We are still taking orders for your mothers day blooms :)
To order please call 07841755110.
We no longer have a credit card machine but can accept secure payments via our paypal services.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Another Silver...and a bronze! woo hoo!!
I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a Silver and a bronze award from the 2013 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the year competition. Fusion Flowers magazine is on of the biggest magazines in the industry.There were over 220 entries from all over the world with less than half being awarded prizes. 59 Bronze and only 17 silver, 7 golds and 4 Platinum.
Each year we are given Titles. It is then up to us to incorporate each design to how we see it. Judging is based on technique, colour, over all composition, flower quality and idea.
This years judges are all fabulous designers and personal favourites of mine. Baudouin Roelants from Belguim. Annette Von Einem from Denmark and Alec Segura from Spain.
I was awarded a Silver for Circles and a Bronze for cascade.I have entered the Fusion competition four times now and this is the first time I have been awarded higher than a bronze - so you can only imagine how delighted I am!!
Each year we are given Titles. It is then up to us to incorporate each design to how we see it. Judging is based on technique, colour, over all composition, flower quality and idea.
This years judges are all fabulous designers and personal favourites of mine. Baudouin Roelants from Belguim. Annette Von Einem from Denmark and Alec Segura from Spain.
I was awarded a Silver for Circles and a Bronze for cascade.I have entered the Fusion competition four times now and this is the first time I have been awarded higher than a bronze - so you can only imagine how delighted I am!!
Cascade
Circles
Monday, January 20, 2014
We do love a good wedding!!
Weddings have always been my speciality! However, now that I have gone freelance it means I can dedicate even more time to creating your stunning wedding flowers!
Every bride to be has their own idea's, styles and budgets. That is why I arrange consultations to to get down to the nitty gritty details! Every wedding is created individually and catered to the requirements of the bride. Hence why we don't have a set price list. There is just no way that every bouquet can be priced exactly the same. So many factors are taken in to account.
*Season availability
*The size of the bouquet
*The details in the bouquet
*The types of flowers
Above are just a select few that affect the costings.
So whether you have visions of a classically romantic bouquet of roses, a shower bouquet to compliment your lace dress, or something completely off the cuff to tie in with your creative out look...I can guarantee that we can create the perfect floral attire to suit your needs!
To discuss any idea's that you have, or to book a consultation, give me a call on 07841755110, email Amanda@Amandasflorist.co.uk or drop me a message on my facebook page .
I can't wait to bring your idea's to life!!
xxx
Every bride to be has their own idea's, styles and budgets. That is why I arrange consultations to to get down to the nitty gritty details! Every wedding is created individually and catered to the requirements of the bride. Hence why we don't have a set price list. There is just no way that every bouquet can be priced exactly the same. So many factors are taken in to account.
*Season availability
*The size of the bouquet
*The details in the bouquet
*The types of flowers
Above are just a select few that affect the costings.
So whether you have visions of a classically romantic bouquet of roses, a shower bouquet to compliment your lace dress, or something completely off the cuff to tie in with your creative out look...I can guarantee that we can create the perfect floral attire to suit your needs!
To discuss any idea's that you have, or to book a consultation, give me a call on 07841755110, email Amanda@Amandasflorist.co.uk or drop me a message on my facebook page .
I can't wait to bring your idea's to life!!
xxx
RHS Chelsea 2013
After attending the RHS Chelsea Scottish heat in November 2012, I was delighted to be announced as the Scottish Representative in the BFA RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year category at the RHS Chelsea flower show in the May 2013. After being there in 2013 I had a little bit more of an idea of what lay infront of me!
The brief we were given was "To design and Create a never ending circle to represent someone or something connected with RHS Chelsea" So who better choose than the man himself, founded of the RHS Chelsea flower show as we know it, Sir Harry Vetich.
Using seeds and flowers brought over to the UK by plant gatherers hired by Sir Harry Veich I created my version of the never ending circle.
After the long drive to London I got started and spent two straight days with barely any sleep bringing all the aspects together. After set up on the Wednesday night, it was home to sleep for a few hours before returning to the Grand pavillion at the show ground to await results.
You can imagine my delight when I was presented with my second RHS Chelsea flower show silver medal. Absolutely thrilled and over the moon! It just goes to show that hard work and grit determination does pay off!!
I cant thank everyone enough for all their help and support, right from qualifying to the help I had hanging my piece on the build up night ( I was still a little unsteady on my leg after rupturing my achilles tendon in the November! )
As usual it was breath taking to be part of such a prestigious and world famous event. All the competitors designs were fabulous. The whole Paviilion had us marveling at it's wonder and the gardens outside were indeed show stoppers!
