Away but busy in action

Hello!

It's been awhile since my last post as I had been very busy with other projects not related to floral design :)

At the same time I have kept my fingers green with some fun floral decor on the side. For example, volunteering as a facilitator and coming up with simple decor ideas for this very special community building project which is very close to my heart. Once a month, SHINE Girls facilitators would conduct a purpose-designed workshops with the vision to place value on girlhood for a group of underpriviledged or orphaned girls , aged 14-16. We convey and impart positive values based on 3 main areas of WORTH, STRENGTH and PURPOSE through heart-to heart discussions, creative activities and not forgetting some girly fun :)

Here are some pics of the decor for different sessions. Tip: these are simple ideas which you can incorporate at home for dinners or parties !

Apples and candles for the green theme

Bright , sunny gerberas for the yellow theme

Yours truly doing the hanging wall of gerberasThe SHINE Girls team!

Fancy some purple 'T'? - Vertical Shape (Inverted T)

This royal colour does not have to be gaudy, when playing with colours it's about the right balance and bringing out the best in each flowers. For focal flowers, I used this purple almost magenta-ish gerberas.

Line flowers and leaves are chosen to maintain the length and shape of this inverted T. I absolutely love this tuberose, in Malay it's called Harum Sundal Malam indicating that its sweet scent fills the night air upon blooming. Next to it is the lovely Limonium sinuatum, better known as 'million purple'. The leaves seen at the background is locally known as fishtails due to its peculiar split at the end.

Finally what would we do without our wonderful supporting casts? Secondary flowers: Dual tone carnations and purple chrysanthemums.

Here is the purple inverted 'T' arrangement which I was most glad to present it as centrepiece for a community workshop aimed at instilling values to underpriviledged girls.

The power of flowers and...music

Lately, I've been trying hard to extricate myself from a certain nostalgia that comes with a certain beat and rhythm of the bass line.

It's hard and sometimes I wonder why was I, and now still am affected by it after 3 weeks.

The eyes, the movement, the voice... and the flash of silver on his right hand.

I don't remember being a fan but suddenly, it all came back. I guess it was the memories of childhood that somehow got tangled up with his story, his songs, his dancing. His music touched and reached perhaps a few generations, not just one country but across the world.

When John Mayer did his solo git on Human Nature..it was heart breaking...even more when Jermaine sang, with tears and pain.

And those flowers...those gorgeous red roses, fit for a true artist and superstar- so red, so full of life and passion- like he was. I'm glad they chose the right flowers with such deep shade..almost fiery like his tortured soul when he sang and danced. Red is not tame...as colourful as those wreaths behind, he was a personality like no other. A star that burned up its full potential and talent until, it smoldered and snuffed out with a sad tragic end.

Flowers... they last only for a moment for us to appreciate and then, just like him..gone too soon.

Goodnight, MJ.

First sale - Crescent Shape Arrangement

I'm truly honoured to be able to craft a birthday arrangement for a dear friend who wanted something special for her mom's birthday. And being an ardent supporter, she insisted on purchasing the arrangement even though I wanted to bless her. Ms Juni, thank you for your belief and ever present encouragement ;)

Pink carnations, purple dendrobiums and chrysanthemums.

Something sweet, something pink, something modern:

A crescent shape arrangement with palm leaves and curved bamboo sticks for effect and emphasis.

Classic Shape 5 : Vertical A

As promised, here's my post on new shapes I have learnt last weekend. Vertical A, as its name implied, is a straight, tall and narrow 'A' shaped arrangement commonly seen at the corner of a hotel's reception or on a small side table usually with a mirror behind to create an illusion of depth and space. It's the slimmer sister of another classic shape-the triangle.

Let's start with some bright colours, I have chosen the cheery gerbera as my focus flower:

The supporting casts of red carnations and lime green pom-poms

A dash of eucalyptus leaves for its refreshing scent:

Voila...

Another example of Vertical A standing side by side :)

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Busy weekend- A preview

Hello everyone!

It was a most busy and happening weekend! A durian feast, a dinner cookout, a horse ranch visit and of course new exciting floral arrangements, and one which happened to be my first sale!- I will certainly blog about it once I sort out my pics but for now here's a preview pic on yours truly in action ;)

Shot taken by the floral school adminstrator for an upcoming promo

Have a great week ...
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Classic Shape 4: Horizontal arrangement

A horizontal arrangement is a low arrangement but the length is usually 2 times the height. A classic horizontal arrangement is symmetrical, which means the length on both sides is the same. Moreover, the placement of flowers is mirrored to the other side.

As the name suggests, this arrangement is best suited for longtables or locations where you would rather not obstruct the view.

Getting ready to start!

A mix of vermillion and dual toned carnations, yellow pom-poms and daisies .....

Here's a horizontal arrangement to perk up any boring meetings and conference rooms ;)

View from top:

Flowers used: Carnations, ferns, yellow pom-poms, daisies

Classic Shape 3: The L-Shape

Today's arrangement is fast becoming my favourite- The L-shape.

Modern, structured with strong lines, (definely not lame!) this type of arrangement is suited at any corners you wish to spruce up =)

Strong lines= Ginger flowers (R) , Focus bloom= Orange gerberas (M) , and the usual suspects for fillers = Yellow pom-poms & yellow+ purple peacock (L), blush roses were added for depth.

Absolutely simple and stunning ! (click to enlarge pic)

Flowers used: Ginger flowers, gerberas, blush roses, liatrias, yellow+purple peacock, yellow pom-poms, money plant leaves and ferns.

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A birthday arrangement for a dear friend- Dome Interpretative

Recently, we celebrated Cheryl's birthday- a dear friend of ours.

I wanted to do something special for her and since it's good practice to start crafting my own design, I thought it would be cool to do an interpretative dome arrangement for her. So I called her husband , wanting to find out what's her favourite blooms. Lilies, he said.

And here we are.



Later on I found out that her favourite flowers were actually calla lilies....guess men couldn't tell the difference between those two lilies ;)

Happy sweet 27, my dear friend!

Flowers used:Pink lilies, lipstick roses, white daisies

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Classic Shape 2: Triangle

Today's lesson was an exercise in balance and proportion. I'm sure you have seen this ubiquitous shape a thousands time in different styles and blooms but the same triangular form.

A table/hospital/occassions arrangement classic, I presented this to a friend who was recuperating in the hospital after the birth of her firstborn, a son. =)

Welcome to the world, Ian Kye!

Flowers used: Roses, yellow peacock

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