Mercedes Pilgrim - CCSF Featured Alumni



The Special Events class (RF 88) at City College of San Francisco https://www.ccsf.edu/ was delighted to have Mercedes Pilgrim present a program on Wednesday, May 10th, 2017.  Mercedes is an alumni from the Retail Floristry Department at City College of San Francisco.  She was an award winning SAIFD member who competed on the college's floral design team.  Mercedes was an outstanding student in all aspects during her time in the department.  She also completed the European Master Certification program with Tomas De Bruyne and Hitomi Gilliam AIFD http://emcprogram.com/.  Mercedes is now the Floral Department Manager at McCalls Catering & Events http://www.mccallssf.com/.  McCall's is a leading catering and event management company located in the San Francisco Bay area that provides in-house floral and event design specialists.

Mercedes spoke about her career path beginning as a CCSF student and now working in the industry for several years.  She explained  the benefits and importance of freelancing for different event companies to keep busy, learn the business and eventually working with a regular team of designers.  She discussed the current wages in San Francisco for a freelance floral designer.  Mercedes described her current job operations from consultations and pricing to the logistics of setting up and striking an event.

Designing an elevated centerpiece for a themed event is each students final semester project. Mercedes presented many different themed designs the company does in popular venues through out the Bay Area. She explained the hot trend of "Futuristic Tech Events".  Her expertise inspired the students further for their final projects and gave them more insight into this type of designing.

Mercedes explained how this centerpiece has a mushroom shape which is currently popular with brides. The flowers are designed in a lomey designer dish that is attached on top of the vase.  The mechanics are floral foam, chicken wire and waterproof bowl tape.

Mercedes gave tips on  how to transport/deliver elevated arrangements by using mache containers upside down.  Then placing arrangement inside a custom wooden delivery box.  The arrangement is initially attached with floral clay to the mache.

 

The popularity and effectiveness of Illuminated designs was discussed and how this design works well for cocktail tables. 

Floating flowers are another quick and simple way to decorate an event.  The cymbidium orchids are inserted with 12 gauge aluminum wire and reinforced with decorative wire.

This Futuristic Event prop can be used  with or without flowers.

Themed centerpiece design for a fundraiser at the San Francisco Zoo.  Mercedes explained how the arrangement coordinated with the animal print linens on the guest tables.

"Yosemite National Park" themed centerpiece design.  Christmas greens, rocks, lichen branches, hydrangea, hypericum berries, feverfew and tiny clusters of waxflower are used to achieve the environmental look of that area.

Mercedes gave tips on making handtied bouquets and rubber banding them so the flowers don't fall out on delivery or set up.  She also discussed using waterproof faux greenery to cover the mechanics in a clear vase.  The faux greenery does not create bacteria and is reusable.

 Mercedes plans to attend the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium http://aifd.org/ in July.  She was invited to test for their PFDE.  This is the on site process/step to become an AIFD member.  We applaud and congratulate her on the beginning of this great journey and all of her remarkable accomplishments.  Thanks Mercedes, for presenting and visiting us. We wish you great things with all your future endeavors.

 

Jenny Tabarracci AIFD

"Bouquets to Art" Celebrates 30 Years

This year Bouquets to Art celebrated their 30th Anniversary.  The design above by Dominique Pfahl  owner of Floreal in San Francisco captured the essence of the exhibition.  Her design displayed the heart and soul of so many who are part of this premier event in San Francisco.  Dominique wrote the following about her design " I thought it would be fitting to create a tree that started as a little sprig in the ground, grew as a beautiful blossoming tree, every year, thanks to the indefatigable hard work of the hundreds of volunteers, the creativity of the floral community of the Bay Area and beyond".......

The exhibition included a one-night showing of  Floral Fashions designed by the City College of San Francisco Floristry Students.  These talented students were the talk of the town after the Opening Night Gala on Monday, March 17, 2014.  Above City College of San Francisco Student Hee Joo models the creations she made with Young Pak.  Six other student design teams created floral fashions inspired by artwork in the museum's collection.  The guests were captivated by the live models and designs.