If you have never been to the RHS Chelsea Flower show, I would most definitely recommend it, it is out of this world!
The brief we were given was "To design and Create a never ending circle to represent someone or something connected with RHS Chelsea" So who better choose than the man himself, founded of the RHS Chelsea flower show as we know it, Sir Harry Vetich.
Using seeds and flowers brought over to the UK by plant gatherers hired by Sir Harry Veich I created my version of the never ending circle.
After the long drive to London I got started and spent two straight days with barely any sleep bringing all the aspects together. After set up on the Wednesday night, it was home to sleep for a few hours before returning to the Grand pavillion at the show ground to await results.
You can imagine my delight when I was presented with my second RHS Chelsea flower show silver medal. Absolutely thrilled and over the moon! It just goes to show that hard work and grit determination does pay off!!
I cant thank everyone enough for all their help and support, right from qualifying to the help I had hanging my piece on the build up night ( I was still a little unsteady on my leg after rupturing my achilles tendon in the November! )
As usual it was breath taking to be part of such a prestigious and world famous event. All the competitors designs were fabulous. The whole Paviilion had us marveling at it's wonder and the gardens outside were indeed show stoppers!
If you have never been to the RHS Chelsea Flower show, I would most definitely recommend it, it is out of this world!
My finished piece
My medal!!
The RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year competitors
All change!
So I've very much neglected the blog, and for that I am so very sorry - please forgive me!!
As many of you will know, the shop as you knew it no longer exists. I have gone freelance. Nothing much will change apart from the fact that I won't have a constant stock of flowers, so if you require something please let me know as soon as possible so I can order in especially for you!
Secondly, as part of my new business plan, it also means that I will also be working away from home and with other florists and other designers. This means that I won't always be able to complete orders that havent been booked in advance. So if you're first in the diary with your wedding or your event then fantastic, you're booked!
To contact me now, you can either do it via the e-mail address Amanda@Amandasflorist.co.uk or you can call 07841755110. Don't forget I still have Our facebook page where you can get in contact with me, though email or telephone is the quickest way to get me as I may not always have access to facebook.
Working this way allows me more time to concentrate on not only improving my own floristry skills, but also bringing them directly to you in your orders!
As many of you will know, the shop as you knew it no longer exists. I have gone freelance. Nothing much will change apart from the fact that I won't have a constant stock of flowers, so if you require something please let me know as soon as possible so I can order in especially for you!
Secondly, as part of my new business plan, it also means that I will also be working away from home and with other florists and other designers. This means that I won't always be able to complete orders that havent been booked in advance. So if you're first in the diary with your wedding or your event then fantastic, you're booked!
To contact me now, you can either do it via the e-mail address Amanda@Amandasflorist.co.uk or you can call 07841755110. Don't forget I still have Our facebook page where you can get in contact with me, though email or telephone is the quickest way to get me as I may not always have access to facebook.
Working this way allows me more time to concentrate on not only improving my own floristry skills, but also bringing them directly to you in your orders!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Mothers Day Mayhem and going direct.
Well....where on earth did that come from?? Two days of fabulous chaos! We are still recovering from working over 40 hours with only 2 hours sleep in between. It turned out to be our busiest Mothering Sunday yet. So a big thank you to everyone who ordered flowers. Unfortunately we did have to start turning orders away staring Friday evening. Please please please always order your flowers in advance to avoid disappointment. Living so far north we don't have the same access to wholesalers so we can't just pop around in the morning to top up our stock.Our nearest supplies is 104 miles away :( So that's your warning for next year ha ha.
Many people are left with a sour taste in their mouth when it comes to sending flowers on Mothers Day though ( Not with us ) with flower senders.One in particular has made headlines this week "Interflora" They have left hundreds of customers around the UK and abroad without their deliveries.
What a lot of people don't realise is that Interflora is an actual company. They make a healthy profit from the florist's pockets and their customers. Just because you have sent an order via interflora doesn't mean that it is executed by an actual shop either. So many of their orders are sent from warehouses. Where most likely the bouquets have been sitting pre made up for more days than anyone would actually like to think! So surprise surprise the ones that do actually get delivered aren't always up to far.
There is an exellent way to solve this problem. Order direct from your florist. There are no cuts in prices, so that £40 bouquet you ordered actually arrives as a £40 valued bouquet...Interflora ( or any other networks such as eflorist. Iflorist, Bunches. etc ) haven't taken their cut from it.
Go direct folks....it will save you money in the end and quality is more than likely miles better! Keep your florist on the High Streets!
