Visiting Françoise Weeks’ Workshop Part 2

…continued from yesterday…as told by Laurie of Fleurie…

On day two, we talked about wedding decoration and Françoise showed us how to make the
sweetest woodland cone arrangements. All of us were very excited to make these fun pieces
to decorate chairs, pews, or shepherd hooks. We all reached for that papery bark to cover the cone,
but that is where the similarities ended.

For mine, I just had to put in an interesting stick and a sisal nest
of berzillia berry eggs. The pinkish silver plant is a succulent from Françoise's shelf of succulents,
houseplants and ferns.

by Jessica

by Elizabeth

by Natalie

I love how everyone's version was so different.  Françoise didn't teach us to copy
hers. She wanted us to make it our own…with our own creativity.

…a vase arrangement demonstrated using a method of interlocking the stems so as not to have it
move in transport. Love the interesting elements like poppy pods, green berries and curly garlic she
adds to her designs.

…a large urn arrangement using berry foliage, dill, tomatillo, spray roses, dahlias and poke-weed.

…my version of the large arrangement, using a tall trumpet vase, crossing the stems at a higher
point to make the arrangement as wide as possible. I used the materials from the urn arrangement
above to reconstruct into this one.

On to Day 3, and more new flowers and plants. Françoise had been to the flower market early in the
morning and purchased more beautiful goodies. A new supply of houseplants were on the shelf. She
purchases plants, not to sell, but to use for their leaves and flowers.

So many beautiful flowers and foliages- how were we to choose?

Today's lesson was Whimsical and Woodland bridal bouquets and floral purses! We were anxious to
start. Giddy really. The technique she used for this was very detailed for each type of arrangement;
using colorful wire, sisal, feathers and beaded wire to decorate the Whimsical; moss, foliages, sticks,
grasses, feathers and minimal flowers for the Woodland.

Three of us made the Whimsical version, and Jessica decided on a clutch purse and a hairpiece to
match. All such works of art. Time again flew by quickly. Time for one more little project…
some boutonnieres.

Woodland boutonniere and spray rose boutonniere

The class was over, no one was ready to leave. But leave we must. It was a great three days
of exploring new techniques, learning new uses for everyday products, using wonderful
plant materials, getting to know new flower-friends. All of us had different experience levels,
backgrounds, and styles, but Françoise wove her magic over us and the flowers, made us all into a
cohesive interesting arrangement, at first a small group of strangers, by Day 3, a small group of new
friends.

I want to thank Françoise for her kindness and hospitality. Her studio is the perfect place to learn,
grow and be inspired to new levels. I'd also like to thank Amy for bringing us together. Your topics
and selections are always interesting and inspiring, and a great way to explore other designers’
work.

Thank you , thank you!

Laurie

I can’t thank Laurie enough for taking the time to document her trip and share it with all of us. If you are interested in signing up for one of Françoise’s workshops, you can find her schedule here. If you need advice on lodging and eateries near Françoise’s studio, let me know and I’ll forward your request on to Laurie or Françoise.  Hope you have a great Thursday!