 Floral Fashion Inspired by the Artwork of Louis Comfort Tiffany

 

Floral Fashion by CCSF Student Ariel Ermatinger Inspired by the Artwork of Arthur Dove

Floral Fashion by CCSF Student Fiona Li

 

Drawing by CCSF Student Mia Pettyjohn

 

Floral Fashion by CCSF Student Mia Pettyjohn Inspired by the Artwork of George De Forest Brush

 

Floral Fashions for Bouquets to Art 2014.  CCSF Student Designers:  Nicole Kastle, Oxana Sanukova, Imelda Iraeta, Hee Joo, Young Pak, Carolyn Manan, Takhmina Akramova, Fiona Li, Maria Pettyjohn and Ariel Ermatinger

 

 

The exhibit is a great way to visit and catch up with your floral friends.  I enjoyed viewing the displays and sharing design experiences with the above Floral Designer Emil Yanos AIFD.  He chose the artist Otis Oldfield and was inspired by the Artwork from his series "Building the Bay Bridge".  I loved his interpretation.

  

 

The exhibit allows me to try new techniques and expand on what I know.   The challenges are coming up with a new idea,  logistics, selection of appropriate/acceptable material and working the exhibit into your schedule.  There are  limitations with materials you can and cannot use in the museum.  This year the show was extended one more day.  The designs need to last for seven days.  One of my goals was to come up with a design that would not require a water source and to select materials that dry well.  I also like to use new materials in the industry and include trends into the design. 

 

Above are the beginnings of the designs leaf work.  I found the metal frame at the department store Ross a few years back.  The frame was cemented in a plastic bucket for stability.  The leaves on the body are dusty miller glued on their backside and the same was done with the lemon leaves glued on the plastic bucket.  Tack 2000 was used for all leaf gluing. 

 

 

Above is the completion of the gluing process.  The square pedestal is made out of plywood.  The lemon leaves were glued both front and back sides for this part of the design.  The gallery is very dark and small. So I wanted to keep everything light, bright and a manageable size to accommodate the large crowds in the gallery.  I focused on clean detail for this design.

 

 

This is the completed design displayed in the gallery.  I was happy the lighting crew could spot light it!  I used a double coil technique with bullion and decorative wire for the smaller necklace.  Tiny succulents were sprayed Gold and glued on with clear floral glue.  Fresh Floral Jewelry is a popular trend in our industry and I learned many tips in Wendy Andrades book on this topic.  The medallion was made out of craspedia accented with a massed bullion lace coil technique.  The larger jewelry garland was sculpted with Mega Aluminum Wire a newer product to our industry.  I sculpted this with my hands and pliers.  I was able to make the shape without any additional mechanics, it holds itself together.  I then wired Gold succulents onto the garland frame and glued craspedia for the finishing touches.   Gold Chain is used in the design.  Another new product to our industry.  The Oasis company supplies it.  The jewels were given to me from Steven Brown a few years ago and I was happy to make use of them in this design.  Some of the artwork was made with Gold thread so I focused on this element for my floral design and also because Gold is a trend now.

  

Photo provided by Greg A. Lato/latoga photography http://www.latogaphoto.com/

 



 

It's always a thrill to see how everything you imagined and planned turns out.  Above is the artwork I chose for inspiration.  The title is "Athena with Medusa and Gold Snakes" by Marilyn Pappas.  I hope you got a chance to see this fabulous show.  If not, there's always next year. You can view this beautiful piece of artwork that was hand-embroidered on linen at the de Young museum in San Francisco.  Jenny Tabarracci AIFD

 

For more information about the show go to: http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/bouquets-to-art

 









"ISES" A Place To Start

How and where to begin as a Florist are questions often asked to me.  I regularly give a classroom lecture to these questions, but if you want to skip the lecture, go to an ISES (International Special Events Society) event.  I recommend and encourage individuals seeking to become Florists or Special Event Professionals to attend a local chapter event.  You can attend an event without being a member.  I attend events at both the Napa - Sonoma and Northern California Chapters.  The "Designer Showcase" is an Educational Program that is always a good introduction to ISES.  This month I attended the Northern California Chapter's Designer Showcase at "Bimbos" in San Francisco.

