There’s always a sense of anticipation when we release our new workshop dates and information for the coming year — even when many of our courses are ones we run each year. So, this year, it’s with even more eager anticipation that we have released our workshop dates. We’ve added a few new ones to the line-up too. Other workshops, even if the name has stayed the same, have been tweaked — either so that we can fit in more ‘content’ or so that our customers have more time to enjoy their learning experience. So, what’s new this year?
Two willow workshops to choose from
First off, due to popular demand, we have added another willow-weaving workshop. Bek will be running both workshops, which will include general principles and advice on working with willow. On the first workshop you will learn how to make a sweet pea support, getting creative with different colours of willow and dogwood. You will leave with not only your willow support but with sweet pea seedlings to grow up it. The second willow-weaving workshop covers the techniques needed to make a spiralling bird-feeder / plant holder Once you have made your bird-feeder, you will learn how to make miscellaneous plant supports for various areas of the garden. Bek will be free to answer any questions you might have, relying on her many decades of experience.
Our DIY Wedding Workshop will now be in three parts…
The next bit of news is that we have decided to split our DIY wedding flowers workshops into three separate sections sections. That way we can cover more information and offer more in-depth tuition on each topic. First up will be DIY Wedding Flowers: Bouquets and Table Centres… so that you can get to grips with the key floral items needed for a wedding. Once you have learnt how to make a hand-tied bouquet you will be able to make your own bridal bouquet as well as those of your bridesmaids and flower girls. A hand-tied bouquet will also work as a table centre — though we will also show you a variety of other options, for various table style and budgets. Everything, of course, is foam-free.
DIY Wedding Flowers Part 2 will cover the venue flowers, from larger vase arrangements, to garlands and installations. You can put us to the test, and ask us any questions you might have regarding your own specific venue and creative aspirations. And, once again, all of the techniques we will be showing you are 100% foam free and sustainable.
Lastly, Part 3 will cover taping & wiring — an essential skill if you are interested in making your own buttonholes, corsages, hair flowers or flowers for your cake. Our taping and wiring master, Barbara, will be leading Part 3. You will not only watch and learn but also get to make a selection of delicate items to take away with you.
Want to learn the art of pressing flowers? We do!
Barbara is not only an all-round brilliant florist and whizz with the taping and wiring, she’s also the creative force behind Humming B Floral Art. So, who better to run our two new workshops on pressing and getting creative with pressed flowers?! You guessed it! Barbara’s first workshop will explore Pressed Flowers: 2-D design, focusing on designing and making a gift card. Before you get making, Barbara will talk you through the age-old technique of pressing your own flowers — which you will choose and pick from our flower plot. Pressed Flower Workshop: Decorative Pumpkins is timed to coincide with our PYO Pumpkins at Loddington Farm, involves decorating miniature white pumpkins to create a long-lasting, adorable piece of home décor. What’s not to love?!
Lastly, though it may seem like a long way off…
…we have made a few changes to our Christmas workshops too. Our Christmas wreath-making workshops will now be three hours long (rather than two and a half) so that you don’t have to rush the creative process. Some of our regulars said that this would make our wreath-making workshops even better… so, that’s what we are going to do! Christmas Table Centres will remain foam-free — of course — but we’re going to do something a little bit different, a little bit Scandi and utterly gorgeous… We’re going to go all out and explore the art of tablescaping. It’s always been a part of our Christmas table-centre workshop but this year we’re going to raid our shelves, cupboards (as well as our family and friends’ cupboards) and source some beautiful items to bring out the interior designer in all of you… Booking opens soon!