Floofin' in May
Okay, so since last month I have moved studios, started freelancing again, started moving flats (trying to desperately), had more than my fair share of wedding meetings, planned a proposal for shop (although that really is a dream, that I am not sure will come true) and amongst lots of other things THE SEASONS HAVE CHANGED and we are now rolling into BRITISH FLOWERS!
A QUICK NOTE TO SAY I’VE STARTED DOING ‘STRAIGHT UP’ BUNCHES. SINGLE VARIETY BUNCHES CHOSEN BY ME EACH WEEK, FOR £20! GREAT WAY TO GET SOME FLOWERS WITHOUT BRUISING THE BANK! NEXT WEEK WILL BE BRITISH LILAC!
I’d also like to say a massive thanks to those who emailed me about their lockdown hobbies and joys that helped them through the tough periods, I am so grateful for your replies and I know I haven’t got back to you (due to business and a little moving stress) but it honestly means the world! Keep talk to me! I promise I am replying telepathically!
Making The Most Of It
Last month I told you guys, honestly, that I’d been dropped from a shoot. It was an odd one and the communication wasn’t very open. I believe in true transparency and it really did make me question my feelings towards this industry even further. So much of our professional lives are caught on Instagram, in a magazine, or through some sort of media.. and not enough is said about the times when it goes wrong, or you’re hurt or let down. Anyway. I was let down BUT I had so many flowers left over and I didn’t want it to go to waste. So, I invited a budding florist over for a two-day gently intensive workshop and together we made a hanging arrangement, bowl arrangements, and hand ties. Have a look below, and see what you think. We used a garden as our backdrop, which was kindly lent out to us, and we just worked in the cold making and creating some really beautiful things. With the first of the British sweetpeas and the best of British blossom, it was always going to be stunning!
Moving studios! I move studios this week, and as well as moving flat too! It all happens at once, doesn’t it? I have really been trying to not let it get on top of me, but my LAWD it is so exhausting. The next couple of weeks into May I will hopefully just be fine-tuning the new, small studio space. BUT i really love it. it’s got a gorgeous place to have meetings for weddings & events, a really lovely mix of wonderful independent businesses and just a really wonderful vibe- not to mention parking! So, if you’re ever around southwest London just give me a shout, I’d love to have you for a cup of tea!
Whilst in the middle of moving studios I had some gorge bouquets to make for Levi’s and a PR company that I had the pleasure of working with. They were sent to 3 amazing young, creative females and I was able to fill them with stunning scented lilac, sweetpeas, butterfly ranunculus, crocosmia, blossom, white leaf, daffodils, Iris’, fritillaria, and a good few more things too!
A Little Something
I GOT MY VAN SIGNED UP! Yes, iI know I know, it is an absolute standard procedure for every business to actually have their name on their van, but it’s been a pandemic and not the most affluent year so I’ve had to wait and save a little. Thankfully, the gorgeous team at FastSign in Surbiton was able to put a quote together along with artwork really swiftly, so I just had to leave my beloved van for a few hours before she came back brand new and sparkling! What do you guys think?
Shoots and New Exciting Projects
With the easing of some lockdown restrictions, there has been a really wonderful move into doing more shoots and focusing on things that were'’t seen in trends as much before the pandemic. I took part in an amazing FEMINIST bridal photoshoot last week, focusing on womxn wearing what they want, make-up, body hair, clothing, and attitudes were all accepted and it looked amazing. The final images aren’t ready yet (I’ll make sure to show them as soon as they are and credit all participants) but for the time being here are the bridal bouquets I made.
I also made a small floor-standing arrangement, using soaked ground moss, twine, and a reusable bowl. Just goes to show you can use eco-friendly methods for whatever type of floral arrangement you are creating, you just need to use your brain a bit more!
Flower of the Month
This one is hard. I desperately am falling more and more in love with Tulips again, but we can’t go on about them again. They got March! And I really want to choose Ranunculus because well… they’re just amazing. But I am going to possibly create a little friction in the group here and choose one of my favourites…
BRITISH LILAC.
I never thought I’d fall for lilac how I have the past few years. Lilac is the SWEETEST scent, alongside sweet peas and lily of the valley it smells like proper spring to me. I love the fact it comes in different shades of purple and its overall shape is a sort of heart. I love the individual little flowers and how perfectly formed they are. Such an unassuming flower until it bursts and releases its stunning scent and perfect flowers.
If you happen to be lucky enough to get Lilac in your bouquets this week, make sure to always remove any leaves (if I’ve somehow left them on there), cut UP the stem, not just across, and give them LOTS of water. Their wooden stems mean it’s harder for them to drink, and once they perish- man, they look sad. Keep them hydrated and happy and you’ll have those Lilacs giving you joy throughout your week!
There’s a lot to look forward to next month for Garage. I’ve got weddings, events, small exciting projects and even a little market! If you’re free on the weekend of 21st May, I will have a small stall in Islington selling British Peonies and single varieties all wrapped gorgeously for your homes, yourself, or your pals! Please do pop along if you’re in the Islington area, I’d love to see you and say hello.
As always, thanks for reading and checking in with Garage. You are wonderful and I am so grateful! xxx
Small Business Shout Outs
LYDIA BOLTON makes clothing from recycled and upcycled materials. She recreates shapes and sizes in order for ‘old’ clothes to have a ‘new’ look or feel. Her brand has skyrocketed in the last year, as she was able to focus on her brand, the sustainability approach, and be ethical to herself. Lydia is not only a really lovely person but she makes incredible clothes at affordable prices, considering they are all hand-made! Catch all her tutorials and videos on Instagram, where you can see everything she does!
GAIA VESSELS is a female-owned company that produce specialist ceramic vessels for florist BY florists. The two women that set up Gaia have designed and created low and footed bowls perfect for floral arrangements (mainly wedding centres) and they are incredible. My bowls came last week, and I immediately put in another order as they sell out so fast. They are made to order, so no wastage here! Check them out, and be sure to get excited by them if you’re using Garage as your wedding florist! Can’t wait to fill them with seasonal blooms!
“That’s all folks”