Last lesson, candle decoration and orders flooding in!

Quick post this week as I'm a busy little bee!

It was the last college lesson on Tuesday and I made this, which I think speaks for itself somewhat...

I think it was the hardest thing we've done so far, but also think it's the best!

I've got lots of orders for Christmas arrangements and have had to say "no more" as I can't take too much on at this stage (working full time and being a parent makes sure of that!) but I'm very excited and also hoping I don't let people down!

Mandy has invited us all to spend time in her shop on 12th December to learn how to make wreaths - I am so looking forward to that and think it's a lovely and kind gesture!

Here's to the fuschia! Ha.

Penultimate night at college

I cannot believe I've had four out of five lessons already. Time really does fly when you're having fun doesn't it!

Last night, we made a vase arrangement. I kept mine simple using a clear vase, clear water, light pink gladioli and some interesting twirly twigs which I threaded slightly between the buds of the flowers.

I love the fact that vase arrangements can be so interesting - it never crossed my mind before to do anything more than place flowers in a vase - never again will I do that! The possibilities to make it more beautiful and interesting are endless!

After this, Mandy demonstrated how to do a front facing arrangement and then we all had a go. This was, as I suspected, quite tricky. I had the general idea right of grouping types of foliage and flowers but needed some guidance on placement at times. I am SO happy with how it's turned out and this is something I will really enjoy practising. I can relate to forming a structure, which is basically what this is, and think I can put my creativity to really good use.

This week I've been asked to make various things for different people for a variety of reasons and am looking forward to rising to the challenge!

I need four arms to do hand tied bouquets.

After last week's lesson I was so excited, and had some flowers left, that I made some more arrangements on my own at home, and experimented a little with design on one of them.

Tonight's lesson was, yet again, excellent!

We made hand tied bouquets. I used white lilies, bright pink gerbera, light pink crysanthemums, white alstromeria, eucalyptus leaves and bear grass.

It was very difficult holding all the stems whilst adding more and more flowers, and twisting, but I'm sure as I do more and gain strength in my arms I will improve. The hardest part was tying the stems together, at the same time ensuring that none of them moved and that they were tightly enough packed together.

Then the test... I held it upside down. RESULT!!!! Test number two - does it stand up? With a bit of wiggling of the bottom, yes. The bottom of the stems of course! Haha.

I then dressed the bouquet in paper and sellophane and added water.

Results below - I am very pleased :-)

Next week we're making a vase arrangement and then a front facing arrangement (for a hallway or suchlike).

In the meantime, I have yet again got lots of flowers and foliage left over and will ensure they are put to good use :-)