Many people are left with a sour taste in their mouth when it comes to sending flowers on Mothers Day though ( Not with us ) with flower senders.One in particular has made headlines this week "Interflora" They have left hundreds of customers around the UK and abroad without their deliveries.
What a lot of people don't realise is that Interflora is an actual company. They make a healthy profit from the florist's pockets and their customers. Just because you have sent an order via interflora doesn't mean that it is executed by an actual shop either. So many of their orders are sent from warehouses. Where most likely the bouquets have been sitting pre made up for more days than anyone would actually like to think! So surprise surprise the ones that do actually get delivered aren't always up to far.
There is an exellent way to solve this problem. Order direct from your florist. There are no cuts in prices, so that £40 bouquet you ordered actually arrives as a £40 valued bouquet...Interflora ( or any other networks such as eflorist. Iflorist, Bunches. etc ) haven't taken their cut from it.
Go direct folks....it will save you money in the end and quality is more than likely miles better! Keep your florist on the High Streets!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Bespoke Funeral Designs.
This last week we have been asked to make two very different sympathy designs. One family asked us to create a casket spray which looked as though it had grown on top of the casket and represented the Caithness country side. She wanted the design to look almost like a verge from the side of the road. We used mostly foliage to create the piece but added in some Daffodils to create a spring like look and to add a splash of colour.
Our second request was to make a floral replica of a gentlemans yacht. Having a picture to copy from and then going down to see the yacht at the harbour we got to work creating the piece.
Over the years we have been asked to create a vast range of designs. From 3d salmon,3d tractors, 3d sheep, 2d pictures of tractors, fish and even a swan. We love creating something unique and special which represented the life of the families loved ones.
Our second request was to make a floral replica of a gentlemans yacht. Having a picture to copy from and then going down to see the yacht at the harbour we got to work creating the piece.
Over the years we have been asked to create a vast range of designs. From 3d salmon,3d tractors, 3d sheep, 2d pictures of tractors, fish and even a swan. We love creating something unique and special which represented the life of the families loved ones.
Lots of pretty flowers.
Sunday saw Amanda's attending the Caithness Horizons Wedding Fayre in Thurso.
Thank you to all the brides to be that stopped by to say hello and inquiring with us. On display we had a selection of styles, colours and varieties. Take a look at the pictures below and let us know what you think!
Thank you to all the brides to be that stopped by to say hello and inquiring with us. On display we had a selection of styles, colours and varieties. Take a look at the pictures below and let us know what you think!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Always learning.
As a florist, you can never know it all. You never will know it all. There are always new flower varieties, new products, new techniques etc...etc...
I definitely don't pretend to know it all nor declare that I ever will. Do I think I am a good florist? Im ok yes, but I could be so much better. How do I become a better florist? I listen to my peers, to the people in the industry that have a passion like no other. By attending workshops and trying to things. Also by helping sweep up and clean buckets, make tea and cakes and my holding something so those top designers can work on it from another angle at events, photo shoots or even when just visiting.
I found an old photo album last week and let me tell you...some of the designs that I thought were stunning at the time...are absolutely cringe worthy! haha!! They are so bad I wont even post them for a laugh!
So here are a few designs I made whilst attending the Fusion Flowers Summer School in 2011 with Mark Pampling from Australia and then again in 2012 with Baudouin Roelants from Belgium who I met in 2011 when I assisted with the Fusion Flowers photo shoot.
This year Im looking forward to Summer School 2013 with the wonderful Greman Designer -Björn Kroner who I have met at Fusion Flowers photo shoot in 2011 and 2012 so very excited about this workshop.
Mark's facebook page for his flower shop in Australia. Mark's Facebook page
I definitely don't pretend to know it all nor declare that I ever will. Do I think I am a good florist? Im ok yes, but I could be so much better. How do I become a better florist? I listen to my peers, to the people in the industry that have a passion like no other. By attending workshops and trying to things. Also by helping sweep up and clean buckets, make tea and cakes and my holding something so those top designers can work on it from another angle at events, photo shoots or even when just visiting.
I found an old photo album last week and let me tell you...some of the designs that I thought were stunning at the time...are absolutely cringe worthy! haha!! They are so bad I wont even post them for a laugh!
So here are a few designs I made whilst attending the Fusion Flowers Summer School in 2011 with Mark Pampling from Australia and then again in 2012 with Baudouin Roelants from Belgium who I met in 2011 when I assisted with the Fusion Flowers photo shoot.
This year Im looking forward to Summer School 2013 with the wonderful Greman Designer -Björn Kroner who I have met at Fusion Flowers photo shoot in 2011 and 2012 so very excited about this workshop.
