FLORALITIES WORKSHOPS FOR 2019
Watch this space to discover all the details about my workshops - in 2019 I hope to be offering lots of new and exciting workshops - in the same venues as before - Kennaway House and The Salty Monk in Sidmouth and Coastal Craft Collective in Seaton - and also in some new ones.
Also new will be pop up workshops - choose from a variety of ideas as listed below - or suggest one of your own - book a mutually suitable date and time for you, three or more friends, the venue (one of mine or one you have chosen, and myself and I will "pop up" and teach you and your party your chosen workshop and then disappear so you can enjoy all your chosen venue has to offer.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF MY WORKSHOPS ARE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS AND, NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK, WE ALL HAVE A HIDDEN FLORIST/CRAFTSPERSON INSIDE US - MY JOB - AND I LOVE IT - IS TO PROVE THAT TO YOU!
Also new will be pop up workshops - choose from a variety of ideas as listed below - or suggest one of your own - book a mutually suitable date and time for you, three or more friends, the venue (one of mine or one you have chosen, and myself and I will "pop up" and teach you and your party your chosen workshop and then disappear so you can enjoy all your chosen venue has to offer.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF MY WORKSHOPS ARE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS AND, NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK, WE ALL HAVE A HIDDEN FLORIST/CRAFTSPERSON INSIDE US - MY JOB - AND I LOVE IT - IS TO PROVE THAT TO YOU!
THE WORKSHOPS
FLORAL CUPCAKE WORKSHOP
A calorie free cupcake - just the thing to Beat the January Blues but available all year round for whatever the occasion.
This is the theme for the first of Floralities pop up workshops and is available in two different sizes - the one pictured is the larger one (please note, flowers, foliage and cupcake pattern may be different from that illustrated). I will also be offering it as one of my monthly workshops this year.
Learn how to create a beautiful floral design in an oasis cupcake. I will teach you how to condition and groom your materials before arranging them perfectly - this design looks beautiful as a table centre- the smaller version is perfect for bedside or occasional table or as a floral touch to an individual place setting. Both are unique and very lovely gift ideas. Along the way I will discuss and show you some top florists' tips for design and care of plant material.
Depending on the venue, there may be a small additional charge for travel. Please allow 1-3 hours for this workshop depending on choice of cupcake size and number of students.
SPECIAL: PARENT AND CHILD - in July, I will be running a cupcake workshop to which you are welcome to bring children provided they too would like to make their own cupcake (unless there is plenty of space in which case they are welcome to help you make yours).
A calorie free cupcake - just the thing to Beat the January Blues but available all year round for whatever the occasion.
This is the theme for the first of Floralities pop up workshops and is available in two different sizes - the one pictured is the larger one (please note, flowers, foliage and cupcake pattern may be different from that illustrated). I will also be offering it as one of my monthly workshops this year.
Learn how to create a beautiful floral design in an oasis cupcake. I will teach you how to condition and groom your materials before arranging them perfectly - this design looks beautiful as a table centre- the smaller version is perfect for bedside or occasional table or as a floral touch to an individual place setting. Both are unique and very lovely gift ideas. Along the way I will discuss and show you some top florists' tips for design and care of plant material.
Depending on the venue, there may be a small additional charge for travel. Please allow 1-3 hours for this workshop depending on choice of cupcake size and number of students.
SPECIAL: PARENT AND CHILD - in July, I will be running a cupcake workshop to which you are welcome to bring children provided they too would like to make their own cupcake (unless there is plenty of space in which case they are welcome to help you make yours).
WILLOW & DRIED HYDRANGEA HEART WORKSHOP
("WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE")
Learn how to make a pretty heart using willow rods from the Somerset Levels and go on to decorate it with some very special dried hydrangea blooms in deep purple or red, or a mix of both (only available for a limited number of workshops as a Valentines workshop) or an array of subtle colours and mixes of parchment to deep brown. You can choose to further embellish your willow heart with tiny warm white lights on silver copper wire and/or a choice of tiny messages to hide or display from your unique creation (both at small extra cost).
