Floral Design and Flower Shop Know How

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Flowers

2011-09-27T20:12:00.000-06:00

Weddings require a lot of flowers be it for church decorations, at the reception site, for the bridal bouquet, corsages, or boutonnières, which are floral decorations worn by men.
The flowers used in the wedding will reflect your personality and taste. They bring color and a look of festivity and happiness into weddings however they are arranged, whether casual, classic, stylish or contemporary.

Picking the right kind of flowers for your wedding can be a time consuming task. The flowers must surely match your wedding theme. It will depend upon your budget, the scale of the wedding, the season when the wedding is scheduled and of course, your personal taste. Choosing seasonal flowers would help save money unless you particularly want something specific.

The initial step to selecting the best flowers would be to browse through samples of flowers and bouquets so as to get an idea of how they will look once put in place. The Internet offers a large collection of photographs that can help you with this. After choosing a style, you can decide the colors and kind of flowers to use. The flowers you choose must match the color of your wedding gown and the other decorations. The shape, size and texture of the flowers also matter.

The most popular flowers used for weddings are however roses. Lilies, tulips, zinnias, carnations, violets, daisies, orchids, peach and apple blossoms, irises and ivy are also often used. Hyacinth, tuber roses, gardenias and stargazer lilies are flowers with a heavenly fragrance. The colors can range from pure white to lavender, purple, pink, plum and so on and these suit every occasion. For a romantic look, the wedding scene can be made up using flowers in warm and pastel shades with soft lighting. Lilac, creamy white, gold and pink would be the best tones. You can also set up a mix of flowers, herbs, and fruit blossoms to add bright vibrant colors with a light, pleasing fragrance. You must take care to choose flowers that fit into your budget too.

Flowers are also used to adorn the bride’s hair, as an unconventional veil, wrist adornment, in the groom’s lapel and for the bridesmaids and flower girls. They can be used as garlands, nosegays, table décor and as flowers for the guests. Care must be taken to find a good florist with enough experience to help you with the flowers. He is to be given a clear idea of what you want for the wedding. For traditional weddings, flowers are best arranged in conventional patterns while if you are a person with a modern outlook, an informal blend of design, style and flower aesthetics can be employed. The location, dimension, color of the wedding clothes, the details regarding the bouquets, their styles and number and the manner of conducting the ceremony must be informed beforehand.

Choosing the perfect flowers would surely make a difference in the wedding atmosphere at either the church or the reception site. They can add color and splendor and make your wedding day even more special.

2011-09-23T08:31:00.002-06:00

Making Money From the Floral Business

Flowers have always been closely associated with our lives. We use various floral arrangements for many occasions such as weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations such as Valentines Day and Mothers day. The gift giving art of floral decorations is an age old gesture practiced all over the world. It is still a popular custom and will remain so for centuries to follow. Because flowers are a unique gift that will undoubtedly touch the heart of the receiver and make them feel special and loved.

The floral arts industry is a huge industry today. From small scale to large scale, from internet marketing to over the counter sales; the potential niche market is very high. Become a part of this popular income generating venture, start your own floral arrangement business and earn immediate profits doing what you love, making wonderful creations with these beautiful offerings of nature...

Where as a knack for the floral arts can take you places in this industry, basic skills can always be improved through experience to make your business the most unique in town. An eye for color, texture and a vivid imagination is always a plus. Master the skills of cutting and treating flowers, color coordinating them beautifully and marketing your products in the most eye catching manner, and your business is sure to succeed.

You can make various floral decors such as bouquets, centerpieces, potted flowers, corsages, garlands, boutonnieres, wreaths and posies. Different occasions call for different decorations and sometimes, different flower types. For example Valentines Day symbolizes red roses, and the variety you can create with them is endless. The trick is to make your creations unique and the most appealing to the customer. You can use various adornments such as ribbons, bows, creepers, sprigs, baskets, wrappers and various other artificial products to embellish your creations and increase the aesthetic value.

Most flowers are seasonal, so you can organize your selling themes according to their availability. But there is always more than a few varieties available at one time period, so your choice is never restricted to few. Most popular flowers used in the floral design industry that brings in high revenue are roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies and gerberas. You can also sell gift baskets arrangements of fruits and chocolates along with your floral designs and expand your venture into other avenues.

The corporate world also makes a significant contribution towards income generation in this industry, with many companies ordering floral décor for special events such as meetings and conferences, as well as on a more regular basis to decorate their offices. Arrangements they require include decorations for entryways, reception areas, working desks and lounging areas. Commercial buildings, offices, shops, malls, hotels, hospitals, clubs and restaurants are a few such places that use floral décor on a daily basis.

Although most floral businesses run on a large scale, many small scale entrepreneurs run very successful ventures that are almost as popular. It doesn\'t take much initial investment to begin your own floral design business, especially since it is a business that can easily be operated from the comforts of your own home, cutting down on expenses such as office space rentals and overheads. It is so much easier to run a flower delivery service from home, with basic equipment, on your own schedule as opposed to running a floral boutique. You will be surprised to learn how easily the money will flow and be amazed at the net profits you can make within a short period.

Based on your talents, available resources and time allocations for the business, you can choose an area of specialization. A few examples are below:

o Wedding arrangements

o Family events and functions such as funerals, christenings, baby showers and birthday parties

o Commercial or business events

o Retail florist shop

o Home floral/home decoration business

Whichever field you select, what matters is that you give it your best spirits, and success is not hard to achieve. Think about it, start today and make your floral business the best small scale décor store in town.

Summary

The floral décor business is a sure way to succeed in the home business industry by converting your artistic ability with flower arrangements into a money making venture, catering for various sectors and occasions such as weddings, family events, corporate events, office/commercial décor and home décor.

2011-09-23T08:20:00.002-06:00

Floral Designing Supplies and Tools

Sharp tools are a must in floral designing.   A sharp knife used for cutting flowers stems will make clean cuts without crushing the stems. A clean cut is imperative in aiding water absorption by the flower stem. A folding pocket knife with a quality blade is the best, longest lasting knife. Other cheaper knives with plastic handles won’t last as long nor will they cut heavy stems.

Sharp scissors are necessary to cut ribbon cleanly and neatly. Ribbon scissors must be used only to cut ribbon and fabric. Cutting just one wire with your ribbon scissors will ruin them.   Serrated scissors are heavy duty multipurpose scissors that can be used to cut wire and woody stems.

Wire cutters with a spring are easier to operate when cutting wire and corsage stems. Wire cutters have a short blade and are ideal for cutting heavy materials.

Floral tape is waxed crepe paper that will stick to its self when stretched. It is used to cover floral wire for use in corsages and bouquets. Waterproof tape is used to secure floral foam in a container. It is available in green, white and clear colors in ¼ or ½ inch widths.

Florist wire is usually green and comes in precut 18 inch lengths.   Sizes vary from #16 (the heaviest gauge) to # 30 (the lightest gauge). Several gauges are necessary in design work to make corsages and bouquets, strength stems and to bind materials together. The most common gauges used in floral design are #18, 20, 22 and 24. Paddle wire is on a spool in a continuous strand that may be used to create garlands and wreaths and to bind together heavy materials. It is also available in a variety of gauges.

Greening pins are u-shaped wire, much like a hairpin, and are used to hold moss to foam. Wooden picks have a wire attached to one end and are used to cluster dried materials together in foam, attaché bows to plants and to extend the length of a stem. Chenille stems come in a variety of colors and are used to secure bows. Chenille stems look like large pipe cleaners.

Floral foam comes in heavy or light weight depending on the flowers being used.   To soak the foam place it in a sink filled with water, do not dunk it under the water. Let the foam float and fill naturally, thus assuring you will have no dry spots in the middle of the foam. It will sink to the bottom as it absorbs water.

Ribbon comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of widths. The bigger the number the wider the ribbon will be. # 3 ribbon is generally used in corsages and bud vases. Plants are usually dressed with #9 as are most pew bows. Funeral work requires a wider width such as a #40.   The most commonly used ribbon is satin, however, there is a great variety of ribbon available today. Wired ribbon holds its shape for use in decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees. Printed ribbon has a wide range of uses in decorating. Lacey, silky ribbon is available for use in wedding bouquets and corsages.