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| With Mark Pampling |
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| With Mark Pampling |
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| Bridal bouquet made with Mark Pampling |
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| With Baudouin Roelants |
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| With Mark Pampling |
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| With Mark Pampling |
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| With Baudouin Roelants |
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| With Baudouin Roelants. Also delighted that this piece was featured in the article in Fusion Flowers covering the work shop. |
Mark's facebook page for his flower shop in Australia. Mark's Facebook page
It always good to get your teeth into something different.
It's always good to get a little break away from normality. In the shop its a lot of bouquets, arrangements, sprays etc. So when I get to have a little bit of play time I want to break away from the normal mold.
We're gong to RHS Chelsea... AGAIN! :D
Well just in case any of you didn't know yet, Amanda has qualified for RHS Chelsea Florist of the year competition again.
Back in December she travelled to Glasgow with her Mum (designated driver) to take part in the heats even though she was still in plaster and hoppling on crutches.
This year the competitors had to make;
"Make a bridal design for a Gold medal winning Chelsea gardener to carry at her wedding ceremony."
Amanda made a modern shower bouquet, made from Japanese gold wire. Added to that were decorative beads, wooden slices and golden caps to add a different finish. Fresh materials used were helleborous, ornithogalum, Hypericum berries ( dried heads as well ) succulent petals, orange magic vanda orchids, a slection of small foliage leaves and crab apples. The handle was bound with two toned gold threads and finished of with a matching gold cap.
The judge described it as very unusual and greatly crafted.
Over 400 other florists enter the competition each year and only 16 make it to the finals. Amanda is the only Scottish contestant once again in the senior section.
Amanda now awaits to see what design they will have to make for the finals. The finals will be held in the heart of the pavilion in the show grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
Back in December she travelled to Glasgow with her Mum (designated driver) to take part in the heats even though she was still in plaster and hoppling on crutches.
This year the competitors had to make;
"Make a bridal design for a Gold medal winning Chelsea gardener to carry at her wedding ceremony."
Amanda made a modern shower bouquet, made from Japanese gold wire. Added to that were decorative beads, wooden slices and golden caps to add a different finish. Fresh materials used were helleborous, ornithogalum, Hypericum berries ( dried heads as well ) succulent petals, orange magic vanda orchids, a slection of small foliage leaves and crab apples. The handle was bound with two toned gold threads and finished of with a matching gold cap.
The judge described it as very unusual and greatly crafted.
Over 400 other florists enter the competition each year and only 16 make it to the finals. Amanda is the only Scottish contestant once again in the senior section.
Amanda now awaits to see what design they will have to make for the finals. The finals will be held in the heart of the pavilion in the show grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
" I am looking forward to it again this year but on a completely different level. Last time it was all new and I knew nothing about the behind the scenes. Now that I know the in's and out's though I think it will be a lot more exciting and maybe just a little bit less nerve wracking"
Below is a picture of Amanda's qualifying piece....but the big question is, what will the brief be for the final?
"Last time I was there was 2011, we had to make a Jockey's silk. It certainly wasn't expected as a design. So I'm not even going to try and guess to what we will have to design this time around!"
What do you call a florist with one good leg...Amanda!
As some of you may know, I used to be a competitive Highland Dancers. Travelling all over
Scotland to compete and even canada on three seperate occassions to compete at their Interprov championships. In November ( last year already! ) Elise Lyall asked some of her..lets say retired dancers to return to do a selection of choreography which we had done several years ago.
After several weeks of practice the show arrived and everyone had a fantastic first show and was raring to go for the second. The second night arrived and my first piece went as well as the first night, busting moves in our Saturday Night Fever outfits like no one had seen us move before lol! The finale however had a slightly unfortunate drama for myself....
...upon our entrance to the stage for the finale, we arrived through the middle of the hall and through the audience. What happened to me right in the middle of 400 people... my achilles tendon ruptured! OUCH! Still the show must go on etc.. so like the true professional that I am ( hehe ) I got up and hobbled up the stairs and onto the stage where I made a quick exit to stage left.
A trip to Accident and emergency resulted in my poorly peg being put into plaster for an initial 6 weeks. Then after for another 4 weeks my cast was changed weekly stretching out the tendon. Then three weeks in a walking cast.
So im now cast free but still using the crutches to get about until the muscle is built back up and with the help of a wonderful pyhsio team moving freely again. The office chair is definitely a fantastic invention and has helped me wheel about the shop.
So it has been a very crazy 13 weeks with Christmas, christmas weddings, valentines, weddings and now heading to mothers day but fingers crossed ill be back up on my feet properly in the next couple weeks so I can get back to driving as well!
