Flower School of New York - NYC Floral Design and Flower Arrangement Classes

Treat yourself to a unique opportunity working with one of the best floral designers in the business, Ariella Chezar, in an upcoming workshop in beautiful Sonoma, California. This three-day workshop, from June 12th- 14th, will teach students how to arrange centerpiece flowers using Ariella’s signature compote, the process of creating a soft cascading bridal bouquet and wedding garlands, and finally how to create an overall event concept and and environment.

Below, Ariella describes the impact of this event, what students will learn, and how they will expand upon their skills:

“During the three days, participants will be immersed in my design style and sense of color using flowers that I love. One day will focus on centerpieces, the next on bridal flowers, and the third on what comes into play when conceiving of a whole event. We will take inspiration from two life size design boards, (which will be designed in collaboration with Kathryn Storke whose blog Snippet and Ink is known for it’s gorgeous color boards) one for a modern, and one for a romantic design. La Tavola Linens and Classic Party Rentals are donating their products, so there will be a great selection of rentals for students to incorporate into the designs.  Students will come away with understanding my approach to creating bridal bouquets and centerpieces as well as my technique for layering colors tone and tone.”

For more information or to register (there are still a few spots left!) see the full trip brochure here.

It is interesting to think about how floral trends can change over time; what was once considered outdated and tired, can be revitalized into something new. This is what Matthew Robbins did during his exceptional master class last Thursday.

To begin the class, Matthew explained how for his very first photo shoot with Martha Stewart, Martha asked Matthew to reinterpret the traditional cascading bouquet. At first Matthew was unsure, because he immediately thought of those gaudy 1980′s cascading bouquets that were popular over twenty years ago. But put to the challenge, Matthew had to reinterpret the idea of a cascading bouquet and achieve the look he really wanted.  What does a modern cascade look like?

Years later, the soft cascade, or semi-cascade look is exceptionally popular and a beautiful design for any bride to hold. This shape is asymmetrical and organic; not as formulaic as the more traditional round bouquets. A cascading bouquet allows you to use the gesture of the materials and the length of the stems to create the shape of the bouquet.  Matthew described it as, “a sophisticated version of what you might gather from the garden.”

To begin, Matthew started by creating a little collection of flowers on the table. He used some of the sturdier stems to create a base, such as the lilac or the delphiniums; giving the bouquet some support for the more delicate stems. Next, he started to weave other flowers into the bouquet, while keeping in mind which colors and textures go together.

Keeping a limited color palette, Matthew selected a beautiful array of purple flowers including dendrobium orchids, sweet pea and whips of jasmine. For contrast Matthew also included really beautiful and graphic flowers called Nerine, which almost looked like little firecrackers in the bouquet, as well as while freesia for sent. For the extra added touch, Matthew brought in the most beautiful and delicate clematis flowers as well as blooming passion vine. This was an incredible addition and a perfect finishing touch to the overall bouquet!

Take a look at more images of Matthew’s class on Facebook HERE.

On March 8th, Lewis Miller of LMD gave an incredible Master Class demonstrating his unique design style called “Fleurs Sauvage”, which combines both structural and natural elements in one look.  To explain this style, Lewis asked the class to “imagine a structured garden that has been fertilized to death and has gone crazy.”  To create this beautifully graphic, yet soft and natural design, Lewis used lush textural greens such as gaylex leaves, umbrella ferns, and horsetails which emulated the horizontal and vertical lines similarly found in nature.

Lewis always looks to bring the energy and motion of natural plants in his designs. Using his years of of horticultural study, Lewis prunes his flowers and leaves to replicate how they would naturally look.  For example, Lewis explained how in nature you never see the backside of leaves, because they always follow the path of the sun. With this in mind, in designing you should also show the front of the leaves mimicking nature.

Once the greens were in place, to soften the look Lewis next added purple and violet local anemones, green ranunculus from Holland and checkerboard lilies called fritillaria. Referring to these flowers as “silly little things,” Lewis mentioned that the fritillaria are particularly fitting for this design because they are graphic, but very light and natural as well.

Above all, Lewis explained how his design style is all about compromises and contrasts. While combining and bridging the gap between the natural, organic style and the architecturally modern look, he also highlights and plays on the differences between style to create the overall look.

Check out more pictures of Fleurs Sauvage on our Facebook page. Also, read about Lewis’ upcoming workshop, “Saying Goodbye with Grace and Beauty” taking place at his beautiful East Village studio on May 24th.

Last Wednesday, FSNY had the fortunate opportunity to attend Matthew Robbins‘ book release party at the beautiful and eclectic 632 Hudson townhouse. And what an event it was! Every corner of the house was designed to perfection, and Matthew’s book was wonderfully interspersed throughout the space, looking as if it always belonged. To top it off, each room hosted a unique and delicious treat – a highlight being cookies from One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn.

