From Trash to Treasure: A Recap of My Convention Presentation

What do you see when you look at a cardboard box or an old bucket? Most people see trash, but at the recent floral convention, I challenged attendees to see something more: a canvas for creativity and a solution to common design problems.

My presentation, "Styled Environments: Artful Backdrops for Retail, Studio and Public Installation," was all about embracing the "make vs. buy" philosophy. As designers, we often grapple with the choice between purchasing trendy items and creating something unique ourselves. While buying can be convenient, I believe there is an undeniable power in the handmade. Not only does it offer an authentic touch that resonates deeply with clients, but it also gives us a sense of ownership and resilience against unpredictable supply chains.

The core of my talk focused on turning studio "waste" into valuable design assets. I shared some of my favorite projects, including a stick garland repurposed from a light wall I used over eight years ago, and even "pearl" garlands crafted from my son's ball pit balls! We also discussed how an old studio drop-cloth could be transformed into a dynamic, painted backdrop—a perfect example of sustainability meeting design savvy.

We dove into the five key principles of effective retail display design:

  1. Color: The emotional and visual foundation of any display.

  2. Movement: How a simple fan or a hanging installation can draw the eye and guide a customer's journey.

  3. Lighting: The power of a single pin spot to highlight a key floral design.

  4. Eyeline: The art of creating interactive layers that invite people to explore.

  5. Be Witty!: The value of a clever design that makes people smile.

It was an incredible experience to speak and share my knowledge, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I hope to have many more like this in the future!

A huge thank you to the NCSFA for hosting, and a special thank you to my amazing sponsors—Rosaprima, Floraprima, Mayesh, Oasis, and Syndicate—for helping me bring my vision to life.

My hope is that every attendee walked away looking at their studio in a new light, ready to transform their "trash" into their next big treasure. And for anyone looking for that unique touch for their business, we would happily welcome more display design jobs to our lineup between event work. We're ready to make and create for you!

Images generously shared with me by Jo Lynn Photography.

Here is a link to a video of the whole presentation my friend Miguel created for me.

A Royal Romance: Floral Design at Graylyn Estate

Working at the stunning Graylyn Estate is always a dream. Its elaborate gardens and enchanting architecture provide the perfect backdrop, and for this shoot, we were inspired by the timeless elegance of British royal weddings. It was an honor to collaborate with an incredible team of North Carolina's finest wedding professionals, led by Significant Events and beautifully captured by Laura Memory Photography. Together, we brought a vision of modern royalty to life, using sustainable techniques taught to me by Shane Connolly, the florist for Prince William and Princess Kate’s royal wedding.

Crafting an English Garden, Sustainably

My goal was to create a lush, romantic floral design that felt both grand and intimate, all while using 100% foam-free mechanics. I’m passionate about sustainable floristry, and this shoot was the perfect opportunity to showcase how beautiful and intricate arrangements can be without the use of floral foam. For the tabletop decor, I created armatures out of grapevine, a technique that provides structure and a natural, organic feel. I also used a simple but effective trick for smaller arrangements: placing grapes in small bowls as natural flower frogs. This method provides a weighted base and a source of water, keeping blooms fresh without any plastic or synthetic materials.

The floral designs themselves featured a romantic blend of creamy whites and soft greens, incorporating delicate orchids, classic gardenias, and soft roses. The result was a design that felt organic and effortless, where every bloom and branch was intentionally placed, just like in a true English garden.

Iconic Blooms for a Royal Bride

For the bridal bouquet, I was thrilled to create a design inspired by Princess Diana's iconic cascade bouquet. However, to keep it lightweight and sustainable, I used a grapevine armature as the base. This allowed me to meticulously wire in each delicate element by hand, including gardenias, hyacinths, stephanotis, and pieris japonica and astilbe which beautifully emulated the delicate look of lily of the valley. The final piece was a stunning, hand-crafted cascade that looked and felt like a true heirloom.

The entire shoot was a testament to the talent and creativity of our local wedding community. It was a privilege to be a part of it, and I hope our work inspires you to dream big for your own special day.

Do you have any questions about specific flowers or design concepts we used? I'm happy to tell you more.

Moe’s Home Showroom Floral additions

Insights from High Point Market with Moe's Home - Featuring Exquisite Floral Design

Stepping into a beautifully curated space, whether it's a showroom or your own living room, often evokes a feeling beyond just aesthetics. It’s about comfort, connection, and that undeniable sense of belonging. At the Spring High Point Furniture Market, we were thrilled to work with Moe's Home Collection to enhance their showroom with our floral elements.

With a background in interior design and a start in floral design over 20 years ago, our Creative Director, Heather Miller, brought a unique perspective to the Moe's Home Showroom. Having created flowers for furniture showrooms in the past, and even interning in New York for Larry Laslo – experiences shaped by connections to High Point Market over the years – the opportunity to enhance the beautiful furniture and accessories at Moe's Home was a special one.

The floral installations were designed to perfectly complement the showroom's aesthetic. This included an installation featuring dried hydrangea airbrushed with a custom blended tint. This not only contrasted beautifully with the entrance color but also provided a sense of warmth and welcome. Throughout the showroom, additional arrangements were strategically placed, adding a finishing touch to the team's hard work and highlighting the exquisite furniture and accessories on display. Whether it's the inviting ambiance of the showroom, the carefully selected pieces in their collection, or the thoughtful inclusion of floral artistry, every element is chosen to inspire and empower you to create a home that feels uniquely yours.