So just a big thank you to everyone for understanding that its been taking me a bit longer to get orders made, delivered etc :) As usual you've all been fab! xxx
Scotland to compete and even canada on three seperate occassions to compete at their Interprov championships. In November ( last year already! ) Elise Lyall asked some of her..lets say retired dancers to return to do a selection of choreography which we had done several years ago.
After several weeks of practice the show arrived and everyone had a fantastic first show and was raring to go for the second. The second night arrived and my first piece went as well as the first night, busting moves in our Saturday Night Fever outfits like no one had seen us move before lol! The finale however had a slightly unfortunate drama for myself....
...upon our entrance to the stage for the finale, we arrived through the middle of the hall and through the audience. What happened to me right in the middle of 400 people... my achilles tendon ruptured! OUCH! Still the show must go on etc.. so like the true professional that I am ( hehe ) I got up and hobbled up the stairs and onto the stage where I made a quick exit to stage left.
A trip to Accident and emergency resulted in my poorly peg being put into plaster for an initial 6 weeks. Then after for another 4 weeks my cast was changed weekly stretching out the tendon. Then three weeks in a walking cast.
So im now cast free but still using the crutches to get about until the muscle is built back up and with the help of a wonderful pyhsio team moving freely again. The office chair is definitely a fantastic invention and has helped me wheel about the shop.
So it has been a very crazy 13 weeks with Christmas, christmas weddings, valentines, weddings and now heading to mothers day but fingers crossed ill be back up on my feet properly in the next couple weeks so I can get back to driving as well!
So just a big thank you to everyone for understanding that its been taking me a bit longer to get orders made, delivered etc :) As usual you've all been fab! xxx
Wedding Fayre
We're busy here at Amanda's getting prepped for this years Caithness Horizons in Thurso. On display we will have hand tied bouquets, shower bouquets and a couple of modern designs. As well as those we will have a couple of table centre designs, cake designs and lots and lots of inspiration to help you choose your wedding flowers!
So pop along and see us! All the details are on the poster below!
See you there!!
xxx
So pop along and see us! All the details are on the poster below!
See you there!!
xxx
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Even a job as lovely as being a florist has its tough parts....
Flowers...such happy, cheerful, spirit lifting beauty. One of the very few things in this world that the majority of people will look at and feel even that little bit happier.
Every now and then a florist comes across a job which truly touches the heart. 9/10 it's funeral work. We recently had the honour of creating some sympathy designs for a friend of ours. A lot of florists find comfort from creating those farewell designs, and although we definitely felt it our duty, more so than usual, to create the perfect floral tribute, it certainly was a tough one to get through.
Funerals are a hard time on anyone, but especially to the family that has lost a loved one. Arranging the funeral is a very difficult thing to do and is very personal to each individual be it hymn choice, church choice, prayer choices etc... that also includes flower choice.
It's not until you have to say good bye to a loved one, or until you have to make one of the final gifts for the family, that you realise just how comforting flowers at a funeral can be. Whether it was her favourite colour of rose or his favourite flower to grow in the garden, it has a personal meaning between you.
Here are a few tributes we've created for families to give to their loved ones.
To see more of our designs and to keep up to date with all our shop goings on go to Amanda's Creative Florist
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The hand-tied bridal bouquet....Yay or Nay??
If you open up the majority of wedding magazines, whether it filled with dresses, crafty idea's or wedding flowers..... 90% in fact i'd go as far to say that 99% of the bouquets in those magazines are hand tied bouquets.
Massed roses, massed hydrangea, peonies roses, textured posies of roses and thistles, roses and ranunculus. Round round round round round. That has it's place as we mention further down, along with a picture posted of what looks like a hand tied bouquet, but is actually an all wired bouquet!
What a lot of brides to be don't always realise is that there is a whole world of bouquet styles and shapes out there and these hand-ties don't match with every style of dress.
Our pet hate....large floaty dresses with ruffles and lace..with a dumpy hand tied bouquet. What does that do for the over all look of the dress? Nadda, zilch..nothing. All the eye is drawn to the hip area.. and there is stops.
The bouquets should elegantly highlight the shape of the dress, the details in the dress, the height of the bride and the build of the bride. The bouquet should work with all those so your eye follows from your face, to the bodice, to the flowers, to the legs, to the dress hem and then back up.
So if you don't go for a hand tie you have to go for one of those big bulky trailing bouquets...right?? WRONG.
The term shower bouquet traditionally means the oval shaped bouquet, which, yes, used to be bursting with foliage and carnations ( Not that there is anything wrong with carnations, Check below for a gorgeous bouquet made mostly from carnations! ) Chrysanthemums and gyp.
