Team Flower Workshop

Team Flower Workshop Part II: Finding Our Roots

Team Flower Workshop was purposefully geared for attendees at all stages of floral artistry.  Each hands-on station taught tips of the trade for business owners at all levels.  It included money-saving tips on building installations to time-saving tips on hiring freelancers to pre-made garland for those who had the higher budgets.  Each attendee gained something different from each session.  The centerpiece hands-on stations were also purposefully set up so each designer could focus on her arrangement with a backdrop of a white wall or window as opposed to arranged in front of another designer's piece. 

Kelly reminded us to focus on our own style and craft rather than distracting ourselves with constant envy of others' work, fear of incorrect methods, etc.  Kelly's team introduced us to their own tried and true techniques and told us to try them out and take what worked best for ourself rather than focusing on learning the "correct" way.  The emphasis was on first learning the principles of design and rule of thirds.  Once learned and perfected, then we were encouraged to creatively break them.  After all, creative design is intuitive and organic in nature... rather than just a formula.

After the first day to our surprise the Team Flower Workshop team styled a spring-inspired dinner on the patio of the arboretum.  What a perfect setting to relax and take in the moment and breathe the fresh mountain air.  The dinner's theme was "Roots That Go Deep," in order to understand our own personal path, style, and purpose.  Here are a few favorite photos from Holly Carlisle that I just had to share with you!  Just looking at these takes me back!

Team Flower Workshop 2015 evening dinner in the gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC.  Centerpiece styling by Marianne Caldwell of Riveroaks.  Photo by Holly Carlisle.

The theme of the dinner discussed the importance of acknowledging our strong and deep roots.  Where we've come from... What we've been through..., so that we may spring forward with strength in pursuing our goals and sharing our talents. 

From Kelly Perry, "Each of these plates represents a beautiful soul, a soul that brings me the same kind of comfort and rest the trees do.  Like the trees, they stay through all seasons.  Their roots are deep.  Their kindness keeps them green through drought.  While nagging thoughts may come and tell them otherwise, a focused mind keeps them sure.  And in those fleeting moments where focus is lost, there are lots of others in place to remind them."  She wished us all strong roots that go down deep to enable us joy in the blossoms and fruit that will follow.

I just loved being inspired by these spring veggies from Whole Foods and a local nursery in Asheville.  The earthiness of the centerpieces paired with amber glass votives and food catered by Jo Dee of Savory Thyme Catering created an enchanting woodland feel that made the experience unforgettable and so meaningful to us all.

Centerpiece styling by Marianne Caldwell of Riveroaks.  Photo by Holly Carlisle.

I just loved the spring onions that stretched along the center of the table and created a linear contrast against the soft, patterned white linen.  Centerpiece styling by Marianne Caldwell of Riveroaks.  Photo by Holly Carlisle.

The organic look was put together by grouping similar vegetables in mostly odd numbers in ceramic bowls and earthy pots.   Photo by Holly Carlisle

Stay tuned for Team Flower Workshop Part III:  Light as a Feather.  For details on this dinner visit Kelly's post on Team Flower's website.

Where it Began... Team Flower Workshop, Part I

It's been one incredible, life-changing year for me.  Where it began?  Nearly one year ago, I knew I needed to discover a new creative outlet.  I had been engaged for about 8 months and saw a Instagram post that encouraged those interested in floral design to treat themselves to a awe-inspiring, hands-on experience at Team Flower Workshop 2015. 

The workshop was exactly what I needed and had hoped for.  It fueled my leap of faith to transition back into the design field, leave my job of nearly five years, and move forward with creative floral design and event decor.  I had no idea that in only six months I'd be planning my own company and creating this website. 

The workshop was held at the beautifully, quaint North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC during the most beautiful time of the year.  Large fluffy clouds above, sun beaming through the clear skies in the far distance, and a gorgeous mountainside with just the slightest breeze and fresh, sweet scent of nectar in the air. 

These images take me back to my experience.  Here's a few favorites from the first day of Team Flower workshop artfully captured by photographers Heather Payne and Holly Carlisle.   

A beautiful three days at the North Carolina Arboretum hosted by Kelly Perry | Photo:  Heather Payne

At the Orientation Breakfast to my surprise I found a name tag engraved with my name.  How official! | Photo:  Heather Payne

Lovely gold and pinks at the entrance.  The music played set the theme for the orientation with "What a Wonderful World." | Photo:  Heather Payne

Each catered meal had a special theme and explanation of symbolism and planning involved.  Everything was purposefully hand-picked from the drinks to food to tapered candles to linens, and even the music. | Photo:  Heather Payne

 We explored the arboretum space and enjoyed meeting new faces in the courtyard with our baskets of white blooms and greenery.  | Photo:  Heather Payne

During the Meet & Greet, I met participants from all over like Toronto, Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Raleigh, and even Hong Kong!  It made me feel better to know that their were others looking for a wonderful world through blooms. 

Kelly told us, " I helped my first bride at 14.  I intend to help my last one at 101.  Age is irrelevant when it comes to encouraging the world." 

Our host, Kelly Perry, planned everything "to a T." | Photo:  Heather Payne

She invited other floral professionals such as Holly Carlisle of Rosegolden, Deedie Springer from Springvine Design, Emily Kennedy of Kennedy Occasions, and Ashley Beyer of Tinge Floral to share their knowledge.   Linda Doan of Aunt Willie’s Wildflowers also shared tips on how to grow flowers. | Photo:  Heather Payne

Kelly Perry from Philosophy Flowers and founder of Team Flower inspires everyone she meets.  Even though I was the only attendee without a floral design business, Kelly's encouragement and natural teaching style made me feel at ease.  It was the first time I ever designed a hand-tied bouquet let alone a garden-style centerpiece.  Every moment was exciting and new, breathing to the sweet scents of garden roses and tulips and putting my art skills to good use when applying the principles of design in my arrangement. I tried to soak up anything and everything from Kelly and her team.   I was especially inspired by dogwood, peony, and lovely magenta-purple roses. 

This is where the magic happened each day!  Topics in principles of design, elements of design, growing flowers, and much more!  | Photo:  Holly Carlisle

*Sigh.  This was my first look at the flower room.  The scents!  The colors!  The textures!  | Photo:  Holly Carlisle

Can you imagine a day where you are working with buckets and buckets of the most gorgeous florals like Chocolate Scabiosa, Blue Muscari, Maria Theresa spray roses, Orange Poppy, Fruiting Blackberries, Sarah Bernhart Peony, Cappuccino Ranunculus, Karamel Antike garden roses, Chantilly Snapdragons, and Tulip Magnolia (just to name a few favorites)?  Each day felt like a dream...

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Team Flower Workshop experience where I'll discuss the importance of understanding your deep roots.  To learn more about "What a Wonderful World" inspiration for the workshop breakfast, read Kelly's post on the Team Flower Workshop website.