Whilst an obvious and very special Valentine gift for a partner, this is an equally suitable and very bespoke gift for anyone special, including yourself, at any time of the year.
SPECIAL "WORKSHOP FOR TWO" : Would you and your partner like to make a pair of hearts like the ones photographed at the Mercure Rougemont? Perfect for a wedding ceremony and afterwards they can be displayed in your home as a permanent reminder of your special day. Not just for weddings though - how about for Valentines Day, an Anniversary, Engagement celebration ........
("WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE")
Learn how to make a pretty heart using willow rods from the Somerset Levels and go on to decorate it with some very special dried hydrangea blooms in deep purple or red, or a mix of both (only available for a limited number of workshops as a Valentines workshop) or an array of subtle colours and mixes of parchment to deep brown. You can choose to further embellish your willow heart with tiny warm white lights on silver copper wire and/or a choice of tiny messages to hide or display from your unique creation (both at small extra cost).
Whilst an obvious and very special Valentine gift for a partner, this is an equally suitable and very bespoke gift for anyone special, including yourself, at any time of the year.
SPECIAL "WORKSHOP FOR TWO" : Would you and your partner like to make a pair of hearts like the ones photographed at the Mercure Rougemont? Perfect for a wedding ceremony and afterwards they can be displayed in your home as a permanent reminder of your special day. Not just for weddings though - how about for Valentines Day, an Anniversary, Engagement celebration ........
WILLOW & DRIED HYDRANGEA WREATH WORKSHOP
("TING-A-LING-N-SHIMMER")
This workshop is very similar to the Willow Heart workshop except, of course, this time you will learn how to make a ring-shaped wreath upon which to create your design from dried hydrangea flowers. Around the end of the year I teach a Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer version of the wreath by adding bells and a bow with the option to include gilded flowers in the design.
I will bring to the workshops some tiny fairy lights and ceramic/wooden messages which can be purchased to complement your wreath.
("TING-A-LING-N-SHIMMER")
This workshop is very similar to the Willow Heart workshop except, of course, this time you will learn how to make a ring-shaped wreath upon which to create your design from dried hydrangea flowers. Around the end of the year I teach a Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer version of the wreath by adding bells and a bow with the option to include gilded flowers in the design.
I will bring to the workshops some tiny fairy lights and ceramic/wooden messages which can be purchased to complement your wreath.
FRESH FLOWERS IN A CONTAINER WORKSHOP
("A-TISKET, A-TASKET")
This workshop will teach you how to use fresh flowers, learning a multitude of floristry skills along the way, to create a stunning basket full of flowers. Where possible, I buy my foliage and floral material locally within the West Country but do also purchase from the Dutch markets where necessary.
This year, I have invested in some exclusive Hollander baskets from a small (mother and daughter) company in Yorkshire who are very careful to ensure all their products are ecologically sourced. Floristry baskets are flimsy and have a very limited life whereas these pretty little baskets will last for decades and can be used over and over and over again in a myriad of ways. They are a gift in themselves but teamed with some gorgeous flowers, expertly arranged by you!, become the vessel for a bespoke and highly individual and unique Mother's Day present.
You would easily pay £50 in a florist's shop to buy a design like this and for the same price you can experience a 3 hour workshop and learn to make your own.
CERAMIC EGG FLORAL DESIGN
A beautiful white ceramic egg-shaped hanging "vase" which can be suspended from a hook (or branch in the garden) or, once the chain is removed, quite easily, decorated with a pretty bow to sit on a table, windowsill, etc will be filled with a floral design during this workshop.
You will learn a number of floristry skills and have the opportunity to design your own creation within this unique vessel - perfect for Eastertime but useful all year round in the house and outside. It is so versatile, you can even decide to drill a drainage hole in it so that it can be planted up and I will give lots of tips during the workshop on how to do this.