Tools and supplies may be purchased at crafts stores, fabric shops and department stores as well as your local florists. With the variety of tools and supplies readily available today you are limited only by your imagination. So imagine away!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/floral-designing-supplies-and-tools-680326.html

Elements of Basic Floral Design

2011-09-23T08:17:00.003-06:00

1.       Line creates the line of movement for the eye to follow when looking at a flower arrangement. Lines in floral design are not necessarily straight or uninterrupted. Lines may be: vertical, horizontal, s-curve, zigzag, or diagonal. An s-curve design may need to be wired to allow the flower stems to maintain a lazy s. In the zigzag the flowers radiate back and forth from the center line of the arrangement with the flowers getting smaller as you near the top. The diagonal lines radiate out from the vertical and horizontal lines at 45 degree angles.

2.       Form may be one sided or all the way around in floral design. The three basic forms are circle, square and triangle. The square is not often used in floral design because it lacks movement in its shape. The circle is used more often as it is found in nature and has a pleasing movement. The crescent is a section of the circle that lends grace and beauty to an arrangement. The oval is another variation of the circle which can be used in floral designing. However, the most often used form in flower arranging is the triangle. The triangle can be used in a symmetrical fashion or to add more interest to a design it may be asymmetrical.

3.       Texture includes the physical and visual feel of the components comprising your flower arrangement. Texture is often used to create gender appeal in a design. Hard, rough, woodsy textures are popular for men, while women may prefer softer, airier textures. Texture is important in creating interest, but be careful not to overdo it and disturb the unity of the design.

4.       Color may be the most important element in floral design. Humans respond to the colors around us in a variety of ways. Soothing greens and blues can make us happy and relaxed, while bright yellows and reds can excite and stir up emotions. Color is light and we need light with which to see color. When we see all the colors reflected on an object we see white and when an object absorbs all the colors we see black. Being familiar with the color wheel will help you as you coordinate color harmonies for that perfect eye pleasing design.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/elements-of-basic-floral-design-680332.html About the Author: Ellen Skiles

Wedding Flower Designs

2011-09-04T21:27:00.002-06:00

Wedding flower designs is always been the symbol of beauty and happiness. The normal concise explanation flower is life. It's extensively useful for decorations. Different flower designs convey different moods and emotions. Each flower specifies certain meaning. Perfect flower designs can speak volumes after we lose words.

Wedding flower designs on a wedding is actually a milestone in everyone's life. We use flowers to exchange joy happiness and wishes on such occasions. Wedding ceremony tradition the truth is today have their own roots in ancient civilization thin wedding flower ideas even offers ancient basis. Greeks were the first to possess the wedding flower ideas per records. Flowers represent the bride to be, beauty, youth, freshness and also fertility are when compared to those of a flower. The young bride is known as like a beautiful rose. Roses would be the most expressive symbol of love. The beautiful wedding flower bouquets in bride's hand speak the deep and fragile emotions, wishes and desires.

Wedding flower designs for decorations needs to be chosen according to its availability, in order that we obtain fresh flowers in plenty. Areas wedding flower ideas for a summer wedding. Spring flowers offer a a feeling of gentle freshness in soft colors and pretty fragrance. Anemones, tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are perfect methods of wedding flower bouquets in spring. Tulips are beautiful plus they come in different colors and shapes. They offer a contemporary feeling towards the wedding, but they wilt easily so watch out for it with all the in bouquets.

Flowers are beautiful and add color to any occasions however it is costly and perishable too. Using some situations the location where the decorations aim at a longer time the silk flower arrangements is best alternative. It's got a benefit that it are so durable without spending much on maintenance and ascend keeping. There are several floral websites from where we can easily purchase silk flower arrangements online.

If you think to deliver flowers to some friend or relative far away, to make them feel special, you need to use the net flower shops. There's a huge collection of online flower shops accessible to deliver the coffee quality flower bouquets one's wish. There are numerous online flower shops providing fresh flower arrangements or silk flower arrangements. In a few online flower shops also enable you to chose personalized decorations. Another interesting factor is always that as being the no of online services increase you will find there's competition on the market, which supplies the paramount services with the earliest. You can put and order plus the flowers might be delivered with hours to some more about 24 hrs. duration.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/wedding-flower-designs-4060394.html. Wedding flower designs">About the Author Noel McGraw

Flower Magazine

Wedding Flowers (Victoria Magazine)

Brides Magazine - Pink Flower - 40-Count Wedding Invitation Kit

Budget Weddings For Dummies

Weddings for Less: How to Stylish Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Budget

2011-09-04T21:13:00.005-06:00

The Dream of a Flower Shop

Anywhere you go in the United States you will find a lot of various flower shops which has its own banner that can help in catching a customer\'s attention. There will probably be at least one flower shop in a certain town and there will be a lot of floral shops within a particular city. You may ask why people are so into flower shops when they could easily pick flowers from their backyards. Well, the answer to that is quite simple. A flower play an important role in everyone\'s life and this is definitely a good gift for birthdays, holidays, courting, for congratulating, sympathy and is widely being used for saying sorry. Because of the different symbolic tokens that you will find in any flower shop, it is important for you to have some form of research as to what each flower means so that you can convey your feelings correctly to the person you are giving the flowers.

For most of the special occasions that people has or have attended in his or her lifetime, flower arrangement has indeed been part of someone\'s life. From simple being the centerpiece of the dining table to the wedding bouquet, flower arrangement will be known and remembered.

If you are dreaming of putting your own flower shop, there are a lot of things that you need to consider and one of those things is to how you can create peculiar and unique flower arrangement that your clients will surely love. When trying to put up a beautiful flower arrangement, you need to make sure that you are using the right kinds of flowers which have almost the same meaning and significance. Yellow roses are very beautiful and to one culture this could symbolize loyalty and friendship but this could also mean remembrance or a sign of loss and mourning to another culture.

Aside from the meaning of the flower itself, the number of flowers can also affect what the bouquet of flowers mean.Flowers –no matter what kind of flower arrangement had been use to them—can still take on different meanings that range within literature and culture. And the literature of one place can be spread to another culture and those two different traditions can become entwined with each other. It is also possible that one tradition could make another\'s tradition become discarded. You cannot combine flowers that signify love and compassion to the flowers that signifies death because it will not go hand in hand and this is definitely not good for the eye.

However, you can combine flowers with the same meaning even though they have different shades of color and most people think that those colors do not blend well. There are some people who think that orange and purple should be combined but there are certain instances wherein purple and orange can create a more attractive flower bouquet than any person can ever imagine. You can also include other materials such as artificial flowers, cute mini stuffed toys and you can place your flowers in any containers that you think is able to create a beautiful bouquet.

Article by Jules. http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/flower-shopthe-dream-of-a-flower-shop-4108418.html

Selling and Designing Wedding Flowers

Floral designs: The art of designing with flowers

Celebration Flowers: Designing and Arranging

Selling and Designing Party Flowers

2011-09-02T02:19:00.004-06:00

The Flower, the Florist and the Flower Shop

What do these words have in common: flower, florist, flower shop? Apart from all containing the root of the word "flower", there is much more that they should share. Naturally, tied by the human force of the florist, the flowers and the flower shop are intricately connected. Beyond knowing that they're connected, it's important to ascertain that the connection is a good one that you, as a client, will want to involve yourself in. What to look for will be a combination of the three. Make sure that on top of providing the flowers you love, the flowers are also of top quality. The florist should be a willing accomplice in ensuring that you get exactly what you ask for, exceeding your own expectations. The flower shop is vital to exceed the expectations. If the flower shop is good and reliable, you will not only get a beautiful bouquet, but it will arrive extremely fresh and on time. Be sure the florist you choose works mutually well with both the flowers and the flower shop. This will ensure a happy customer with a product that is better than imagined.

