Modern Easter Basket

I have been enjoying taking floral design classes at pot & box on 220 Felch Street, Ann Arbor.  The classes are run by Bloom Florist Collective, which are four local independent florist working together.  They are Susan of Passionflower, Holly of Sweet Pea, Tracy of Red Poppy, and Lisa of Pot & Box.  

End of last summer when I discovered they offered floral design classes, I couldn’t stop wondering how can I get into their class—I had miss their grand opening class—that’s a problem of blogs, you find out about things AFTER they happen!  The arrangements were gorgeous.  I wanted to learn to make such stunning arrangements!  So I did what most modern 21^st century gal does, I stalked their blog waiting for classes! 

In Fall of 2012, I took their “Art of Compote” class and have been hooked since.  Last night, I enjoyed the “Modern Easter Basket”  class.  We were given simple moss baskets and we transformed them into magnificent arrangements.  I’m still not sure how the transformation happens.  Susan, guides us through—telling us how she wrapped the willow branches from one side and wrapping it around the handle. 

At the end of the evening, I’m thrilled with my accomplishments and how beautiful it looks.  Surprisingly, I’m honestly impressed with my own work.  Large part of the satisfaction comes from my initial trepidation  -- how am I going to create something that looks half as nice as what we are shown?  In the end it comes together.  My designs tend to be organic.  In the past the crowns or wreaths looks as if garden fairies or woodland creatures made it.  Which is interesting to think I might be a woodland creature because I am not.  I’m an urbanite. 

Humble moss basket

Modern Easter Basket

The materials we are given are extraordinary.  Bloom Collective picks incredible floral.  These aren’t just beautiful flowers, but they think about color, texture and layering.

I’m excited that I’m taking this knowledge and doing the floral arranging for my friends’ wedding this summer.  I’m excited and a wee bit nervous.  I’m confident that I can do it and that my work will be beautiful.  BUT beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  My fear is that what I consider to be gorgeous might not be for my friends, the bride and groom.   They are putting a lot of faith and trust in me.  It’s going to be exciting (I hope).

http://www.bloomclass.com