MINTY METAL FLORAL DESIGN
This gorgeous metal container is in such a sublime colour which works as a neutral in floristry so the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing flowers to arrange within in.
During this workshop, you will learn lots of floristry skills and get to handle and create your own unique design with some stunning foliage and floral materials - perhaps going on to embellish it with a little flourish for full wow appeal.
This gorgeous metal container is in such a sublime colour which works as a neutral in floristry so the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing flowers to arrange within in.
During this workshop, you will learn lots of floristry skills and get to handle and create your own unique design with some stunning foliage and floral materials - perhaps going on to embellish it with a little flourish for full wow appeal.
THE VENUES
The Salty Monk: Church St, Sidford, Sidmouth EX10 9QP: 01395 513174
This beautiful restaurant with rooms plays host to Floralities, providing sumptuous and uber-cozy surroundings in which to hold my workshops.
Situated on the main B3052 running through Sidford with plenty of free on site free parking (and with disabled access) means you need venture into bustling Sidmouth (unless its individual shops, bracing seafront and hot donuts are just too tempting).
The cost of timetabled workshops at The Salty Monk includes a hot beverage and homebaked treats from the Salty Monk's award-winning kitchens.
Kennaway House: Coburg Road, Sidmouth EX10 8NG: 01395 515551
This fine historic building neighbouring the Parish Church and situated on The Triangle has fabulous rooms on the 1st floor (disabled access) in which to hold workshops. It also has the added benefit of being withina hair's breadth of the seafront and all the shops and eateries Sidmouth has to offer.
The Council has decreed that winter parking rates of only £2 a day run from 1st November until 31st March and I shall be holding workshops at Kennaway during these months.
Hot beverages at Kennaway House (which is a charitable concern) are provided at a small cost but I sweeten this by bringing along some of my own homebakes.
Coastal Craft Collective: 10 Marine Pl, Seaton EX12 2QL: 01297 691362
This Aladdin's cave of a shop filled with artisan crafted gifts is surrounded by reasonably priced, and at some times of the year, free parking.
At the of the shop is a dedicated workshop area - light and spacious and very conducive to gathering and creating.
This is where I began to do workshops late in 2017 and you may find, if you come to one, that you will be visiting Coastal Craft Collective to learn all sorts of other crafts, etc whilst making new friends and having some valuable "me time".
Drinks are all included in the price of the workshop as are the homebakes I shall bring.
The Garden Shop: King St, Colyton EX24 6PD: 01297 551113
A delightful bijou garden centre, plant & gift shop, cafe in the heart of Colyton with plenty of parking. A brand new addition to The Garden Shop serves as the location for my workshops there and as part of your workshop, you will be treated to a regular-sized hot drink and a slice of the kitchen's delicious traybakes.
Nancy Potter House, Nelson Close, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0DX: 01392 879009
Opened in 2018, this incredible building hosts some amazing people who have realised the needs and wishes of Topsham's residents catering for all in some surprising and exceptional ways. Floralities has been offered a lovely spacious room in which to hold workshops both large and small. On site catering is available with delicious home cooked food and a huge variety of drinks. Factor in some time to enjoy this facility but you are also welcome to bring a drink and a bite to the workroom.
This beautiful restaurant with rooms plays host to Floralities, providing sumptuous and uber-cozy surroundings in which to hold my workshops.
Situated on the main B3052 running through Sidford with plenty of free on site free parking (and with disabled access) means you need venture into bustling Sidmouth (unless its individual shops, bracing seafront and hot donuts are just too tempting).
The cost of timetabled workshops at The Salty Monk includes a hot beverage and homebaked treats from the Salty Monk's award-winning kitchens.
Kennaway House: Coburg Road, Sidmouth EX10 8NG: 01395 515551
This fine historic building neighbouring the Parish Church and situated on The Triangle has fabulous rooms on the 1st floor (disabled access) in which to hold workshops. It also has the added benefit of being withina hair's breadth of the seafront and all the shops and eateries Sidmouth has to offer.