Flowers, which have been and continue to be the symbol of natural beauty throughout the ages, are one realm of fashion that has not dramatically evolved. This speaks strongly in favor of flowers, indicating their timelessness and perfection that needs no improvement. Thus, when ordering flowers, what you need to consider is not the fashion of flowers, but the preference of the receiver. Once you have decided upon the type of flower, you must find a flower shop that provides your desired selection at optimal quality. A flower's quality depends very much on the care the florist gives, but beyond the florist's care, it is optimal that the flowers come straight from the growers or from a flower auction. This ensures their freshness, as the time spent in travel is diminished when flowers make fewer trips to reach their flower shop destination. Flowers are known to positively influence the human psyche, so be sure to go all the way with this positive influence by buying the freshest flowers you can find on the market.

Knowing of this positive effect of flowers on people, you should expect your florist to be an optimistic and friendly person - in short, the positive effect of the flowers should not be lost in the worries of their job. A talented florist is not only capable of creating a beautiful arrangement, but also willing and interested in making arrangements with you to ensure the arrival of the bouquet you envision. While the florist is an artist, who must use creativity as a tool of the job, the florist has many more roles to fulfill.

One of the most important of these additional roles is the sensitivity of the florist: the florist is not merely putting flowers together, but understanding what event you need the flowers for, what type of person the flowers are directed to - the florist must have the capacity to understand and sympathize with the difficulties and joys in life of every occasion, demonstrating this capacity in the end result: the flower arrangement. If the florist deals directly with the grower, either at the grower's location or through a flower auction, this is a good indicator of the florist, showing someone who cuts the chase directly to the source, lowering prices for himself and his client, by being more direct. The florist, as aforementioned, is a person who creates the connection between flowers and flower shop, between grower and consumer. A person of vital importance, the florist is a person who is impressive and establishes a good rapport with you, his client.

The flower shop is the last, but not the least important, of our floral trinity. The flower shop completes the picture. The flower shop is the entity which makes the talent and efficiency of the florist possible; it is the florist's workshop and tool bench, if you will, while also serving to keep the flowers in fresh and good condition. It is the flower shop that ensures delivery of flowers to their final destination not merely as a beautiful bouquet, but as fresh, lush, and blooming living creations - as alive as a rainforest. In addition, the flower shop plays a role in influencing the consumer and shaping his judgment as regards the whole package of the shop. Online photographs of available bouquets do more than indicate the variety of flowers and caliber of the florist. The photographs, as well as the whole website, are indicators of the organization and professionalism of the company. The self-expression of a company speaks loudly. Reading testimonials on websites is also an indicator of the combination of the flowers, the florist, and the flower shop. It takes a strong performance from each of the participants to make a client happy.

Flowers are, without doubt, a classic, and yet exquisite gift. Unique and living, they are different from all other gifts, and manage to convey emotions at the same time as they are serving a role as a present. Thus, to optimize and reach this potential of emotion that flowers can induce, it is important that you buy your flowers from a flower shop that is professional and serious, with a staff of florists who love their work and consider their flowers as alive as we are, and lastly, with flowers that are as fresh and expressive as you are, to share exactly your thoughts through their understated and clear beauty.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/the-flower-the-florist-and-the-flower-shop-28722.html

2011-09-02T02:15:00.003-06:00

Education is the Key to Success!!

Read!!Learn!!

Study Flower Shops!!

Be Fearless and Listen to Your Heart!!

Gather Your Ideas and Go For IT!!

Good Luck and Have Fun!!

Here are Some Resources to

Learn the Flower Business!!

Start Your Own Florist Shop and Other Floral Businesses (Start Your Own Florist Shop & Other Floral Businesses)

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Florist and Floral Business Both Online and Off: With Companion CD - ROM

Flower Shop Florist Start Up Business Plan NEW

One Hundred Flowers

The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides

The Reason for a Flower (World of Nature)

Microwave Flower Press Is Fast And Easy To Use!

2011-09-02T01:51:00.003-06:00

Rachel Schartz:

The Story of My Flower Shop Success

As a kid, I loved to go to the beach, go hiking, fishing and camping. Those were on top of my vacation list. The wonderful views of nature never fail to amaze me. So when I grew up, I wanted to work with something that has to do with nature. After I graduated from college, I took a few more courses on botany, flower arranging and farming. Then it was time to apply what I learned. As a fresh graduate, I had no capital to start my flower business. So just like any entrepreneur, I resorted to loaning the capital. Because of my knowledge and expertise, I was able to start my mini flower garden. I also put up a flower shop in one of the busy streets in our city. Before I knew it, I was delivering flowers all over town and getting orders from other places, too.

After a year of business operations, I had to put up another flower shop and hire more employees. The truck I was using for flower deliveries started to have engine problems. Probably just normal wear and tear since I had that truck for 5 years already. It was a gift from my dad, just so I had something to use when driving around town. It was really helpful when I started my business. Anyway, adding another shop meant shelling out money, I had to also set aside a budget for my truck.

I went online one day to check for truck financing options and I came across a website of a bad credit company. It\'s been awhile since I applied for a loan and through this site, I found out that there are now more specialized kinds of loans. There were home loans, car title loans, auto loans, payday loans and truck loans – just what I needed. Over the years, I managed my finances pretty well and I had no problems getting loans. So I read further and found out that it was really easy to get approved for a truck loan.

I went ahead and applied for a truck loan and got my money the next day. That was fast! In the next few days, I went around town to look for brand new trucks. Once I found the truck of my choice, I drove away with it on my way home. It was another great investment to keep my business running, making sure that my clients got fresh flowers when they needed it. Thanks to financing via loans, I wasn\'t pressured to pay the whole amount upon acquisition of my truck.

So basically, my flower business worked this way:

-          I studied additional courses on what I was passionate about

-          I started my garden and flower shop with the help of loans

-          I acquired a new truck using a truck loan

-          I am still enjoying the benefits of my flower business and have countless satisfied customers

- With the profits I have, I make sure to budget it so I can pay my loans on time and keep a good credit history

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/agriculture-articles/the-story-of-my-flower-business-5177438.html

About the Author

Rachel Schwartz is the Marketing Manager of BHM Financial - one of the most trusted names in the bad credit loan industry. This company may be able to help you reach your financial goals. Please visit our Bad Credit Loan website or our Blog and find out today.

The Art of Floral Design - for those who need to learn everything!!

2011-08-10T09:26:00.001-06:00

"This is the BIBLE OF THE FLORAL INDUSTRY! " That is the exact words my instructor used five years ago when I attended design school. Since that day, I still refer back to it again and again. The techniques and illustrations are wonderfully formatted in such a way that is easy to understand. Everything from the history of floral design up to todays job opportunities within floristry are covered. If you strive to be a knowledgable designer in all areas, this book will surely lead the way. More examples of topics covered are; wiring techniques for corsages, proper care and handling of flowers, understanding color, design principles, controlling cost, holidays, funeral arrangements, the list goes on and on. This is a must have book for any designers library. -Julie-

The Art of Floral Design

2011-08-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

Floral Designing Supplies and Tools

Sharp tools are a must in floral designing.   A sharp knife used for cutting flowers stems will make clean cuts without crushing the stems. A clean cut is imperative in aiding water absorption by the flower stem. A folding pocket knife with a quality blade is the best, longest lasting knife. Other cheaper knives with plastic handles won’t last as long nor will they cut heavy stems.
Sharp scissors are necessary to cut ribbon cleanly and neatly. Ribbon scissors must be used only to cut ribbon and fabric. Cutting just one wire with your ribbon scissors will ruin them.   Serrated scissors are heavy duty multipurpose scissors that can be used to cut wire and woody stems.

Wire cutters with a spring are easier to operate when cutting wire and corsage stems. Wire cutters have a short blade and are ideal for cutting heavy materials.

Floral tape is waxed crepe paper that will stick to its self when stretched. It is used to cover floral wire for use in corsages and bouquets. Waterproof tape is used to secure floral foam in a container. It is available in green, white and clear colors in ¼ or ½ inch widths.