Today though it's a whole different story. Wire frame, vine frames, feather frames, crystal frames....masses of flowers or very little flowers.
These bouquets will have to be heavy then and uncomfortable to hold? Wrong again. Infact, you'd be surprised at how much easier it is to hold a trailing bouquet made on the right handle to suit your grip. We attended the Weigh Inn wedding Fayre Sunday 15th January and so many brides commented on how light and easy our shower bouquets were to hold.
Below you will find a collection of shower bouquets and trailing bouquets. Some what you might expect, some a little different to you're normal design.
We're not saying the hand tied bouquet is wrong in all cases. Not at all. Knee length dresses have been very popular the last year or two and hand tied designs work amazingly well.
We just think that some of the magazines out there need to work a little bit closer with professional florists, working in the industry to give brides the right informational on not only flower styles but actual flowers ( One magazine once named a lisianthus head as a rose and so often we find they have the wrong variety of flower named).
I always suggest to brides to come to speak to me, that if they do look at the magazines, get colour idea's, find flowers you've maybe never seen before but never to read the descriptions of what is actually written about the design.
So please bare in mind, when you first start that fantastic journey of planning your wedding flowers, that there is so much more available out there. Just because you don't see it in the magazines, on an online search or in the celeb wedding pages in gossip magazines, it doesn't mean that you're perfect wedding bouquet is not available to you!
Check out our facebook page for more bouquet designs and ideas http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amandas-Creative-Florist/44514682367
xxx
Massed roses, massed hydrangea, peonies roses, textured posies of roses and thistles, roses and ranunculus. Round round round round round. That has it's place as we mention further down, along with a picture posted of what looks like a hand tied bouquet, but is actually an all wired bouquet!
What a lot of brides to be don't always realise is that there is a whole world of bouquet styles and shapes out there and these hand-ties don't match with every style of dress.
Our pet hate....large floaty dresses with ruffles and lace..with a dumpy hand tied bouquet. What does that do for the over all look of the dress? Nadda, zilch..nothing. All the eye is drawn to the hip area.. and there is stops.
The bouquets should elegantly highlight the shape of the dress, the details in the dress, the height of the bride and the build of the bride. The bouquet should work with all those so your eye follows from your face, to the bodice, to the flowers, to the legs, to the dress hem and then back up.
So if you don't go for a hand tie you have to go for one of those big bulky trailing bouquets...right?? WRONG.
The term shower bouquet traditionally means the oval shaped bouquet, which, yes, used to be bursting with foliage and carnations ( Not that there is anything wrong with carnations, Check below for a gorgeous bouquet made mostly from carnations! ) Chrysanthemums and gyp.
Today though it's a whole different story. Wire frame, vine frames, feather frames, crystal frames....masses of flowers or very little flowers.
These bouquets will have to be heavy then and uncomfortable to hold? Wrong again. Infact, you'd be surprised at how much easier it is to hold a trailing bouquet made on the right handle to suit your grip. We attended the Weigh Inn wedding Fayre Sunday 15th January and so many brides commented on how light and easy our shower bouquets were to hold.
Below you will find a collection of shower bouquets and trailing bouquets. Some what you might expect, some a little different to you're normal design.
We're not saying the hand tied bouquet is wrong in all cases. Not at all. Knee length dresses have been very popular the last year or two and hand tied designs work amazingly well.
We just think that some of the magazines out there need to work a little bit closer with professional florists, working in the industry to give brides the right informational on not only flower styles but actual flowers ( One magazine once named a lisianthus head as a rose and so often we find they have the wrong variety of flower named).
I always suggest to brides to come to speak to me, that if they do look at the magazines, get colour idea's, find flowers you've maybe never seen before but never to read the descriptions of what is actually written about the design.
So please bare in mind, when you first start that fantastic journey of planning your wedding flowers, that there is so much more available out there. Just because you don't see it in the magazines, on an online search or in the celeb wedding pages in gossip magazines, it doesn't mean that you're perfect wedding bouquet is not available to you!
Check out our facebook page for more bouquet designs and ideas http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amandas-Creative-Florist/44514682367
xxx
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Welcome to 2012....The year of the Creative mind!
Well here we are...2012! Who'd have thought it?? So first off...we hope you have had a lovely holiday season!
There were a sincere lack of blog updates last year we apologise for that! Between the shop, competitions, weddings and a whole lot more on top something had to give and unfortunately the blog suffered :(
Not this year though! We are determined to bring you regular updates on events, weddings and all things floral.
Most recently we had the chaos which is so fondly called "Christmas" lol. Well ladies nd Gents it was a record breaker for us here at Amandas. Our busiest one yet! It was our 6th Christmas too..can you believe it? Where does the time go?