One of the many valuable things about attending an ISES event is experiencing the ambiance of popular venues in the Northern California area.  Knowledge is power and the more venues your familiar with the better for your business.  "Bimbo's" was originally owned and started by Agostino Giontoli in 1931 on Market Street in San Francisco.  Currently, this iconic retro supper club with an art deco influence is located in the North Beach District on Columbus Avenue .  It was famous for glamorous showgirls, cabaret shows and a fine three - course  meal.  The legacy continues by Giontoli's grandsons.  Visit www.bimbos365club.com  for more information on this historic night club.

ISES encourages a collaborative exchange of ideas whether it is by a panel discussion of event designers, inspirational displays by florists, rental companies, special effects experts or sampling many delights of local caterers menus. Networking can start at these events which leads to industry relationships and an excellent opportunity to build your business.

Networking and meeting other special event professionals face to face is crucial to the success of your business.  More than ever industry professionals and clients are looking for that personal touch to build trust and relationships. The stunning table display above was showcased by Napa Valley Linens. It was nice to chat with Diana Cardenas their representative for the event. Their showroom is located in Emeryville and be sure to check out their website www.nvlinens.com to find the latest trends in fabric, design and color.  Linen websites are a great source of inspiration for designers.  It's another way to see how flowers are incorporated into tablescapes.  Also, building a relationship with linen specialists is a great way to showcase your designs on their website and vice versa.   They just might pick one of the events you collaborated on to feature in their website.

 

Every guest table at Bimbo's can be spot lighted.  This is an asset to floral designers.  Appropriate lighting is important for your flower arrangements. The lovely floral design above by Ornamento was our favorite guest table arrangement of the night.  The container was abundant of silver grey dusty miller with accenting miniature garland lights woven through the design.  This mono botanical arrangement made a simple bold statement which was very effective in the dining area.  Ornamento is one of San Francisco's premier floral and event design studios owned by the creative genius Orna.  Visit their retail store in the Fairmont Hotel or at www.ornamento.com.

 

 

Blue Heron Catering showcased the vignette above with the tabletop items by Classic Party Rentals. The floral décor is showing influence of Radiant Orchid (Pantone's 2014 color of the year). These colors work well with the eggplant linen and accenting gold chargers, china, glass and flatware.  For more information on both companies visit their websites:  www.blueheroncatering.com  and www.classicpartyrentals.com.

 

 

Innovated and exciting cake artistry is often showcased at these events.  The above cake was designed by The Whole Cake a boutique located in Oakland, CA.  Once again we see how linens can inspire and influence your designs. Visit www.thewholecake.com for more information about this companies cake artistry.

 

 

 

The brilliance of balloon artistry is showcased above.  The possibilities are endless with Bijoux Balloons. This fun and fabulous display was enjoyed at the event.  Loved the sculpted mushrooms, and the passion/energy Robin Bosma brought to the room.  She was the representative and certified balloon artist.  Visit www.bijouxballoon.com for more information.

  



 ISES is an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen those that have developed over the years. It's also a way to keep current in the industry.  If your not sure where to start, try an ISES event.  You just might click with someone who is also beginning which can lead to support and collaboration.  There are many mentors to help you along the way. These events allow you to look out side your profession for inspiration.  There is so much knowledge and artistry in all special event fields.

 

Above I'm sitting with two industry professionals that find ISES a fantastic networking outlet. Nixon Tran was a City College of San Francisco Student and now is the Operations Manager at Michael Daigian Design.  Michael Daigian owner of MDD generously shares his wealth of knowledge and graciously has assisted Nixon, myself and many more florists and special event professionals with the development of their careers/businesses.  Visit Michael's website www.michaeldaigian to experience why he is another one of San Francisco's premier floral design companies.  Hope to see you at an ISES event.  Visit www.ises.com for more information and their next event in your area.

                                              Cheers!!  Jenny Tabarracci AIFD



Hartmann Studios "2013 Client Appreciation Event"

Hartmann Studios - Client Appreciation Event

Jenny Tabarracci AIFD and Michael Daigian

Hartmann Studios held their Client Appreciation Event Wednesday night March 27th, 2013 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, CA. If you want to have a blast and see what's the latest in trendsetting for special events this is the party to attend.  The design possibilities are truly endless at Hartmann Studios.  They are located in Richmond, CA and you can visit them on their website at hartmannstudios.com.