Florist wire is usually green and comes in precut 18 inch lengths.   Sizes vary from #16 (the heaviest gauge) to # 30 (the lightest gauge). Several gauges are necessary in design work to make corsages and bouquets, strength stems and to bind materials together. The most common gauges used in floral design are #18, 20, 22 and 24. Paddle wire is on a spool in a continuous strand that may be used to create garlands and wreaths and to bind together heavy materials. It is also available in a variety of gauges.

Greening pins are u-shaped wire, much like a hairpin, and are used to hold moss to foam. Wooden picks have a wire attached to one end and are used to cluster dried materials together in foam, attaché bows to plants and to extend the length of a stem. Chenille stems come in a variety of colors and are used to secure bows. Chenille stems look like large pipe cleaners.

Floral foam comes in heavy or light weight depending on the flowers being used.   To soak the foam place it in a sink filled with water, do not dunk it under the water. Let the foam float and fill naturally, thus assuring you will have no dry spots in the middle of the foam. It will sink to the bottom as it absorbs water.

Ribbon comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of widths. The bigger the number the wider the ribbon will be. # 3 ribbon is generally used in corsages and bud vases. Plants are usually dressed with #9 as are most pew bows. Funeral work requires a wider width such as a #40.   The most commonly used ribbon is satin, however, there is a great variety of ribbon available today. Wired ribbon holds its shape for use in decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees. Printed ribbon has a wide range of uses in decorating. Lacey, silky ribbon is available for use in wedding bouquets and corsages.

Tools and supplies may be purchased at crafts stores, fabric shops and department stores as well as your local florists. With the variety of tools and supplies readily available today you are limited only by your imagination. So imagine away!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/floral-designing-supplies-and-tools-680326.html
About the AuthorAuthor Ellen Skiles was twelve years experience in the floral industry including three years in a greenhouse, four years designing in a shop, and seven years as head designer and manager of a second flower shop. She provides content for www.arrangefreshflowers.com.

Start Your Own Florist Shop and Other Floral Businesses (Start Your Own Florist Shop & Other Floral Businesses)

The Frugal Florist: Do-it-Yourself Flowers on a Budget

Fiskars 9820 1/2-Inch Cutting Capacity Florist Bypass Pruner

Cut Flowers of the World: A Complete Reference for Growers and Florists

2011-08-10T09:14:00.000-06:00

Elements of Basic Floral Design

Line, form, texture and color are the four basic elements in any floral arrangement.

1.       Line creates the line of movement for the eye to follow when looking at a flower arrangement. Lines in floral design are not necessarily straight or uninterrupted. Lines may be: vertical, horizontal, s-curve, zigzag, or diagonal. An s-curve design may need to be wired to allow the flower stems to maintain a lazy s. In the zigzag the flowers radiate back and forth from the center line of the arrangement with the flowers getting smaller as you near the top. The diagonal lines radiate out from the vertical and horizontal lines at 45 degree angles.

2.       Form may be one sided or all the way around in floral design. The three basic forms are circle, square and triangle. The square is not often used in floral design because it lacks movement in its shape. The circle is used more often as it is found in nature and has a pleasing movement. The crescent is a section of the circle that lends grace and beauty to an arrangement. The oval is another variation of the circle which can be used in floral designing. However, the most often used form in flower arranging is the triangle. The triangle can be used in a symmetrical fashion or to add more interest to a design it may be asymmetrical.

3.       Texture includes the physical and visual feel of the components comprising your flower arrangement. Texture is often used to create gender appeal in a design. Hard, rough, woodsy textures are popular for men, while women may prefer softer, airier textures. Texture is important in creating interest, but be careful not to overdo it and disturb the unity of the design.

4.       Color may be the most important element in floral design. Humans respond to the colors around us in a variety of ways. Soothing greens and blues can make us happy and relaxed, while bright yellows and reds can excite and stir up emotions. Color is light and we need light with which to see color. When we see all the colors reflected on an object we see white and when an object absorbs all the colors we see black. Being familiar with the color wheel will help you as you coordinate color harmonies for that perfect eye pleasing design.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/elements-of-basic-floral-design-680332.html
About the Author
Author Ellen Skiles was twelve years experience in the floral industry including three years in a greenhouse, four years designing in a shop, and seven years as head designer and manager of a second flower shop. She provides content for www.arrangefreshflowers.com.

Flowers that Wow: Inspired Arrangements for the Floral-Impaired

Art of Floral Arranging, The: Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York

Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design

A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design

Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride

2011-08-10T09:06:00.000-06:00

How to Start Your Own Floral Design Business

Floral arrangements and delivery service is in demand year round. I guess you could say they are seasonal products for all seasons. This makes floral design a profitable business to get into. Yet, if you don\'t have the funds or desire to open a shop, but still like working with plants and have a creative flair, you have options. You even can work out of your home! For example, you could offer a floral arranging service for flower shops, grow the flowers at home selling to stores or produce and sell floral arrangement accessories such as vases, cards or other trimmings. If you decide not to have a storefront, you may be able to cheaply lease outdoor space in a popular downtown area with lots of traffic. You can also work from home. With a delivery service, you can easily operate out of your house with a vehicle. To get started, you\'ll need the items used to create your arrangements and a few basic tools.
With events and holidays happening throughout the year, the opportunities to make money are all around you. You can work with individuals to provide arrangements for holidays, birthdays, special events like weddings and graduations, etc. In addition, you can look for longer-term contracts with churches, hotels, restaurants and other businesses who need flowers delivered or arranged on a regular basis. These clients can provide a more stable and consistent income flow. It\'s also an easy way to showcase your designs to other prospective flower-buyers (for free!).
As a floral designer, you can charge a certain hourly rate, and also have established prices for certain arrangements or orders that clients place. What you charge will depend on how much you pay for your wholesale supplies and also what other flower shops are charging, so you can stay competitive with the market yet still remain profitable.
Finding customers: Whether you are working from home or out of a shop, start with people who know and trust you. Offer special discounts for free flowers in exchange for referrals, and you\'ll be surprised at how your prospect list will grow. If you really want to make a statement, create mini-arrangements and deliver them free-of-charge to local businesses you think could be interested your service (i.e. wedding planners, funeral homes, party supply stores). Attach a business card with a simple brochure of your services and rates. Make sure you include a coupon or special introductory price to have them like you even more. Don\'t forget the advertising opportunities you have in the yellow pages, local newspapers and radio stations
Donating a flower arrangement for a large event is another inexpensive way to get your business name out there - in front of lots of people. Submitting a press release is a great example - the media will promote you for free if you send them a great news story about your business. This could be as simple is having your friend write a review about your 'Store Opening' and sending it to your local paper.
So how do you actually start your floral business?
1. Learn your business. If you don\'t have experience arranging flowers, get some! Take a flower arranging class, learn about plants - you want to know a lot more about your product than your customer does. Get an inexpensive start-up guide on how to start a floral business or interview a floral designer or flower shop owner who can give you helpful advice.
2. Find out who your customers are. Who is buying flowers in your community - and what for? What extra service can you provide that they are not already getting, and how much is it worth to your potential customers (what are they willing to pay)? What are other flower shops charging for their designs? As long as you offer more value (i.e. unique products, faster service, weekend or evening hours, etc), you don\'t necessarily need the lowest price to gain market share.
3. Find out which licenses or permits you need from your local government office. Talk with an accountant, insurance agent and banker (you can get referrals from other local business owners or friends) to get helpful tips on financing, tax issues, insurance and business management that will save you time, money and hassles in the long run.
Get Started!
Owning a floral business can be very rewarding. Working directly with customers will help you learn the ropes faster and grow your company. Use your creativity to offer a truly unique service that you really enjoy - after all, it\'s YOUR business.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/how-to-start-your-own-floral-design-business-989839.html
About the Author
Sue Barrett has been the Director of Business Solutions at Home Business Center, Inc. for over 10 years. Specializing in small and home business issues, she can provide quality insight and reputable resources for those wanting to start, manage and grow their own home-based businesses. Find out more about how to start your own Floral Design Business or Flower Shop

Art of Floral Arranging, The: Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York

Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design

The Art of Floral Design

Magnificent Learning Manual and CD

2011-08-06T19:18:00.001-06:00

The dream of starting a floral business can easily become a reality. Florist shop owners enjoy creating beautiful floral arrangements for individuals or special occasions. According to the customer s order, they cut and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage. They design arrangements by trimming flowers and arranging bouquets, sprays, wreaths, dish gardens, and terrariums. This new book will teach you all you need to know about getting started in your own florist business in the minimum amount of time. Here is the manual you need to cash in on this highly profitable, quickly growing segment of the retail industry. This new book is a comprehensive and detailed study of the business side of a floral shop. This superb manual should be studied by anyone investigating the opportunities of opening a store. If you enjoy meeting people, this may be the perfect business for you. This complete manual will arm you with everything you need, including sample business forms, leases, and contracts; worksheets and checklists for planning, opening, and running day-to-day operations; plans and layouts; and dozens of other valuable, time-saving tools of the trade that no entrepreneur should be without. While providing detailed instructions and examples, the author leads you through finding a location that will bring success, drawing up a winning business plan (the companion CD-ROM has the actual business plan that can be used in Microsoft Word), buying (and selling) a floral store, pricing formulas, sales planning, tracking competitors, bookkeeping, media planning, pricing, copy writing, distribution channel planning, hiring and firing employees, motivating workers, managing and training employees, accounting procedures, auditing, successful budgeting, and profit planning development. By reading this book you will become knowledgeable about basic cost control systems, retail math and pricing issues, floor plans and diagrams, equipment layout and planning, legal concerns, sales and marketing techniques, IRS reporting requirements, customer service, direct sales, monthly profit and loss statements, tax preparation, low cost internal marketing ideas, management skills, low and no cost ways to satisfy customers and build sales, as well as thousands of great tips and useful guidelines. In addition, you will learn how to set up computer systems to save time and money, how to hire and keep qualified professional staff, how to generate high profile public relations and publicity, and how to keep bringing customers back. The manual delivers literally hundreds of innovative ways to streamline your business. Learn new ways to make your operation run smoother and increase performance. Shut down waste, reduce costs, and increase profits. Store owners will appreciate this valuable resource and reference it in their daily activities as a source for ready-to-use forms, Web sites, operating and cost cutting ideas, and mathematical formulas that can be easily applied. The Companion CD-ROM contains all the forms in the book, as well as a sample business plan you can adapt for your own use.florists business forms, learn the floral business.

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Florist and Floral Business Both Online and Off

What Inventory to Carry in a Flower Shop

2011-04-24T23:15:00.001-06:00

It is always a wonder to enter a flower shop that is well stocked, fragrant, and with attention-grabbing inventory. People associate flower shops with beauty, calmness, and serenity; along with the services a person uses a flower shop. This is because of the inventory floral shops carries lend to this mind-set. The inventory automatically gives the flower shop the ambiance we all love. I have had a couple of terminal cancer patients come into my shop only to enjoy the atmosphere, quietness, and peace. The shop was a tranquil place that made the ladies joyful. I will always remember those two ladies and the conversations we had.

Thus, we need to carry well-intentioned, inspiring inventory. We cannot forget that first and foremost a flower shop carries fresh flowers. That is our main inventory and where we begin. Be sure to always have a nice selection of fresh flowers and foliage. Remember that your fresh flower inventory is perishable. There is a fine line between carrying enough perishable inventories and too much where you have waste.

Next, you will want to have a line of baskets and novelty containers, the more the better. Clay pots are good. A florist has a lot of the inventory they use out on the floor for people to buy until they need to use something for an order. So stock your show floor well. Customers want a varied selection from which to choose.

Your shop will have to have a jungle of plants of all varieties. Offer all the basic plants and then strive to find exotic plants, herbs, blooming plants, tropical plants, and cacti. Just fill you flower shop full of all sizes and types of plants. Also, offer baskets gardens, dish gardens, novelty baby planters and such. Have plants dressed up with bows and accessories and ready to go.

Balloons are a very nice add-on sale. Have a large selection of unusual and exciting balloons. You will want to carry latex and mylar balloons. Do not forget that you can stuff balloons with all sorts of stuff. Talk to your balloon wholesaler and learn all the fun and extraordinary things you can do with balloons. Balloons can help your shop stand out.

Silk and dried flowers all over your shop will add color and distinctiveness. Offer the best silk flowers, not the stuff you can buy at the dollar store. Buy upscale florals. Hang dried flowers such as statice, baby’s breath, eucalyptus, yarrow, from flower racks. Dried flowers will add visual interest and extra sales.

For variety, you may want to offer candles, lotions, jewelry, mediation cd’s, and candy. Country gift items are popular. Wooden and tin signs in particular sell well and are visually exciting. Candles will offer a marvelous aroma to your shop. You can get private label lotions and soaps and such. Having cd’s for background music is fun. It gets the customers in a good mood. A good mood can equate to more sales. You can buy whatever types of music you think your customer base will purchase. They hear the music, like it and want to take it home. I bought a Smoky Mountain folk music cd from a shop because they were playing the cd and I heard it. The extra inventory around the shop can be used in gift baskets as well.

You can offer fruit baskets, but that inventory will be bought on an as needed basis. Fruit baskets can be quite showy and impressive, which is good promotion for your store. You might want to offer greeting cards. They go nicely with flowers and gifts. There are many unique card companies around so you can propose a different card line from what most see. Exclusive wind chimes will go nicely with your inventory.

Explore online all the gift shows around the country. You really need to attend at least one gift show in your life. They are inspirational, educational, and you will learn all the latest trends for the time. You will find products that you cannot wait to bring back to your shop. You will be captivated, fascinated, and charmed. Maybe even a little mesmerized and spellbound! Just have fun. What you learn, you can take back to your flower shop and help to make it improved and revitalized. Remember the gift shows in the summer are for Christmas. You have to plan ahead for the seasons.

These are some basic ideas for inventory for your shop. I have learned that people will buy anything if it is displayed well. You must present your inventory to your customers in a fresh, simple manner, but yet make them feel like there is so much to look at. You do not want the bare look, but you do not want cluttered as well. Happy hunting for your exclusive inventory that will set your flower shop apart from the others!

The Merry Month of May in a Flower Shop

2011-04-24T18:57:00.002-06:00

May is a very busy month for a flower shop. All month long there are floral occasions. The busiest occasions are Mother’s Day, graduations, Memorial Day, schools are ending their school year, there seems to be a lot of birthdays in May, and it is the beginning of summer. All and everyone are coming to life. Memorial Day usually is seen as the first major leisure time of summer.

For florists, Memorial Day is a time for their customers to remember their loved ones that have passed. Florists get many orders for memorial pieces to be placed on the graves of the people requested. Florists should plan ahead and get maps of the local graveyards either from the local courthouse or the city offices of their town. Florists will be placing their floral pieces on the actual graves and the graves must be located. You will be walking the cemetery. Many memorial orders will come from out of town and called into the floral shop. Florists should stock up on memorial type containers of all kinds. Be prepared for all kinds of memorial pieces to be ordered. Memorial Day can be an occasion to make repeat customers. If you do a good job on the customer’s memorial flowers, they will call you year after year. They will be using a debit card, credit card, or check by phone, so it is instant cash. In addition, the customer whom placed the order will more than likely get some feedback on the floral arrangement from a friend or relative.

I used to get an order from out of town. The customer always had a friend photograph the memorial piece she ordered every year and send it to her. She was always pleased. These out of town customers may have more relatives nearby and will use you more than once a year on different occasions. Build a relationship with these customers. Let them know that they can trust you to fill their orders as requested. Assure them their flowers will be on the grave as requested.

Mother’s Day is a busy holiday for florists. It is always the second Sunday in May, so the date of Mother’s Day varies. This is a time for a lot of wire orders from out of town; people wanting to remember their mother. Orders for floral arrangements, corsages, blooming plants, and green and blooming plants are common Mother’s Day requests. It would be wise to stock up on these items as well as balloons, candy, and gift items, such as wind chimes, jewelry, and garden items. Most of Mother’s Day orders come ahead of time, but there will be two or three chaotic days which will be very demanding. You may want to give all mothers that come in your shop a free carnation as a token of appreciation and to honor her. It is good public relations. You can probably count on working on Mother’s Day at least some of the day. That is each individual flower shops’ decision to make. Advertising you will be open on that Sunday. You may get many extra walk in sales or last minute call in orders.

