April 18, 2021 Free Style with Jean-Marcel Duciaume

Our April workshop theme was “Creating a Gift Arrangement”.   Our Edmonton instructors, Jean-Marcel Duciaume and Brenda Jackson shared a video with participants which gave examples of unique flower supports and containers that could be used as gift arrangements.

Since you do not normally use a kenzan in a gift arrangement, an important aspect to consider is the hanadome (flower support).     Agra foam is a natural, compostable floral foam and the leftovers can be used as a potting medium or in the garden.  This new type of floral foam has an advantage since it won’t crumble like typical floral foam when a stem is added.   This makes it easier to adjust or modify your arrangement.  The kenzan pin straightening tool can be used to poke a hole for a delicate stem.  Komiwara or plastic straws are also good options for hanadome.

Teacups, teapots, gift bags, and interesting bottles can all make a fun container for an arrangement.  Thrift shops and collectible shops are good places to search for containers.  Plastic cups or bowls or even ink cartridge containers can be used as containers or used inside other items to make a container waterproof.

Many participants applied the examples from the video when creating their arrangements.  There were many different and interesting materials and containers.  As the class reviewed the individual arrangements, Jean-Marcel and Brenda provided wonderful tips for the class.

• Depth: Make sure there is a sense of depth in the arrangement.  A flower placed in front should be welcoming.  Think of placing it forward so it is “in your face”.  This will give the effect of welcoming the viewer.
• Color.  A contrasting color can make a big difference, even if it is just a very small bit of color.
• Shape:  Try to make the arrangement mimic the shape of the container.  Use the container as a frame for your arrangement.
• Size:  Pick flowers that complement the container.  If a flower is too big, it will overpower the container and look out of place.  You can create the illusion that a flower or leaf is smaller by turning it to the side.
• Leaf placement.  Watch the placement of leaves.  Leaves placed on either side of an arrangement can look like wings.  If this was not your intent, it will look odd.
• Veronica flowers:  Observe the way the veronica flowers are tipping and make sure they complement the line of your arrangement.
• Separating stems:  Separating stems will give you more control over placement.

We hope you enjoy the photos of all our talented members and that you can join us for a workshop in the near future.