I was tossing out the last of a bouquet I'd been given (yes, though I live and breathe flowers, I still like to receive 'em) and I got to thinking "Dratz! It would've been nice if it lasted longer!" But that's the deal with flowers. They eventually have to kick it. I know this. I live this. But still, it sure would've been nice if at least some of it had survived; something I could keep going just a little longer. And there it was, a little "Aha!" moment for yours truly. Why not a bouquet that mixes both the beauty of the season's cut flowers with some heartier living plants? A LIVING BOUQUET so to speak - well, at least in part. A bouquet where, once the last of the blooms fade, I could pull out and pot the remaining elements in say, a terrarium or dish garden. Its a classic bouquet with a sustainability twist in that its a gift that keeps on giving. I dunno. I just dig the mix!
0 Comments
Okay, so these flowers may not be able to talk. But, if they could, they'd probably say "Fresh and Simple Photograph Best." And, well, I'd be inclined to agree. ;)
There is something special for me about these orders. I get a little sentimental sometimes. They feel more personal in a way, I guess. While arranging and placing stems, I get to musing about the moment that will unfold around the table; around our flowers. Family and friends coming together to break bread, to reunite, to celebrate a major accomplishment. Toasts to a joyous occasion or maybe in loving memory. Celebrations of a bride-to-be? A mom-to-be? Is it a boy? Is it a girl? Then there are the couples - fifty years and counting? Wow! Fifteen? Four? First anniversaries? All worthy milestones. Its a man or woman bravely putting their heart out there in the form of a question. Will they say no? Will they say yes? I really do think a little about these families and friends celebrating change. Creating the arrangement further, adding a little greenery here and touch of texture there, I get wondering to what moment will my flowers be privy. Proud moments, moments of mourning, happy moments, moments of joy. Life in transition. Life in celebration. And there in the middle of it, humble and quite, sits something FlowerCrates created. I've come to realize and truly appreciate that we don't just deliver flowers. Each arrangement we create carries with it our sincerity; our well wishes. It is a true honor for our flowers to be invited to these moments.
Man, I really dig my job! :) Crushing BIG on these sunflowers!
Art Night at my son's elementary school had me digging deep into the recesses of FlowerCrates' storage to give new life to some old props. Brightened up a bit with a sweet palette of fresh flowers and Voila!: A floral masterpiece worthy of donation! I was so honored to display among the amazing works of these kids and our dedicated teachers. SO MUCH beautiful Imagination. I just love it! Lets all keep Creativity In Bloom and, in whatever way we can, support The Arts in our schools. 'Cause, hey, what a drab world it would be without it, right? Have a nice day! :) We were kicking around different ideas for Mother's Day when my little one bounced in from her play kitchen and asked me (for the fragillionth time) to tie her apron. She was in the midst of making a lego pie - ( personally not a fan. Too crunchy. ;) and the darn strings kept untying. As I looped it around her and tied it snugly at her belly, I got to thinking about motherhood and the familiar "apron string" trope and the irony before me that it was I who was tethered to my three year old's strings and not the other way around. My strings? Well, she cut herself loose back when she took her first step and, in truth, never looked back, unless of course she needs me to tie or untie something :) As she bounced out of the room, I decided two things 1) kids aprons should only ever have velcro and 2) that I would create for mother's day this year something that celebrates the loving and sentimental connotation of the apron strings. Not only did I come up with what I think is a pretty gorgeous new arrangement but actually a whole new product was born. TaDa! The first in our little line of Fleur Couture, we have FlowerCrates exclusive "Apron Strings".
Here's the pitch: A great splash of fun when you want to "dress up" a basic container. Putting together your own flowers, these mini aprons tie easily around an everyday florist vase creating an overall nostalgic look to your arrangement. Available in Sets of 3. The flowers at market this week are amazing! So, if you are interested in the finished product, we are offering them in an arrangement as well. I adore this arrangement almost as much as the thought and sentiment that went into it. So much so that I am now going to offer it on the site. It was just such a beautiful way to congratulate a new family on the birth of their twins. Turning from convention and putting the focus directly on this new mom produced a fresher and truly more inspired gift. Oh, don't get me wrong. Pink and Blue Bears? Predictably adorable. Balloons that announce "ITS A BABY"? Obvious but still sweet. Then there are the florist gifts featuring redundantly classic themes. That poor ol' stork delivering baskets teeming with mostly - c'mon, lets face it - USELESS items, items that only look important when branded with the latest Disney character. Sure, they may be a bit trite but certainly no less delightful. When its presented, its all fun. Its all festive. No worries and no judgment if you've clicked and bought these kinds of gifts as I have so many times in the past. They are no doubt given with the same thoughtful kindness and truly received with the same loving appreciation. So, sure, they're cool. But, I can't help but think that there's a nicer way to give and receive flowers. Turning away from kitsch, I personally fall back more and more these days on the tried and true wisdom that simple is best, as this new mom of twins is soon to learn. Yes, Simple is indeed Best! When taking this order, we asked if they'd like a whimsical theme for the babies or something designed more with "Mom" in mind.
The exact response to my question was: "Well, her whole world is going to be these babies. They're gonna get all the attention from here on out. I think we should give a little of it to mom while she can still get it." DONE! : ) I love that this family chose "Mom". So, no bears. No mylar. No licensed characters. Could be boy. Could be girl. Who knows because this arrangement won't tell. In its simplicity of just flowers, its mission was to congratulate this new mom on this amazing new beginning. Gosh, I just LOVE IT! The Details: Sturdy in its weight, we chose the WUDBLOK DUO, a perfect container for the job with its "two in one" quality - one vessel for two separate, lovely bundles of beauty. For those "bundles of beauty" we selected Antique and Mini Green Hydrangea, White Larkspur, stunning Pink and White Parrot Tulips, Sweetness Roses and Scented Geranium. All in all, I think it came together rather nicely. Cheers!
Moving beyond the standard salute to the "shamrock", FlowerCrates decided to pay homage to some patriotic colors instead. So using dubium (Sun Star) plants and our classic Sweater Pot (who doesn't love a good sweater, eh?), we celebrate Ireland's Orange, White and Green in a little different but still hip kinda way. And, though my dearly departed Da would probably cringe (sorry, Dad), we added just a wee bit of the English Ivy - ya know, for PEACE! :) Oh, and um, today and - well, actually everyday really, you should heed this bit of advice: "When Irish eyes are smilin', its usually 'cause we're up to something!" HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
We are so very grateful to have had a wonderful year, full of love and kind support from our family, friends and fans.
God Bless! |