In between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day there are many graduations from highs schools and colleges that will need floral goods. Also, there are the seemingly many birthdays in May. Furthermore, the schools are ending their school year. People like to give teachers flowers and plants as a token of their appreciation.

So stock up on your inventory and be happy. You are in the merry month of May. Be thankful your shop is busy. Be happy you are in warm weather. And start dreaming of the weddings you will do next month in June!

7 Very Simple Plants to Grow Indoors

2011-04-22T17:39:00.000-06:00

Most people love houseplants, but unfortunately not everyone has a green thumb. Here are seven basically foolproof plants to grow. They have simple requirements and will allow even the brownest thumb to have a jungle in his/her home.

1. Philodendron – the philodendron species originates from the Brazil, Panama, and South America areas. It is the easiest of houseplants to grow. The philodendron is tolerant of low light and impure air. It does like a bit of humidity; not surprising considering the areas from which it comes. Water as it becomes dry. They can be propagated by stem cuttings or some species such as the elephant ear philodendron is propagated by leaf-bud cuttings.

2. Creeping Charlie – This plant is a very hardy, enduring plant. The Creeping Charlie is effortless to care for. Give the plant a bright location. Water as the top couple of inches of soil begins to dry. Creeping Charlie is simple to propagate by stem cuttings in water. Just root and plant in soil. They root quite quickly. An occasional fertilizing is beneficial. Fertilizing helps to keep its leaves dark green. Creeping Charlie does seem hard to find sometimes in stores. On a personal note, I asked my local post office for a couple of starts from their office plant. I now have four large Charlie plants, all from those two starts. Once you find a good spot the plant likes, leave it there for best growth.

3. Dieffenbachia – The dieffenbachia plant is an undemanding plant that likes indirect, filtered light. Normally, the plant grows to about 3 feet in height. As it grows it will lose its bottom leaves. It is normal for dieffenbachia to do this. Be mindful not to over water. Overwatering is the most common mistake for this plant. Allow the soil to dry in between watering; do not overwater. An important note on this plant: it is very toxic. If the sap is ingested, the vocal cords and the tongue will swell. Just do not let children around these plants. This is how the plant gets its nickname “dumb cane”

4. Spider Plant – The spider plant, as well, is known as the airplane plant. Moderate light and a fair amount of water is all this plant needs. If the plants color begins to become light in color, fertilize. This will bring back the dark green color, or the nice variegated color, depending on the species you have. It is forgiving if you forget to water here and there. The spider plant can be propagated by rooting the little “spiders” it puts out. A nice plant to hang.

5. Mint – Mint can be grown in the house as well as outdoors. Typical of the mint plant is the “square stem.” A slight bright spot on the window sill is best for this plant. Water often, as mint likes it moist. In the outdoors the mint plant likes shadier locations. Grows quickly. Mint can be quickly propagated by stem cuttings.

6. Good Luck Bamboo – Can usually be grown in the container in which it comes. Water often, as it can be grown in water as well as soil and rocks. I have found a bright, indirect light is good. Nothing to hot.

7. Cacti – Where can you go wrong with cacti? Watering too much!! This will rot the cactus plant rapidly. Think desert and sparse water. Also the cactus can handle bright, direct light. If the cactus plant is in the window and the light does become too hot, the plant will become burned. So watch out for too hot of light coming in through the window.

These simple, trouble-free plants will add a pleasant variety to your indoor garden, without much care and effort. Houseplants tend to create calmness, peace and tranquility in a home and they are great air purifiers. Be sure to add some humidity and keep any dead leaves picked off so that your plant collection can look its best.

Why Even Open a Flower Shop?

2011-04-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

Why even open a flower shop? Has it been your dream? Maybe you have worked for a shop and decided you want your own store. Perhaps you want to own your own business and not work for others. Possibly the flower business is a business you think you can do. Many people would like to own their own flower shop.

Owning your own flower shop is a business that is very achievable. With a little money and hopefully a lot of talent opening that store can be realized. Dreaming of opening your own flower shop is probably the result of many factors. Here are some reasons of why you may want to begin a journey of designing beautiful flowers and serving people.

1. The flower business is a service industry. Helping and sharing with people their life situations can be rewarding. Helping your customers create the perfect birthday or anniversary or celebrating the birth of a child is satisfying and most definitely a worthwhile job if we are going to do any.

2. Becoming a florist allows us to become a part of our community in which we live. We are all human. Florists are there to help with the human factor of our customers. It is gratifying to be able to help others in the moments of their lives.

3. It is very rewarding to see the happiness of people receiving flowers. Observing the surprise, the awe, the beauty that we get from these people is just a wonderful part of being a florist. We get to add cheer to the lives of those to whom we deliver. What better way to spend your time and vocation? People want to see us! They want our delivery van in front of their house.

4. Creativity is a big part of being a florist. The work we do allows us to be creative and have our creativity serve a purpose. It is like selling our art and creations on a daily basis. No starving artists in this business!

5. As a florist and designer we get to work with different mediums. We work with fresh flowers, dried flowers, silk flowers, or a combination thereof. Live green plants, blooming plants, cacti, succulents, even silk plants are part of our repertoire of materials with which we get to work. Our designs and “artwork” are limitless. Every day is different in the flower business.

6. People in our community rely on us to bridge their problems with others. Somehow, sometimes, flowers do say it all. We can help. Furthermore, along with people’s problems, there is a trust issue people have towards florists. We deal on a day-to-day basis with other people’s “sticky” situations and we have a duty to keep an understood silence. Most florists are trusted and relied upon to help work out the issues of others.

7. What's more, let’s not forget the beauty in which we get to do our jobs. Even though a flower shop can get very busy and hectic, the beauty within which we work is extremely satisfying in itself.

The flower business is a win-win business; for us as owners and for our customers. This business is hard work. It takes time and devotion to build your shop. The hours in which you work may be long. All in all, the flower business is a great business to work, to live, to build friends, and to be part of a community. It is a worthy goal and a worthwhile vocation.

Using Architectural Props in Your Flower Shop

2011-04-20T20:16:00.003-06:00

A very classy and modern way to accent your floral merchandise is to use architectural props for backdrops in your flower shop. You might ask what are architectural props. These are accents of old recycled pieces of buildings, such as windows, window frames, doors, etc. Here are ten ideas and ways to implement architectural features in your flower shop.

1. A salvaged fireplace mantle could make a fabulous focal point in your shop.

2. Stained glass windows would be an excellent way to accentuate your floral goods. You could put a price tag on the stained glass and sell the piece or just keep the prop for display.

3. A Victorian screen door is a superior backdrop for a large dried flower wreath and blooming plants. Tuck the screen door in and about baskets, green and blooming plants, and other dried flowers. Very nice!

4. Wrought iron gates leaned against the wall is a fine way to displays silk and dried swags or wreaths. Also, hang dried flower bunches on gates and wrought iron fencing. Similarly, old barn wood can be fashioned into benches for the blooming and green plants in your flower shop as well as backdrops for country products and signs.

5. Old salvaged front doors are a lovely architectural accent. Once again use to display wreaths and swags or as an ornamental backdrop.

6. Windows with glass add a unique backdrop for merchandise in your shop. Hang in and around products you want to highlight. Furthermore, you can put the window on a tall easel and display a magnificent wreath you have created.

7. Windows without glass that have been rescued are just as much a splendid accent piece as windows with glass. These can be painted wild and bright colors or soft, muted tints. Whatever you need to highlight, the windows can be made to order. Several of them painted Christmas red and displaying evergreen wreaths would be a nice way to merchandise the fresh wreaths during the Christmas holiday season.

8. Old recovered garden fountains and statuettes could put an emphasis on your plants and garden items. If the fountain really worked that would be extraordinary.

9. Reclaimed stone could be used to make a garden path leading up to a water fountain. Not salvaged, but new fountains are readily available. The sound of water in a flower shop is quite enjoyable; tranquil, and soothing.

