Ideas for Demonstration

[sandytf]

Anyone have any ideas on what I could do as a floral demonstration?
Our local Arts Center is having it's annual Flower Festival next weekend and I'm slated to do a floral demonstration for one hour. The audience is mostly retired/older woman (although a few younger people and men do show up).

I was thinking of doing a bunch of different carn designs (inspired by Shannons thread). Last year I did basic floral design stuff-some vases, foam, etc.

Any ideas? Suggestions?

 

[sharonbrannigan]

in addition to whatever you do, show how to pin on a corsage or bout the proper way. i think lots of folks just don't know how to do it and most won't admit it.

 

[Connie]

Something that I have done, and it's always been well received, is to make a simple design, all the while talking about design, flower care, etc. Then I place that arrangement on top of a candlestick or a tall vase, adding flowers, greens, etc. to create a cascade/fountain. Then I either place all of that inside a wreath foarm lying flat on the table and create a third design. Sometimes I place the candlestick design on a tray or large bowl and add small plants or simply floats some flowers in it. Gets lots of ooohs and ahhhs. Quick and easy.

 

[logan]

The corsage/bout is a good idea and probably deserves a thread on its own since they are pinned on differently in different countries of the globe.

Carnations aka known by their prettier and more sale-able latin name of 'Dianthus' used in a various ways will appeal to all audiences and is a good idea.

Another thought is: how to use what is blooming in your garden right now, since you are going into summer there is bound to be something beautiful blooming in your garden that you can turn into a design, use some smithers wire or accessories etc. It does not have to be a huge full design, use minimal, focus on the bloom, go ikebana style, etc. etc. Just show them how to use different garden blooms in new ways. You can have the ladies pouring in to buy oasis, frogs (kenzans), pot tape, coloured wire, containers etc. etc. Just show them a new way of what is around them right now. Just a thought.

 

[LORRIE]

I have done a "group" design with success. Hand out a single flower to each participant upon arrival and a numbered ticket- gets their attention right away. Then talk about flower care and a little about the correct names for the parts of the flower, and a little about basic design technique. Then have each person bring up their flower one by one and insert it into a pre greened basket with foam to create a group design which is then the door prize for a lucky winner at the end of your talk.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

I get asked to do presentations all the time.

2 of the all time most impressive to an audience as you will have is....

A spiral hand tied arrangement.... The end "TA DA!!" part where the arrangement stands up by it's self is always fun, lots of cheers and applause on that part, plus I actually say "TA DA!!" with my arms flared out to the side. I always hear comments as I'm making it like "oh my gosh those flowers are so pretty" "look how fast she is" "she makes it look so easy"...

Then I always hear oh about for the next 2-3 weeks. "I went home and tried to do what you did and I just couldn't do it!"

Another big hit is a table scape with various cubes connected by foliages and flowers.

Whatever you do my biggest advice is really think about what you will say as you are designing. Don't say a lot of "yum's" or looooooong pauses.

I LOVE to do presentations. LOVE it. Even if it's to garden club ladies. So much fun!!
Good luck!

 

[BenNJ]

I plan each arrangement in advance and bundle the flowers together so that I can just pick a handful and have everything for the piece. I also favor the "O'Henry" presentation by a quick change at end of the arrangement. E.I. Make the arrangement in a flat bowl and move at the last minute into a pedestal or novelty. or a rather tall arrangement with prominent stems and a foliage base at the finish cut off the flower heads leaving the stems as a design element and insert the heads into the foliage base(Learned this from watching Tommy Bright at a demo in John Henry's studio).
Also I've very successfully used Lou Shea's idea of making an IceCream soda while I talk with oohs and ah when I finally plop it into a soda glass.
I talk most of the time, but set a rule that I will not answer questions about the arrangement I'm working on until it's done. Builds suspence and sets up the surprise ending.
Relax, Have fun, Good luck.

 

[marie g bushnell]

to BenNJ , what a nice idea having each participant add their flower to the greened up basket, like that.
Thanks

Marie, Flowers by Marie

 

[marie g bushnell]

The one class and presentation I've done that is always popular is a topiary.
I did the one for the Phila flower show with all carnations and at the base, seeded eucl., boxwood and other greenery. The two toned carnations seemed to stand out more. You could even get a little wild with peacock feathers!

I've even cut some honeysuckle vines from my garden and weaved them into a wreath. I strip the leaves and leave the flower, tuck in a piece of floral foam and add some moss and other flowers.

Have fun with it.

 

[sandytf]

in addition to whatever you do, show how to pin on a corsage or bout the proper way. i think lots of folks just don't know how to do it and most won't admit it.