Lots of lovely orders going out as well as being collected. Early mornings and late nights but it seems to have all been worth it with the feedback with everyone telling us how much they loved their flowers.
We also had a special inclusion of our charity design. Something a little different to help out our heroes at The ABF Soldiers Charity. With your most generous donations we raised £222.41 for this worthwhile cause.
Our window was also decorated as a reminder who are away fighting at Christmas, those who never made it home and for anyone missing a loved one at the Christmas period.
So a big thank you for all your donations and your lovely comments.
So whats in store for 2012? We've already secured some new contracts, our first big event is this Saturday followed by the weigh in wedding Fayre on 15th January where we will be showcasing some gorgeous bouquets and arrangements. If you're planning getting married this year, next year or any time in the near future, you'll definitely want to come a long a look.
Amanda has another few workshops lined up where she will learn even more to keep you all in the loop with modern trends and designs, as well as a weekend away helping some of the worlds top International designers to produce a floral wedding magazine as well as designs for other publications within the Fusion Flowers web of wonder!
Valentines is our next big date on the calender so stay tuned to see what gorgeous designs we come up with for your valentine!
Don't forget to follow us on facebook to keep even more up to date on our daily goings on at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amandas-Creative-Florist/44514682367 or look for us on twitter, AmandasFlorist
So here's a fabulous 2012 for you all, and to creating the most gorgeous flowers for you all to take home and enjoy! xxx
There were a sincere lack of blog updates last year we apologise for that! Between the shop, competitions, weddings and a whole lot more on top something had to give and unfortunately the blog suffered :(
Not this year though! We are determined to bring you regular updates on events, weddings and all things floral.
Most recently we had the chaos which is so fondly called "Christmas" lol. Well ladies nd Gents it was a record breaker for us here at Amandas. Our busiest one yet! It was our 6th Christmas too..can you believe it? Where does the time go?
Lots of lovely orders going out as well as being collected. Early mornings and late nights but it seems to have all been worth it with the feedback with everyone telling us how much they loved their flowers.
We also had a special inclusion of our charity design. Something a little different to help out our heroes at The ABF Soldiers Charity. With your most generous donations we raised £222.41 for this worthwhile cause.
Our window was also decorated as a reminder who are away fighting at Christmas, those who never made it home and for anyone missing a loved one at the Christmas period.
So a big thank you for all your donations and your lovely comments.
So whats in store for 2012? We've already secured some new contracts, our first big event is this Saturday followed by the weigh in wedding Fayre on 15th January where we will be showcasing some gorgeous bouquets and arrangements. If you're planning getting married this year, next year or any time in the near future, you'll definitely want to come a long a look.
Amanda has another few workshops lined up where she will learn even more to keep you all in the loop with modern trends and designs, as well as a weekend away helping some of the worlds top International designers to produce a floral wedding magazine as well as designs for other publications within the Fusion Flowers web of wonder!
Valentines is our next big date on the calender so stay tuned to see what gorgeous designs we come up with for your valentine!
Don't forget to follow us on facebook to keep even more up to date on our daily goings on at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amandas-Creative-Florist/44514682367 or look for us on twitter, AmandasFlorist
So here's a fabulous 2012 for you all, and to creating the most gorgeous flowers for you all to take home and enjoy! xxx
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
RHS Chelsea...SILVER MEDAL!
Well Amanda made that horribly long drive all the way to London to take part in the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year competition and came home with a silver medal!
The Chelsea flower show is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. Amanda was delighted to have even reached the final 16, but to come home with a silver medal just blew her away!
The finalists were asked to design and construct a Jockeys silk, to be worn on race day.
Amanda created a bodice of layered "punched out" aspidistra leaves, side panels of silver leucedenron leaves. A circular panel and a flowing collar were created from woven grasses, built up layers of flower material and foliages. Finishing touches were added with little cut out clovers from Eucalyptus leaves and also a few green diamantes for a bit of sparkle.
" I don't think it will ever really sink in. It was such a long build up to it, from qualifying in October, to receiving the brief at the end of March, then the two days travelling, two days constant work on the piece with only a couple of hours sleep in between" Amanda says " The buzz of the show was amazing, not just in the great pavillion but all over the show ground. I am delighted that I got to see the gardens as well especially Dermots Sky garden..that was fantastic"
Amanda would like to thank everyone who wished her well, sent good luck cards and also for all the support from everyone, she says it was a real boost being all the way down there knowing that everyone was behind her raring her on! The cards she has received since has been astounding..she's running out of room to put them all up!