10. Salvaged wooden cabinets, chairs, and shelves are very useful in displays. These can be used to display gift items and basket gardens. It is a way to get your merchandise off the floor. Check your local salvage yards. Keep your eye out at yard sales, thrift store, and flea markets for architectural props to use in your flower shop. Remember, making your floral shop a one of its kind makes it distinctive.

Telephone Selling in a Flower Shop

2011-04-20T20:02:00.002-06:00

Much of the sales of a flower shop are done over the telephone. A local customer calls a flower shop for a local delivery. A flower shop gets orders from patrons calling out-of-town for local delivery. A flower shop gets wire orders from anywhere in the world into their shop for local delivery. Florists must place orders to other towns, states, and countries. All are placed over the telephone. The computer has come along and much is done by the computer. But the telephone is still vital to the florist business.

How a florist and his/her staff conduct themselves on the telephone is a crucial criterion on whether the customer will use a particular florist a second time. If an employee answers the telephone rudely or insincerely the customer will likely not call again, or even worse, terminate the current phone call/order. You do not want this to happen. Below are several guidelines for answering the telephone for a florist and their staff.

1. Always answer the phone with an order pad and pen in hand. Never make the customer wait while you search for a pad and pen.

2. Always answer cheerfully. Let the potential client or even a salesperson know you are happy they called your store. Cheerfulness and happiness is easily spread. You are setting the mood in which you can make a nice sale.

3. Answer the phone by acknowledging your shop name, who you are, and how may you help the person calling. Speak with a clear voice; do not talk too fast. Be polite and courteous.

4. Several questions must be asked when a customer is placing a floral order over the telephone. Ask these questions so you can easily sell this person what they need.

5. Write down the information as you speak. Do not rely on memory. You do not want to have to call back the patron and ask questions such as “when did you want that delivered?” Your store may seem inadequate. Although, always do get a call-back phone number just in case an unforeseen problem arises.

6. Repeat back to the customer the order he/she has just placed. Make sure all the details are correct. Agree upon a method of payment. Ask if there is anything else you may do to help.

7. Thank the customer for their floral order. Politely end the telephone call, assuring the customer their order will be completed with the utmost care.

8. You and your staff may want to get in the habit of confirming an order by e-mail as it is completed. That really finalizes an order and the customer knows the order went out with no problems. So beginning an e-mail database will allow you to contact your client efficiently.

Remember to always be helpful. Make suggestions to your phone customers. You are their eyes. You know what inventory your shop has at that time. They will appreciate your suggestions as well as it makes the customer feel if you really care. Moreover, you do care!! That is why you are in the flower business.

Subliminal Florist Success

Great Flower Garden Design - Choosing Wildflowers Over The Regular Kind of Flowers

2011-04-17T00:33:00.002-06:00

Does the image of a garden that's completely overrun with beautiful flowers gaily springing up from every corner strike you as some version of paradise on earth? If only you could learn to create a flower garden design that could answer to that description. You can now, learning with these tips on creating flower garden design with wildflowers.

Where do you find wildflowers normally? They are usually flowers that resiliently grow by the side of roads, in cracks and spaces on sidewalks, in open spaces - taking up whatever space they can. Planting wildflowers in your own garden, they'll normally look best if you use them the way they normally turn up in the wild. If you could use a line of wildflowers in your garden to form a natural looking border right next to the perimeter of your property, you would create a pretty happy-looking effect. Most garden parimeters are lined with bare earth or utility boxes. With flowers that grow into every little nook on the borders of your garden, you can create a heavenly effect.

One of the best ways to go about wild flower garden design is to re-create in your space, the very way that wildflowers are out on an open meadow. And there is one unexpected incidental benefit to it too. You don't have to maintain a wildflower garden the way you would a grassy lawn and other garden designs. Wildflower gardens are supposed to look beautiful just the way they naturally are. Since there are flowers everywhere in such a flower garden design, the bare spots are usually well hidden, and there is little maintenance to always weigh on you.

So how and when do you plant to your wildflower garden? Wildflowers take about two months to take root and grow properly. In areas that suffer through really cold winters, planting early in the spring, say in April, you should have great bunches of flowers and splashes of color in your garden before summer starts. You could also seed your garden shortly before winter, around autumn. The seeds will lie in the soil all winter and sprout first thing in spring all by themselves. In a garden that receives lots of sunshine, go for black-eyed susans . In the shade, forget-me-nots work best. You'll find all the seeds you'll ever need for your wildflower garden at any garden center. Remember to buy seeds that are local to the area. They are likely to take better.

Content Source: Bukisa - Great Flower Garden Design - Choosing Wildflowers Over The Regular Kind

Scented Geraniums for Your Flower Shop

2011-04-02T23:06:00.001-06:00

Scented geraniums can be a wonderful addition to your shop inventory. They are fragrant, unusual, and a good conversation starter with which you can talk to your customers. If you have something different in your store, it will cause a word of mouth reaction and bring in new and repeat patrons.

It is interesting to know that most geraniums came from the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Geraniums remained unknown until the English were given savvy to them by Africa in about the 1600’s. They did not come into vogue until the 1800’s when the French took interest in the scented geraniums as possibilities for their perfumes. French perfumeries saw the value of scented geraniums for their aromatic potential; especially the rose-scented geranium. This plant was distilled for the delightful light rose scent. A charming note is the Victorians, whether the potted plants were placed indoors or out, were positioned so that when the ladies walked by with their long dresses, and as they walked passed the scented geraniums, they would brush against the geraniums and thus release the tantalizing fragrance into the air.

Scented geraniums are easy to grow in indoors in pots in the winter. They also grow splendidly in the outdoor garden during the summer months. They will freeze if left out doors during the winter. It is a great joy to have geraniums of all kinds on the windowsill during the dark, chilly winter months. They will bloom abundantly all winter. The scented geraniums do like a light fertilizing from time to time. You will see a difference in the color of the leaves and in the abundance of blooms. Just be careful and do not over do with fertilizer. Keep the fertilizer a diluted mixture. The leaves of the plants offer fragrant material for potpourri. Nosegays, which were once popular during the Victorian era, are making a comeback today. Geranium leaves are a nice addition to nosegays.

Geraniums propagate quite easily. Take cuttings of about 6’ from healthy plants. Place the cuttings in very moist sand. They root nicely in sand. You can root in water as well, but moist sand is the preferred method. You might put a plastic bag over the cuttings to add extra moisture, emulating a greenhouse effect. Once the cuttings have substantial roots, plant the cutting in their own pot. Clay pots are trendy, as well as classic for geraniums. Fertilize, once again very lightly, and place in a bright sunny place, but not too hot.

When shopping for scented geranium plants rub the leaves lightly between your fingers to release and test the aroma of the plant. Make sure the plants are a healthy dark green and the plants are not leggy and spindly. Scented geraniums are used for aromatherapy, cosmetic uses, culinary uses, and medicinal purposes, especially with the skin.

Diseases and pests do sometimes plague scented geraniums. To control, lightly wash with warm, mild detergent solution to wash off common pests such as white flies, spider mites, and mealy bugs. Inspect plants often to catch problems early on so the pests can be quickly fixed before infestation becomes too badly. If plants become too infested I usually just toss them as to not jeopardize my whole collection.

Paddywax Garden Crush Collection Poured Geranium Scented Candle In Glass, 9-Ounce

Scented Geraniums: Knowing, Growing, and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums

Rosewood Geranium 100% Pure & Natural Aromatherapy Herbal Soap- 4 oz (113g)

Growing & Using Scented Geraniums: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-131

Rose Geranium 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil- 10 ml

You May Have to Swim the Moat to Get Your Flower Shop Opened

2011-03-19T13:52:00.001-06:00

I heard someone say the other day, "That if you want to get to the castle, you have to swim the moat." That has stuck with me ever since I heard it, and I have been pondering the statement according to my own life. Think about it. "You have to swim the moat to get to the castle." I can paraphrase it by saying several different things. One, get out there and fight the fight, fake it 'till you make it, etc.

