Essential Vessels, Structures, and Tools for Sustainable Floristry
Over the last 7 years or so, as I’ve narrowed my focus on teaching and writing about floristry, I have become very interested in how I can best participate in positive change. I followed my unique curiosity, and found myself attracted to processes and mechanics. I began to test ways to work as a florist in a less wasteful, more nature-focused way.
I acknowledge that as a teacher and writer, I am operating from a privileged place: I don’t execute events every week, I don’t feel the same pressure that florists who have busy retail shops or event studios do. But I've certainly been there, and I know that hustle well. Now that I’m outside of that busyness, I feel even more drawn to testing and presenting solutions that will help time-strapped working florists employ gentler practices.
This shift isn't just about adopting new techniques; it's about pioneering a movement towards gentler, more nature-focused practices that every florist, regardless of their business model, can adopt.
“This is the aspect of sustainable floristry that I feel most interested in and best equipped to contribute to.”
I aim to challenge conventional floristry methods and highlight alternatives that will help florists create artful, relevant, profitable work that is also environmentally gentle. Will you join me?
INNOVATIVE VESSELS FOR ARTFUL ARRANGEMENTS
Last year, I was thrilled to connect with the talented folks at Accent Decor. Over several months, we collaborated on the design of a new line of solution-focused products for working florists. The products are meant to solve common design and waste issues without compromising style, profitability, or artfulness.
More than just tools, we've crafted a line of vessels intended to be our allies in the quest for sustainability. This article is packed with my best tips and insights, but in case you’re looking for something in particular, here’s a list of quick links for you:
1.Three versatile Vases for bringing your vision to life:
'Capricorn' compote: Ideal for arranging into water, its unique design supports foam-free floristry floral arrangements.
'Cassio' compote: A golden beauty that marries functionality with flair, enabling eco-conscious design without compromise.
‘Harlow footed’ bowl: These bowls make elevated arrangements accessible and sustainable, fitting perfectly into the 'harlow' stand or serving as a standalone centerpiece.
2. Structures and Accessories for large-scale design
‘Conservatory' stands: Your partner in crafting memorable, impactful installations with ease and sustainability in mind.
'Soprano’ vase attachment: A simple yet revolutionary addition to the 'soprano arch', enabling water-fed floral arrangements anywhere on the structure.
‘Basilica’ column: Designed to allow for the creation of impressive, flower-adorned pillars that are not only visually striking but also environmentally considerate.
Vases
CAPRICORN AND CASSIO COMPOTES
The colorful new ‘capricorn’ and gold metallic ‘cassio’ compotes are deep, opaque, and have an open foot perfect for designing artful, sprawling centerpieces into water. Simply tuck in a layered orb of chicken wire or a branch armature into these sturdy vessels and design away! Each has a built in lip at the rim of the vase to keep mechanics in place without plastic tape. Both styles come in two sizes and ( hot tip ) can be placed into the ever popular ‘harlow’ stands.
HARLOW FOOTED BOWLS
Speaking of the ever popular ‘harlow’ stand, I am thrilled to share the new ‘harlow footed bowls’ ! These stylish bowls are designed to allow florists to make large, impressive elevated arrangements without the use of foam. They are available in two stylish finishes and two sizes. These lightweight yet sturdy bowls are a pleasure to design with! And yes, they are made to nestle perfectly into the “harlow’ stand, but they can also be used on the tabletop. The smaller of the two is a perfect size for a generous centerpiece, and the larger is ideal for statement pieces.
Structures
CONSERVATORY STANDS
I am so thrilled that I was able to consult on the design of the incredible new ‘conservatory’ stands. These sturdy stands are a joy to design with! These versatile stands are offered individually- one measures 6 feet tall and the other is just shy of 8 feet tall. Purchase one of each to create an artful ‘broken arch,’ purchase two of the taller stands to create a more symmetrical installation, or purchase two tall and one short to be able to offer both looks! Each stand holds specially designed receptacles that can be designed ahead and popped in on site, or designed in situ. Color outside the lines and create all manner of installations with these as your reliable structural base! Choose to leave out a cup or two for deliberate negative space.
SOPRANO VASE ATTACHMENT
I also consulted with Accent Decor on a way to add water sources to their beautiful ‘soprano arch.’ Meet the ‘soprano vase attachment!’ These receptacles bolt onto the soprano arch easily and securely- wherever you want to add floral material. Create a full flowery arch or a more minimal one with lots of negative space. Design the cups ahead of time, or onsite!
BASILICA COLUMN
Last, but not least, meet the ‘basilica column.’ I did not consult on this artful design, but I did have a lot of fun designing with it! Stack these lightweight but incredibly sturdy columns and secure them together to create impressive pillars; ready for flowering. I added multi-layered chicken wire tubes to the columns and designed long lasting materials into it. Tubed flowers were added to finish. This simple approach allowed me to create an airy yet impactful installation quickly and easily. I also love the idea of using them as a base for hanging installations- vertically or horizontally hung…stay tuned for more tests!
An Invitation from me to you
THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FLORISTRY
As we continue to explore and expand the boundaries of floral design, it's clear that the path to sustainability is not a solitary one. It's a journey we embark on together, as a community of creatives committed to leaving the world more beautiful and healthier than we found it.
Our exploration into sustainable floristry is far from over. It's a constantly evolving narrative, one that requires our collective creativity, passion, and dedication. I invite you to join me in this journey, to embrace these tools and techniques, and to become part of a movement that's reshaping the future of floristry—one arrangement at a time.
I hope these new designs help you in your pursuit of creating beauty without compromise! I am confident that they will set you up for success, less stress, and less waste.
READY FOR IN-DEPTH INSTRUCTION?
For a floral mentor and a treasure trove of resources, I encourage you to seek in-depth instruction. You can find on-demand courses galore or join the Virtual Studio. Together, let's push floristry forward towards the intersection of beautiful and responsible.
Gratefully,
Sue
