bouquets and arrangements they produced were to die for! The concepts, the attention to detail and the work put in can only inspire anyone to push their own boundaries. There are no limitations apart from those that you put on yourself!"
"It was an amazing weekend and I can only thank Alison and Denis Bradley, Sue Phillips, Debbie Gough, John McDonald, Lorna McGuire, Wendy Andrade and John Hosek for taking the chance on a rookie. I have come away with not only completely new out look on the world of flowers but also on myself!" - Amanda.
To have a look at what Fusion Flowers is all about and how it continues to break the boundries of modern floristy take a look at their website.
www.FusionFlowers.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Using accessories.
Your wedding bouquet should be special to you. It's there in all your photo's. So when you look back in 10 years time, we want you to fall in love with your flowers all over again.
Our tip - make them personal to you. Include something that represents something or someone in your life. Just because these bridal magazines show a bride with one design, doesn't mean that you have to have exactly that. Add bits, change bits, play around!
Here are some of our designs which have those little details...
Our tip - make them personal to you. Include something that represents something or someone in your life. Just because these bridal magazines show a bride with one design, doesn't mean that you have to have exactly that. Add bits, change bits, play around!
Here are some of our designs which have those little details...
The wedding bouquet of your dreams...!!
So what is the wedding bouquet of your dreams? Hand-tie of roses? Shower bouquet of purple orchids? Something just that little bit different....?
Well here are some of our favourites from our brides over the past 4 years.
Well here are some of our favourites from our brides over the past 4 years.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Officially the start of wedding season here at Amanda's
Well that is us, Saturday see's our wedding season well and truly under way. Lots of gorgeous Vanda orchids and Calla's to work with this weekend. This year see's such a vast range of styles, flowers and colours. We just can't wait to get our teeth into each and every one!
So we all know about the bridal party flowers, but what about the guests?
Well... those of you who are attending any wedding are going to LOVE our new designer range of bracelets for wrist corsages. We have a wide range of styles and colours. For those of you who are a little bit more outrageous - what about an ankle corsage, arm corsage or what about a design on a diamanté necklace? The possibilities are endless.
The new range will be in stock from the middle of next week and we can't wait!
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So we all know about the bridal party flowers, but what about the guests?
Well... those of you who are attending any wedding are going to LOVE our new designer range of bracelets for wrist corsages. We have a wide range of styles and colours. For those of you who are a little bit more outrageous - what about an ankle corsage, arm corsage or what about a design on a diamanté necklace? The possibilities are endless.
The new range will be in stock from the middle of next week and we can't wait!
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