So you have decided to open your flower shop. Great!! Now you must get busy. Tasks that will come up may seem hard, but take it one activity at a time. Do not overwhelm yourself. I know you are excited and probably wish everything was all completed and it was opening day. Well, that day will come soon enough. I remember fondly of planning and starting my flower shop. It was some of the most exciting and most happy times. The possibilities were all before me.

So get out there and swim the moat and get your flower shop. Start by making some lists. Examples would be a how to get financed list and an inventory to purchase list. Make a wholesaler list and begin to contact them. Get to know your wholesalers. You may want to make a gift show list and plan to start attending the gift shows so you can see what products are hot; learn the newest trends.

If you want to get to the castle, you have to swim the moat. Begin now. Take a piece of paper. At the top of the paper draw a "castle" on it, or a flower shop or fields of flowers or anything you want to metaphorically speak for "the castle". Under it draw a fairly big circle, big enough in which to write. Embellish this basic form any way you want, or not at all. If you are a creative person you may want to decorate it or draw on it. Make 20 or so photocopies to begin.

Each day, take one of these sheets. Ask yourself questions such as, what is it I have to do today to get my flower shop opened? What is it I have to do today that is difficult?" Is there a phone call I do not want to make, but I should get it out of the way first thing so the rest of the day is easier? Do you have a difficult meeting, maybe with a banker that you would prefer you did not have to attend? Do you have to spend money that you wish you did not to achieve your outcome and that is making you nervous? Whatever it is, write it in "the moat", the circle. Be sure to cross it off as you finish the task.

You are swimming the moat. You are fighting the fight, step by step. You are step by step getting your dream flower shop opened. Eventually, you will achieve your goal, get your castle. Just take it day by day, step by step. As they say, inch by inch, anything is a cinch. Save these papers. It can serve as a sort of diary for you to look back upon. Be sure and date each page. It can show you how you got to where you wanted to be; designing flowers all day and making people smile for a living. And I just have to add from “Little Nemo”, just keep swimming, just keep swimming. I could not resist!!

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Display Ideas for Inside Your Flower Shop

2011-03-17T14:11:00.005-06:00

I have three charming ideas for displays. At times it seems like a hard and a daunting task to come up with new display ideas. I always welcome fun and unique ideas to display floral designs and plants. I anticipate you will enjoy these. I hope these are useful to your store as well.

1) Start with some wire mesh. Cut a piece large enough so that when connected in a circle you will have a 10-11" circle. Place a clear plant tray that is large enough to go over the top of the cage of wire mesh you have just made. You have made your first wire pedestal. Make at least five of these at varying heights to complete one display area. This type of display piece would be perfect for silk flower arrangements, basket gardens, or gift basket of different types. To give a garden look from these pedestals, place herbs in clay pots on the pedestals and accent around the cages with herb and garden books for sale, flower seeds, and garden tools; maybe even potting soil and baskets. Very unique and interesting. Place several of these three to five pedestal displays around your shop. Also these wire cages could be used for a grand summer window display. Accent with plants and country folk art. Stuffed animals would be very cute around these cages, maybe cows, ducks, bunnies, and chickens.

2) I like to use wooden crates for display. My customers even want to buy the crates themselves and I have sold them. These can be made easily from a bundle of lathes and scrap wood in the size of your choice for the top and bottoms. I stand some crates upright and some on their sides. The crates can also be draped with fabric for some color. Dish gardens, silk arrangements, and pottery and baskets fill in the crates nicely. These crates are so versatile; they can be used in display for almost anything.

3) Shower curtains for a window display. No, I am not crazy, yet... Shower curtains come in so many designs and colors. They can be a great backdrop for that special display. They are fairly inexpensive and can be used, put away and brought out again to be used in a different way. Think about what you want to highlight in your floral shop. You could even shop thrift stores for this type of backdrop. Just make sure your shower curtain is bright and shiny clean. Next, take some craft foam and cut out some circles of different sizes. Spray paint them a coordinating color. Punch two holes in each circle, opposite each other and string clear fishing line through the holes.

These circles can be hung from the ceiling at varying heights. Place on the circles potted silk green plants you have for sale. Use as a display for seasonal holidays such as Valentine's Day, placing red, white, pink, and lavender everything on the circles. Use some of the wooden crates from display suggestion #2 above on the bottom for the lower half of the display, and use the hanging circles displaying your Valentine designs. The crates can be spray painted red, white, pink, etc. as needed. Pull it all together with the matching shower curtain for the backdrop, the coordinating crates, and the hanging circles to show off your feature items.

Look all around you. As you are driving, as you walk around, as you shop, see objects in a different fashion. An old gate can be a great backdrop for a dried floral wreath. Paint a window screen, put it on an easel and use to display earrings for a quick add on sale. Gaze all about and you will find treasures you can use to make your flower shop distinctive.

Pick and Paint Dried Floral Materials While on Your Drive

2011-03-17T13:57:00.001-06:00

Whenever I go anywhere I am prepared to gather dried materials with which to design. I carry brown bags, plastic bags, spray paints, rubber bands, wire, and plastic cellophane sleeves. I carry all these supplies in a box in the trunk of my car. It really takes up very little space. It is a lot of fun and the more you get out and walk around your surroundings, the more flora you will find. You will want to make sure that nothing you cut is protected. Be sure to cut dried material in moderation, so that it can reseed and come back next year. Carrying a flower and tree field guide with you will be very helpful in identifying plants; you can find the guides specific for your area. Your local library probably has this type of reference material. Gathering floral materials to use is fun, economical, and can be a good addiction.

Rice Grass
I live in the southwest. This is the area with which I am most familiar. In the spring, rice grass comes to life. It can be picked while green and also after it has field dried. It will then be a beautiful natural tan color if picked late in the summer. You will want to harvest rice grass before it gets wind blown which is what happens as the summer progresses. Pick bunches not to big. I trim the bunches of rice grass so they are nice and even so when I get home, they are ready to hang. If I want colored rice grass, I paint the bunch right there in the field. Rice grass in great for wreaths and to use as a filler flower in flower arrangements.

Peppergrass
I love peppergrass. It can be used as fresh cut material while in bloom. Use it right away in fresh floral arrangements or hang to dry. It is white when in bloom. Peppergrass works the same in flower arrangements as baby's breath. It is a bit lacier. If it is picked when naturally dried in the field it is a nice tan color. Whether you harvest it dried or fresh, make bunches not too large and secure the ends with a rubber band. When picked dried, you can spray paint your bunch any color you desire, then bring them to your shop and hang. Do not wait too late into the season to pick, as it will become too brittle.

Curly Dock
Curly dock is found throughout most of the United States along creek banks and in abandoned fields. Early in the season it can be picked while green and hung to dry. Later in the season, it turns naturally an awesome chocolate to russet color. It can grow up to 2-3 feet. I would cut as the dock long as possible. You can always cut shorter, but it is harder to lengthen materials. If cut earlier in the season, May -July, there is less chance of shattering. When picked in the fall, you may need to spray with a sealant to prevent shattering. Curly dock is a very versatile floral material. Use in autumn arrangements, wreaths, or dried and fresh arrangements.

Mullein
Mullein grows on dry hillsides and on roadsides. The leaves are grayish green and they feel like velvet. Mullein flowers are yellow and the stalk grows to a height of 3-6 feet. The mullein plant reminds me of liatris in nature, only taller, thicker, and dries to a soft gray to brown color. The stems can be cut and hung to dry. I would paint them after they are completely dry. If you need a very tall line flower for a dried arrangement, mullein is perfect.

Sage
Of course in the southwest, sage is plentiful. I would gather sage while newly bloomed early in summer. Gather in small, shorter bunches. It can be hung upside down to dry and used year round. Sage is great for wreaths and hand wrapped tussie-mussies. It is very pungently fragrant. Add other herbs for a wonderfully natural bouquet.

Just get out and wonder about. There is no end to the materials you can find to use for home and professional use. Seeking out unusual floral materials is what helps to set your flower shop apart from all the others. Have fun and do not forget the sunscreen and big garden hat!!

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