Thanksgiving

Rust color Chrysanthemums and Velvet variegated Carnations

Happy Thanksgiving!! These are two mini vases of Chrysanthemums and Carnations I have arranged today. The vases look filled to the brim, but each one has only two stems of flowers. I have cut them really short to fill the 3" and 4" glass containers.

I have chosen 2 matching dark brown glass vases of different heights to complement the wintry hues of rust and velvety purple. The colors of the flowers have such a presence about them, I think this simple arrangement befits them most.

Although a wreath would be nice, I think this frugal arrangement also has its appeal. Happy thanksgiving!!

Flower Shoot

Red Roses Dome Posy


White and Pale Green and Sweet Peas Posy


Petit Sweet Pea Posy for Flower Girls


Mid-size Red Rose Posy for bridesmaids


Red and Green make a nice contrast

During the last week of October, we had a flower shoot done by Terry Bear. We were worried about the weather because the whole week had been cloudy and murky. We wanted the flowers shot under natural light and we were so thankful on the day of the shoot, the weather was fine and there was abundant lighting.

After a couple of test shots, Terry decided against the commercial style shooting, where the bouquets were upright and shot rigid as a statue. I was thrilled with the resulting photos. The lighting highlighted the layers and textures of the posies. The greatest part was the composition of the photos. They were artful, but at the same time Terry created a laid back, non structured ambience.

I hope in the coming days, more flowers and posies will be featured here.
(All Photos by Terry Bear, a very big thank you to YY)

With new eyes

The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust


Sprig of flower by Terry Bear

Ivy by Terry Bear

Heart by Terry Bear

Mandarin duck by Terry Bear

Silhouette by Terry Bear

I never would have guessed these photos were taken in the local park I used to frequent years ago. Terry is a moderator at a listed company and photography is a hobby. I used to work with his girlfriend in the same company and when she knew I was looking for a photographer to take photos for my portfolio, she offered to help.

After looking at the Terry's work, I know my portfolio will be really nice. We have scheduled to do a trial shoot for two posies next week. I have a feeling I will find "the" photo at the trial.

(All photos my Terry Bear)

Jasmine surprise

A friend dropped by and gave me a really nice gift. Wrapped in light ivory paper were two bouquets of jasmine. The fragrance was heavenly, light and fresh. She said the flowers were not much, but I think it's the thought that counted.

Too bad jasmines were such delicate flowers that could last only two to three days max, but I guess the fragility just made them more precious.

White and Green

White Lily Posy with generous greens for adornment

Finally there is a posy with my favorite color scheme, white and green. The white lilies were adorned with 3 kinds of greens. First, we had to gather the lilies into a flat-topped circle, then we had to make a loop with the ophiopogon leaves, which incidentally looked a little like spring onions. The tips were left as sprays.

Lastly the posy was enveloped by big hosta leaves. We used another deeper green leaf, the aspidistra, to wrap around the stems of the lilies to hide the flower tape and anchor it with a pearl pin. Voila, this is the White and Green lily posy!

Roses

Champagne roses with red berries


Sheathed in matching organza adds a softness to the posy


Red roses and African berries make a lovely wintry bouquet

Big blossoms add fullness to the posy

Even though I am not a big fan of roses, I must admit that the posies we made in class the past two weeks were my favorites in this course. Both posies shown above were hand tied, with no wires.

Hand tied posies adds spontaneity to the bouquet as the flowers arranged this way are less rigid in structure.

Two more classes left, I'll definitely miss it!!

Cymbidium Posy

Cymbidium orchids, pink roses, wax flower posy


Posy full view

It doesn't seem that long ago when I enrol in my flower course but I am already three quarters into my course. There will be only 5 classes left in the upcoming weeks. I miss my weekly class already.

This is a Cymbidium posy I made last Friday. It might not be obvious, but aside from the orchids, roses and wax flower blooms, we had to use two kinds of foliage to separate the flowers and fill in the little gaps, to make the posy fuller and rounder.

The teacher told us now that we have a firm grasp of the basic techniques, we have to focus on the little details. It's the little details that count, that make the difference. How true!