Published (again!)

Earlier this year I was invited to take part in a photo shoot for Wedding flowers and accessories magazine.  Every month they invite florists from around the country to go to their studios armed with the most beautiful wedding flowers we can make.  The flowers are then photographed and appear in the 'lookbook' section of the magazine.

To say this is an honour is an understatement.  And to say it is nerve-wracking, well, that too is an understatement.  I find it more terrifying than the biggest most glamorous wedding. And each time it doesn't get an easier.  I guess it is because I know the flowers are going to be scrutinised and then printed.  That is the scary bit.

This time I was asked to do three arrangements using 'mixed' flowers. This meant I could choose any blend of colours and just let my imagination go wild.  I picked a colour palette of the gentlest peaches, blues, lilacs and then added a splash of silver berries and foliage. However, I didn't want it to go too girly pretty and so the bouquet was tied with pastel silk, silver and black velvet ribbons and the painted pots were dappled with black paint and silver leaf.

This time, I took a few photos of the wholes process from the start to the finished published magazine. And there is something very special about seeing my flowers in a magazine on the newsagents shelves.  So exciting!

Painted up terracotta pot waiting for some silver leaf to be added

The finished pot was a complete experiment but I think it worked!

Next DIY project was some little signs.  I was planning on doing some calligraphy but haven't done it for years.  Instead I just printed them out.

Flowers packed up nice and early and ready to go. With some spares.  Wherever I go, I take spares. Spares are good.

the outside of the studio. This is where I start to get butterflies

But what an amazing door

Preparing the bouquet for shooting.  Just love the silk ribbons mixed with black velvet and silver sequins. 

All my flowers lined up, waiting for their turn in the studio. 

And then the magazine, so exciting when it arrives through the door.

Finished bouquet

Little place settings

And a lovely wild table centre