The Chelsea flower show is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. Amanda was delighted to have even reached the final 16, but to come home with a silver medal just blew her away!
The finalists were asked to design and construct a Jockeys silk, to be worn on race day.
Amanda created a bodice of layered "punched out" aspidistra leaves, side panels of silver leucedenron leaves. A circular panel and a flowing collar were created from woven grasses, built up layers of flower material and foliages. Finishing touches were added with little cut out clovers from Eucalyptus leaves and also a few green diamantes for a bit of sparkle.
" I don't think it will ever really sink in. It was such a long build up to it, from qualifying in October, to receiving the brief at the end of March, then the two days travelling, two days constant work on the piece with only a couple of hours sleep in between" Amanda says " The buzz of the show was amazing, not just in the great pavillion but all over the show ground. I am delighted that I got to see the gardens as well especially Dermots Sky garden..that was fantastic"
Amanda would like to thank everyone who wished her well, sent good luck cards and also for all the support from everyone, she says it was a real boost being all the way down there knowing that everyone was behind her raring her on! The cards she has received since has been astounding..she's running out of room to put them all up!
Friday, May 20, 2011
We're going away!
We are so so sorry about the severe lack of updates to our blog lately. Between weddings, funerals, day to day work and Chelsea prep there just doesn't appear to be enough hours in the day.
We promise after chelsea we will be back on track with regular updates!
For now though, please note that the shop will be closed for a week. Starting from Monday 23rd May through to the 30th May. We will re open on Tues 31st May as normal.
This is so that Amanda can compete in the RHS Chelsea florist of the year competition and the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
Thank you so much for your understand.
If you urgently need to contact us, please use the e-mail address below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Amanda@amandasflorist.co.uk
We promise after chelsea we will be back on track with regular updates!
For now though, please note that the shop will be closed for a week. Starting from Monday 23rd May through to the 30th May. We will re open on Tues 31st May as normal.
This is so that Amanda can compete in the RHS Chelsea florist of the year competition and the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
Thank you so much for your understand.
If you urgently need to contact us, please use the e-mail address below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Amanda@amandasflorist.co.uk
Friday, February 25, 2011
We had to go that extra mile....
We always go that extra mile for our customers! In January though we had to push the boat out just that little bit more than usual!
Amanda's sister got married at the end of the month so there was no pressure on creating the perfect designs for Tanya and her big day!
Tanya opted for a perfect pomander of blue hydrangea and steel berry with a little trail of Ivy. The pomander handle was an Austrian crystal necklace which belonged to their late great Granny.
The soft delicate heads of the Hydrangea were perfect against Tanya's soft ivory dress.
The bridesmaids ( Amanda included) carried floral muffs. Perfect for that winter weather which thankfully stayed away for the day. The framework was made from a fleece material, covered in layered Stachy leaves, wires wrapped in lily grass and then decorated in Blue hydrangea, blue muscari and steel berry.
The Groom and best men wore thistles with Muscari and hydrangea to match the blue with the brides bouquet and also the bridesmaids.
In the church the alter was lit with pedestals on either side and sphere arrangements on the alter with ivy trails and candle lights.
At the reception giant "snowballs" of massed gypsophlia were the table centers. Based on a mirrored plate and decorated with Diamante pins.
We think its safe to say that Tanya's wedding flowers certainly a different feel to any weddings that we have created before, and even though Amanda was more than ever set to ensure that these wedding flowers were perfect for her little sister, that she really enjoyed the challenge!
Amanda's sister got married at the end of the month so there was no pressure on creating the perfect designs for Tanya and her big day!
Tanya opted for a perfect pomander of blue hydrangea and steel berry with a little trail of Ivy. The pomander handle was an Austrian crystal necklace which belonged to their late great Granny.
The soft delicate heads of the Hydrangea were perfect against Tanya's soft ivory dress.
The bridesmaids ( Amanda included) carried floral muffs. Perfect for that winter weather which thankfully stayed away for the day. The framework was made from a fleece material, covered in layered Stachy leaves, wires wrapped in lily grass and then decorated in Blue hydrangea, blue muscari and steel berry.
The Groom and best men wore thistles with Muscari and hydrangea to match the blue with the brides bouquet and also the bridesmaids.
In the church the alter was lit with pedestals on either side and sphere arrangements on the alter with ivy trails and candle lights.
At the reception giant "snowballs" of massed gypsophlia were the table centers. Based on a mirrored plate and decorated with Diamante pins.
We think its safe to say that Tanya's wedding flowers certainly a different feel to any weddings that we have created before, and even though Amanda was more than ever set to ensure that these wedding flowers were perfect for her little sister, that she really enjoyed the challenge!
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