Gates Ajar/ Gates of Heaven

DFlorist

DFlorist

New Member
Oct 16, 2009
163
206
0
Stoney Creek
State / Prov
Ontario
In the last month I've already done two of these. Before that I've never seen one done..

So the first time I did one, I called one of the ladies that used to work at the shop and asked for some pointers. It turned out pretty good. The customer was really happy. So happy that he ordered another one 2 weeks later. This one turned out even better, and I did it in half the time.

A lady called me up on Thursday and said she saw the second one I did at the funeral home, and wanted to order the same thing..

I just wanted to ask if anyone has any pointers?

I would post pictures of the 2 I've done already, but the pictures are on my computer at home. I'll post them later..
 
  • Like
Reactions: KABERS and anytimeflowers
We do quite a few Heavens Gates here. Normally large spray on the left with ivy trailing through the design and up the arch, with a smaller spray on the right so make it more garden like. Then we have another small spray once you go through the gates. I tend to double ribbon inside and out side the arch and also the base, with leaves or ribbon covering the back. I charge £120-00 up here.
 
The last time I made a "Gates Ajar" was in the seventies. Probably around the same time I made a "Jesus Called".
I'm glad that you posted this, because I'm not sure I would remember how to do one, if asked tomorrow.
In fact I think I tossed my last form sometime in the late eighties...oops...maybe they are making a come back!!!!
Oh well, I'll just order another frame if that is the case, and wing it, based on your photo.
Thanks, D.
Now, as to the "Jesus Called"......do you suppose an old cell phone would work as well as a phone off the hook? Does Jesus use a cell phone? I hope so, because I don't own a blackberry.
JP
 
  • Like
Reactions: theRKF
In the southern United States, the Gates Ajar/Heaven's gate is a still quite popular design. The traditional way it is made here ( regretfully I don't have a photo ) is the base, arch, and sides are covered in florals, the gaites themselves and the steps painted gold, However, I have a more modernized version that I create and it is prettier and sells better than the traditional. ( Again, sorry for no photo ).

I take the arch part and completely cover in gold mylar ribbon or other type gold ribbon or white irridescent ribbon. I paint the gates gold or white. I attach the gates opening to the inside of the arch. I then take and create a pathway of gold ribbon down the steps and a small pathway leading up to the gates.

( The path of ribbon symbolizes the 'streets paved with gold' the irridescent ribbon symbolizes the 'gates of pearls'

Then on either side of the arch and down the sides of the path I use florals to create a garden/landscape setting.
 
The picture I attached is the first one I did.

This one has more leather then I would have liked. But it was a last minute order.

The arrangement I did this past Sunday morning gave me a bit of trouble since the frame I bought was crooked.

This is how I made them:

- First I spray painted the gates
- Then I put oasis in the arch then wrapped them, and did the same to the the base.
- Next I greened the entire frame
- Then inserted all the flowers and put in the final touches.
- I was told there should be a dove in the arrangement somewhere, since I didn't have a white dove, I found a small bird that complimented the colours. I added the bird after I took the picture attached.
- Since I didn't have enough time to let the oasis drip out properly. I got a piece of wood I had lying around and cut it to size, wrapped the wood with green poly-foil, put a towel in the middle to absorb the excess water. It gave me a sturdy base, it was easier to transport, and the funeral home would be happy.


Joanne, I've been doing a lot of cleaning and sorting lately, and I was soooo tempted to toss the two frames I had. Good thing I didn't.

And BTW for my fellow Canadians, Staalduinen carries the frames, and Westbrook does too.
 

Attachments

  • CIMG0635.jpg
    CIMG0635.jpg
    774.1 KB · Views: 65
  • Like
Reactions: KABERS and anytimeflowers
That is really pretty, thanks for sharing. Stick it on your website for sure!!
 
Now I have never had an order for this, but with the way the internet is, I am tempted to make one and put it on my website, just incase someone from the south wants one for here. We may have never gotten an order simply because it is not shown anywhere..
 
  • Like
Reactions: anytimeflowers and theRKF
I have checked with Smithers Oasis and they do not sell this form in the US. They also don't sell the other forms to such as the guitar, harp, etc.

I was told the only way to get this form is through the European market. Anyone have any ideas where to get your hands on this product or would it be easier to just cut it out yourself?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Flowerchatter03 and anytimeflowers
DFlorist said:
And BTW for my fellow Canadians, Staalduinen carries the frames, and Westbrook does too.
Click to expand...

and so does Highland Evergreen.....
 
  • Like
Reactions: anytimeflowers and DFlorist
I was thinking of making one with an oasis sculping sheet base and curley willow armeture arch, gates out of gold wire...and doing it really really updated and gardeny...one of these days when I have some play time and extra flowers...
 
lori042499 said:
I was thinking of making one with an oasis sculping sheet base and curley willow armeture arch, gates out of gold wire...and doing it really really updated and gardeny...one of these days when I have some play time and extra flowers...
Click to expand...

Now there's an idea!!!!!! :)
 
Flowerchatter03 said:
I have checked with Smithers Oasis and they do not sell this form in the US. They also don't sell the other forms to such as the guitar, harp, etc.

I was told the only way to get this form is through the European market. Anyone have any ideas where to get your hands on this product or would it be easier to just cut it out yourself?
Click to expand...

At one time, there was a UK wholesaler on here that offered them......and did ship to the US. As of yet, there is no establoished shipping channel between the Uk and US for UK oasis.

Perhaps Some of our UK members might have an idea or a suggestion.
 
IIRC, the ones we used to get were always styro based, no oasis (back in the dark ages) and we picked poms to cover the styro. They were about 3 1/2 to 4' in height and about 3' in width. Oh my gosh.....we did our last one for $125 LOL - many many years ago. The French Canadians called for them mostly (along with the "Jesus Called" with the phone)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back