The Council has decreed that winter parking rates of only £2 a day run from 1st November until 31st March and I shall be holding workshops at Kennaway during these months.
Hot beverages at Kennaway House (which is a charitable concern) are provided at a small cost but I sweeten this by bringing along some of my own homebakes.
Coastal Craft Collective: 10 Marine Pl, Seaton EX12 2QL: 01297 691362
This Aladdin's cave of a shop filled with artisan crafted gifts is surrounded by reasonably priced, and at some times of the year, free parking.
At the of the shop is a dedicated workshop area - light and spacious and very conducive to gathering and creating.
This is where I began to do workshops late in 2017 and you may find, if you come to one, that you will be visiting Coastal Craft Collective to learn all sorts of other crafts, etc whilst making new friends and having some valuable "me time".
Drinks are all included in the price of the workshop as are the homebakes I shall bring.
The Garden Shop: King St, Colyton EX24 6PD: 01297 551113
A delightful bijou garden centre, plant & gift shop, cafe in the heart of Colyton with plenty of parking. A brand new addition to The Garden Shop serves as the location for my workshops there and as part of your workshop, you will be treated to a regular-sized hot drink and a slice of the kitchen's delicious traybakes.
Nancy Potter House, Nelson Close, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0DX: 01392 879009
Opened in 2018, this incredible building hosts some amazing people who have realised the needs and wishes of Topsham's residents catering for all in some surprising and exceptional ways. Floralities has been offered a lovely spacious room in which to hold workshops both large and small. On site catering is available with delicious home cooked food and a huge variety of drinks. Factor in some time to enjoy this facility but you are also welcome to bring a drink and a bite to the workroom.
Colyton Grammar School
For the sixteenth year in a row, the industrious PTFA have brought together the Colyton Garden and Food Festival which will be held in the grounds of the school. They have tirelessly worked to ensure a plethora of activities, stalls and delicious food is available. With plenty of on-site parking, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 11th May, 2019. Last year, 1,400 people attended, putting this annual event squarely on the map.
I was approached by a member of the PTFA who had attended one of my workshops with her daughter. I am happy to be on board running two mini-workshops at the event - details of which are below. A great way to enjoy an hour, learn some floristry skills and come home with a beautiful floral creation of your own and maybe, after this taster, you will be enticed to attend more, longer floral workshops with me.
For the sixteenth year in a row, the industrious PTFA have brought together the Colyton Garden and Food Festival which will be held in the grounds of the school. They have tirelessly worked to ensure a plethora of activities, stalls and delicious food is available. With plenty of on-site parking, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 11th May, 2019. Last year, 1,400 people attended, putting this annual event squarely on the map.
I was approached by a member of the PTFA who had attended one of my workshops with her daughter. I am happy to be on board running two mini-workshops at the event - details of which are below. A great way to enjoy an hour, learn some floristry skills and come home with a beautiful floral creation of your own and maybe, after this taster, you will be enticed to attend more, longer floral workshops with me.
THE TIMETABLE
FEBRUARY
Saturday, 9th Wear your Heart of your Sleeve The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
Sunday, 10th Wear your Heart on your Sleeve Coastal Craft Collective, Seaton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
MARCH
Thursday, 28th A-Tisket, A-Tasket Nancy Potter House
11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. £50.00
Friday, 29th A-Tisket, A-Tasket Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
Saturday, 30th A-Tisket, A-Tasket The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
APRIL
Wednesday, 17th Ceramic Egg Floral Design The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.30 to 4.00 p.m. £45.00
Saturday, 20th Ceramic Egg Floral Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.30 to 4.00 p.m. £45.00
MAY
Saturday, 11th
10.15 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. Minty Metal Floral Design The Garden Room, Colyton
Grammar School, Colyton
£27.50
1,15 p.m. to 2.15 p.m. Floral Cupcakes The Garden Room, Colyton
Grammar School, Colyton
£15 (small) & £25 (large)
Sunday,19th Willow/Dried Hydrangea Wreath The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
Monday, 20th Willow/Dried Hydrangea Wreath Coastal Craft Collective, Seaton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
JUNE
Saturday, 22nd Floral Cupcake Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
Monday, 24th Floral Cupcake Design The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
JULY
Monday 15th School's Out Willow Heart The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 17th School's Out Cupcake Workshop
Friday, 19th School's Out Willow Wreath
AUGUST WORK IN PROGRESS -ANY SUGGESTIONS??