Listening to Emily Thompson speak about her work and her unique floral philosophy, we can see that it is clear a new design perspective is making waves here in New York. Designing is no longer is just about putting stems in a vase anymore, but rather a contemplative, sincere and purposefully approach which is as much about the people you are creating for as the space in which the arrangement will go.

As Emily mentioned during her lesson, “We do not live in a vacuum, and neither should your arrangements.” We are all inspired by the world around us, ushering our designs in a particular direction.  Emily encourages this type of exploration before even touching a flower. To foster this idea, Emily showed the class images of famous residences, buildings, movie stars and famous locations that she is inspired by and evokes in her design style. By studying these images and iconic spaces, it  leads to the question: “What do you design for these buildings?”  Emily pushes herself beyond normal constraints and boundaries in order to create her vision.

It is clear Emily has a solid foundation in art, design and culture, giving her work perspective.  Her next class will be on March 29th, from 5-7pm and, as usual, space is limited.  We look forward to seeing you again!

We have to take a moment to revel in a recent event that Lewis Miller of LMD created at the beautiful Pierre Hotel in New York City. Creating a romantic and beautifully textured landscape, Lewis undoubtedly achieved perfection in this autumnal secret garden. Take advantage of the opportunity to work with this incredible designer in Lewis’ upcoming class “The Cosmopolitan Garden” on Thursday, February 16th at 5pm; register for the class HERE.

Read more about the Pierre Hotel event and view more images HERE.

On Monday night, FlowerSchool New York had the greatest pleasure hosting a book party event for Matthew Robbins’ new book, “Inspired Weddings.” Matthew had just finished an incredible ten city tour with his book, and we were so happy to have Matthew return to FlowerSchool as the capstone of his trip.

FlowerSchool was filled with the most beautiful Japanese blooms which were very generiously donated by Bloom Japan Network Co., BJN Asia Co., and the Naniwa Flower Auction Co.  With Matthew at the helm signing books and creating several incredible hand tied bouquets, this was a perfect evening for any flower lover.

We hope everyone who came had a great time and are enjoying the flowers and book!

If you are looking for another opportunity to see even more Japanese flowers, be sure to stop by the  Japan Bloom Fair at the Japan Society (located at 333 East 47th Street) today from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Matthew with Yutaka Shirakawa of the Bloom Japan Network.

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Last Thursday, famed New York designer, Olivier Giugni, gave a fantastic master class where he taught the class how to create a large scale, modern design for any interior space. Olivier explained to the class how before he begins working on an arrangement, he first thinks about the space and atmosphere of where it will be placed. Will it be showcased in a large atrium of a grand hotel, or on a side table in a modern bedroom scape? Asking these questions provides a guideline for the type of arrangement and design characteristics you will create for the space.

Olivier continued by explaining how his famed leaf wrapped vase asthetic also came from this concept. When Olivier was first getting started in his studio, he wanted to create a way for the client to not see the water in the vase as it dirtied over time. He decided to use a clever (and brand new!) design concept to solve a ever present problem for many clients. Olivier’s use of large leaves and greens has not only become his iconic look, but allows for a more approachable and accessible look for many clients.

For this class, Olivier introduced a type of greenery called horsetail stems or “shavegrass” that many of the students had never worked with before. This unique grass-like perennial  is largely grown in California and is completely hollow, making it very easy to manipulate and use in a very modern looking arrangement. Paired with the horsetail, Olivier brought beautiful French Tulips from Nice, France that were just starting their season. The beauty and charm of these tulips against the stark green of the horsetail was a great combination. Oliver mentioned that he enjoyed pairing the two because the horsetail acts as a supportive wall for the tulips giving them guide to grow.

Take a look at more images on our Facebook Page!

Celebrating the success of his first book ‘Matthew Robbins’ Inspired Weddings’, FlowerSchool’s Matthew Robbins is on the move promoting his book throughout the country! After his first stop in Atlanta, Matthew will be making his way to San Antonio and Denver next. While in Atlanta Matthew was invited to do a segment on Better Mornings Atlanta where he gave easy and creative tablescaping ideas. Watch the full segment HERE.

Follow Matthew’s tour experience on his BLOG. Maybe he will be in your area next!

Matthew on the set of Better Mornings Atlanta.

After a brief lunch break, many of the students from Ariella’s afternoon class returned for a second session.  For her evening class Ariella wanted to highlight using citrus for seasonal designs as it is an element she loves to showcase around the holidays. After spending many years in California, Ariella reminisced how the scent of citrus still takes her right back to spending winter months on the West Coast.

To really pop with the bright colors, Ariella chose a beautiful blue ceramic container that paired wonderfully with the orange. After a quick refresher on wiring fruits, Ariella began her demonstration expertly creating a Californian, chic organic look for the season.  Similar to the first class, Ariella used privet berries to build her base and create a foundation, but this time the design was coupled with tulips, beautiful ranunculus, hints of narcissus and orange citrus that gave this arrangement a completely different look than the first class.

Check out more images of Ariella’s classes on our Facebook Page!