I tried to thank you and it didn't show up. Then it just went away! I don't know what happened, but thanks!

 

[Carol Bice]

When I do presentation like this (ex. Texas State Fair)...I will do the flower for your personality program. I explain what I am doing as I make them and they all stick around to see which one fits their personality. Then, the next time they go to buy flowers, they can look intelligent when they explain their needs.

Carol Bice

 

[SpringCity]

LOVE this thread! I would like to give you all green dots, will do when I have time. :>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>

 

[OB1]

Me too, keep it coming...I'm going to use all these great ideas.

 

[sandytf]

This is a little off topic, but the corsage and bout. thing made me think of it. I was at a YMCA function the other day and there were men walking around with corsages on. With big old honkin' bows! This isn't the first time I've seen this. No wonder guys are not into wearing bouts/flowers!!! I think from now on, I will suggest small "cortennieres" (all gender neutral w/out bows) the next time someone comes in to order them for a function that has both men and women.

 

[sandytf]

When I do presentation like this (ex. Texas State Fair)...I will do the flower for your personality program. I explain what I am doing as I make them and they all stick around to see which one fits their personality. Then, the next time they go to buy flowers, they can look intelligent when they explain their needs.

Carol Bice

Can you expand on this a little more, Carol? I find it very interesting and want to know more!

 

[RWK]

....... regarding the 'cortinerres' - Were the gentlemen wearing them of hispanic/latin descent ???

Reason I ask, A little over two or three years ago, the shop I was working for had a wedding event.....in which the gentlemen wore what was the equivalent of single flower corsages.....with the lace, bow, and other trimming. This was a hispanic wedding and the custom dictated the gentlemen's flowers be as lavish and as decorated as the ladies.

 

[sandytf]

....... regarding the 'cortinerres' - Were the gentlemen wearing them of hispanic/latin descent ???

Reason I ask, A little over two or three years ago, the shop I was working for had a wedding event.....in which the gentlemen wore what was the equivalent of single flower corsages.....with the lace, bow, and other trimming. This was a hispanic wedding and the custom dictated the gentlemen's flowers be as lavish and as decorated as the ladies.

Good point, but no. Nothing like that. Here in northern WI there's not a lot of cultural diversity-probably German or Scandinavian descent!

 

[Carol Bice]

Can you expand on this a little more, Carol? I find it very interesting and want to know more!

I think SAF may have more information on this because it is one of their marketing promotions.

Design 5 different arrangments (or whatever you decide works for this program). Each has a different theme: Romantic, Natural, Expressive, Traditional, and Contemporary.

Give them the background of why each one may appeal to their senses. It makes them feel important to be able to label their choice and make it their own.

For example: Natural--for someone that loves the woods and outdoors and all the colors of nature.

Maybe hand out the explanations of the different personalities for a keepsake.

When you line up all five, they get very involved in picking out their style. The next time they go to a florist, they may feel intelligent by telling the clerk that they need a bouquet that is very romantic or contemporary.

Carol Bice

 

[sandytf]

I think SAF may have more information on this because it is one of their marketing promotions.

Design 5 different arrangments (or whatever you decide works for this program). Each has a different theme: Romantic, Natural, Expressive, Traditional, and Contemporary.

Give them the background of why each one may appeal to their senses. It makes them feel important to be able to label their choice and make it their own.

For example: Natural--for someone that loves the woods and outdoors and all the colors of nature.

Maybe hand out the explanations of the different personalities for a keepsake.

When you line up all five, they get very involved in picking out their style. The next time they go to a florist, they may feel intelligent by telling the clerk that they need a bouquet that is very romantic or contemporary.

Carol Bice

I really like this idea. First of all, I'm not the designer a lot of you are. But I do know what looks good! I think one of the things I'm good at is choosing flower variety, container, colors, etc. for a certain "look". It's like fingernails on a chalkboard when I see a flowers that are completely out of harmony with the container! Or when I see a design style that is totally wrong for it's surroundings.

I could have a lot of fun with it! I could also give some handouts on design styles and principles of design and show examples.

Thanks to all of you for the great suggestions!

 

[RWK]

In whatever presentation you do, be sure to include enough information to whet the buying appetite........hopefully they will want to buy from you.

You are in a grocery store....? Correct?

You have a natural, easy, tie-in with flowers - Take a few steps over to your fruit and vegetable department.........Look anew at the colors, the patterns of plant material, the textures, - you aren't looking at fruits and vegetables....You are looking at potential design material.