SEPTEMBER I'M WISHING ON A STAR
(DETAILS TO FOLLOW)
OCTOBER
Saturday, 26th Fresh Flower Pumpkin Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
10.00 to 1.00 p.m. £50.00
Monday, 28th Fresh Flower Pumpkin Design Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
NOVEMBER
Friday, 22nd Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer Wreath Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
Sunday, 24th Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer Wreath (to be confirmed) The Salty Monk, Sidford
10.00 to 1.00 p.m. £35.00
DECEMBER
All day workshop Traditional Christmas Wreath
Half day workshop Traditional quick make Christmas Wreath
Half day workshop Environmentally friendly all-natural Christmas Wreath
All day workshop Traditional garland making
Half day works Traditional garland making
Saturday, 9th Wear your Heart of your Sleeve The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
Sunday, 10th Wear your Heart on your Sleeve Coastal Craft Collective, Seaton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
MARCH
Thursday, 28th A-Tisket, A-Tasket Nancy Potter House
11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. £50.00
Friday, 29th A-Tisket, A-Tasket Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
Saturday, 30th A-Tisket, A-Tasket The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
APRIL
Wednesday, 17th Ceramic Egg Floral Design The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.30 to 4.00 p.m. £45.00
Saturday, 20th Ceramic Egg Floral Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.30 to 4.00 p.m. £45.00
MAY
Saturday, 11th
10.15 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. Minty Metal Floral Design The Garden Room, Colyton
Grammar School, Colyton
£27.50
1,15 p.m. to 2.15 p.m. Floral Cupcakes The Garden Room, Colyton
Grammar School, Colyton
£15 (small) & £25 (large)
Sunday,19th Willow/Dried Hydrangea Wreath The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
Monday, 20th Willow/Dried Hydrangea Wreath Coastal Craft Collective, Seaton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £30.00
JUNE
Saturday, 22nd Floral Cupcake Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
Monday, 24th Floral Cupcake Design The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
JULY
Monday 15th School's Out Willow Heart The Garden Shop, Colyton
1.00 to 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 17th School's Out Cupcake Workshop
Friday, 19th School's Out Willow Wreath
AUGUST WORK IN PROGRESS -ANY SUGGESTIONS??
SEPTEMBER I'M WISHING ON A STAR
(DETAILS TO FOLLOW)
OCTOBER
Saturday, 26th Fresh Flower Pumpkin Design The Salty Monk, Sidford
10.00 to 1.00 p.m. £50.00
Monday, 28th Fresh Flower Pumpkin Design Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £50.00
NOVEMBER
Friday, 22nd Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer Wreath Kennaway House, Sidmouth
1.00 to 4.00 p.m. £35.00
Sunday, 24th Ting-a-Ling-n-Shimmer Wreath (to be confirmed) The Salty Monk, Sidford
10.00 to 1.00 p.m. £35.00
DECEMBER
All day workshop Traditional Christmas Wreath
Half day workshop Traditional quick make Christmas Wreath
Half day workshop Environmentally friendly all-natural Christmas Wreath
All day workshop Traditional garland making
Half day works Traditional garland making
CHRISTMAS 2019 WORKSHOPS
My classic wreath making workshops proved very successful in both 2017 and 2018 when I also added a quick make traditional wreath - these workshops take between 3 and 6 hours but the beautiful results make it worth every moment. I shall be offering these workshops again in 2019 but want to add some new ones too. An eco wreath made entirely from degradable materials, a garland which can be made to size to fit in with your Christmas decor at home and a few surprises for something unique and fun to make.