Thursday 13 September 2012

Wonderful Workshops - Fun with Flowers

As some of you might know, our workshops are now up and running and Tuesday's featured a pretty Autumnal vintage inspired design.  After a very quick venue change at the last minute, our lovely ladies entered into the scented haven that is Pure Enough - run by Amy who just knows everything you'd ever need to know about natural skincare.

As our class was of mixed experience and abilities, I first talked about what we trying to achieve and how we wanted the final design to look. I then introduced the flowers and foliages, naming each in turn.  Next I demonstrated how to use the gorgeous eucalyptus cinerea and baby blue to best effect, by creating a clear outline and shape.  Everyone then did the same as I moved round the group, advising and re-caping.

I then moved on to demonstrating using the flowers to best effect and discussed in detail how, as with many things, opposites attract. We talked about shape, texture and form and I advised the group on why the larger, more dominant shapes work better in the centre of the design.  We also discussed the best methods to achieve a more vintage looking design - the secret of which involves butterflies and bees, but you'll only find out why if you become part of our group!

Next it was the turn of the group to start their designs and again, I chatted and guided each member through their individual pieces.  I have to say, it was a fantastically calm, friendly, relaxed environment with everyone making a really lovely design.  To finish off, we had tea and freshly baked blueberry muffins and I 'tested' everyone on the names of the flowers - which was the source of much hilarity!

We all congratulated each other on their fab creations and couldn't help noticing how, although everyone had used the same materials, they were all different and individual.  Here are some photos of the evening ...



All set up ready



There were a lot of jokes - not sure what this one was!


Hard at work


No sign of the blueberry muffins!


The final design


For those of you who are curious about the flowers we used (and those who can't remember their names!), here's my buying list:

'Avalanche Peach' roses
Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' Rust
Papaver (Poppy Seeds)
Tanacetum (Feverfew)
Eustoma (Lisianthus) - this was British grown
Carthamus
Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue'
Eucalyptus 'Cinerea'

What do you think? Can you see yourself making the next design - a Baroque inspired lovely using fruit and veg? For more details, click on the Flower School link.

Tracey x

PS: If, like my group, you are curious to know more about the gorgeous, natural make-up and skincare products that Amy specialises in, pop over to her fab website and indulge yourself in her range.  Or, if you're looking for a lovely gift, give her a call and ask about her very latest range of handmade bath bombs, bath melts and treats.


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