I told myself I would not post hear as it has become a discussion on how bad Preston is. I have just reread every post again and rethought the reason I originally posted it. I might of used the comment "screw roses" without thinking that it called for an opinion. If I wanted to spark a heated debate on business theory I would of posted it in the grip thread. So I apologize, I should of proofread and edited the comment to get my true point across. You are bright people.
When I first saw the photo I thought it would be a great thing to share. I did not mean that we should replicate it. I would because I love it and I know of at least 6 customers I could sell it to for at least 150. But thats me, I am entitled to that, art is in the eye of the beholder. The same applies to you.
But the concept here is brilliant. You can take a large paper heart shaped box and recreate the look. You can set up a gift bar or kiosk in the middle of your shop so that a lovelorn customer can put together different items such as fruit, chocolates, berries, jewelry, or what ever you have that is Valentines Day related. And then to close the sale, offer that excited customer your service by providing a proffesional designer to design it into a beautiful piece of art. Add some roses if you want to promote the industry, what ever it takes to ease your fears.
As far as Preston, yes Preston promotes Preston, maybe we could learn something here. Not one of you would choose to turn away a big dollar chance to brand if you were approached, unless you love to struggle or believe your just a victim of the industries down turn and like it that way. But I know Preston, he does a tremendous amount of giving to the industry. If you ever had the chance to hear him speak, or watch him create, or read his books, you will understand that a true creative artist and a successful one at that will share what they know to all who ask. It is the key to being successful. Peston uses more flowers on one event than most of us use in one year.
I would say that if you want to be successful in the industry, as a designer whether or not you are the owner, you have to watch and study how successful designers are doing it. Study their articles. If you are stuck in a small town and think that that would never fly? think again, they are all around you. They are people with money who buy from who they deem as professional and money is not the object. They will buy with no budget, they buy what they love.
As far as this bouquet? It is a cheap glass cylinder with a shaped styrofoam top shoved down. Wrap the entire base with a fabric and secure with ribbons. Use chocolate paper cups found at baking supplies to showcase each piece. Use tooth picks or bamboo to secure items. If you want to add roses, add three inches of water in the cylinder and insert striped roses all the way through the styro sheet until the head is resting inside a paper cup.
To transport, wrap in shrink wrap and adorn with a bow.
I hope I covered everything. No, my dog is chewing on my shoe.