I was fortunate to work for Mike Guelfi one of the owners of Hartmann early in my career. When I was employed by Podesta Baldocchi which was San Francisco's oldest floral company (established in 1871) he was the general manager.  This was a valuable experience in my career, I have much respect for him.  He is one of the brightest professionals I've worked with in the industry.

This year Hartmann had four areas " Pop Art Room", " Library", " Oval Salon" and the "Night Club" flowing with embellished decor, delicious catering and fabulous ambiance.  Many prestigious floral designers from the Bay Area displayed their talents along with Hartmanns extraordinary lounges, stunning environmental elements, unbelievable candelabra structures and Gatsby style settings.  Just to name a few of the decor highlights of the night.

Michael Daigian Design was invited to display their tremendous talents for the night.  Michael's creative design team is top notch and it includes Marisa Tsikounas, Jennifer Lato AIFD and Nixon Tran.  They included part of my Bouquets to Art design in the entrance to their show room. The appropriate modifications were made to my design and it was exciting to see how it coordinated  with their room decor.  They took on the challenge of working with the Pantone color of the year "Emerald" and hit it out of the park with sophistication and radiance.  Michael Daigian is a mentor and dear floral friend that I share many ideas and designs with.  It's so important to have supportive and creative individuals like this in your life.   It was great to see the design used again with different elements. 

Michael Daigian seated at his impressive table display featuring Henry Lauder's walking stick with red floral accents playing a complementary balancing act with radiant emerald green.  Stunning!

Table display by Michael Daigian Design

Table display by Nicole Ha Designs

This charming display shows the diversity with the Bay Area Floral Designers.  What a fabulous way to celebrate a special event! 

Table display by Nicole Ha Designs

 Magical detail at it's finest!  What a joy it was to explore these Alice in Wonderland motifs.

Table display by Passifflora Designs

Hartmanns theme was to "INSPIRE, IMAGINE, IGNITE".  This display captured these words and the attention of so many guests. Bravo! 

Thanks to Hartmann Studios for another spectacular night and Kudos to so many talent designers, planners, caterers and patisseries in the special events industry.

Bouquets to Art 2013 - "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue"

BOUQUETS TO ART 2013

Exhibitor:  Jenny Tabarracci AIFD, City College of San Francisco

Assistants:  Imelda Iraeta, Sungmum Ryu, David Cushing

Artist:  Richard Diebenkorn

Artwork:  Miller 22, 1951

"Something Old"

These garlands of abaca black mesh, pearls, silver beads and decorative wire were used 4 years ago in an AIFD presentation and ISES event.  I consider this my "Something Old" in the design.  I packed and stored them and was able to use them for the third time for Bouquets to Art this year.  The mesh comes in a roll and originally came from Accent Decor.  You can also buy it at Shibata at the San Francisco Flower market in different colors.  It was cut in half and shaped into garlands with decorative accents.  This is a great mechanic that can be used over and over again.  This was the main mechanic that held the Bouquets to Art design together.  It was attached to the metal stands with black cable ties.

 

"Something New"

The design concept, combination of materials and the way they are used represents the "Something New".   The materials were chosen because in my eye they portrayed a similar feeling and characteristic as the shapes, colors and lines of the painting.  I was also influenced by the other paintings in the room and wanted to create a design that would blend well.  I designed the materials in an organic repetitious fashion with lots of depth, layering and circular motion.  The floral materials used in this design were silver dollar eucalyptus, tillandsia and anthuriums.  The anthuriums were the only material that had a water source which was a water tube sprayed black. 

Detail work through out the entire design.

 The floral design was also inspired by the art work of Robert Motherwell titled "At Five in the Afternoon"

 Prep work for the silver dollar eucalyptus garlands.  Leaves are cut off branches, put in piles and then strung on black 12 gauge aluminum wire with a stacking technique.  The wire is curved tightly at the beginning and end of each section so the materials will not slip off.

 

Silver dollar eucalyptus garlands completed in different sizes. Then attached to metal frames and mesh with black cable ties.  Garlands sculpted around and into the design for final technique.

"Something Borrowed"

I borrowed these metal stands from the Retail Floristry Department at City College.  You can buy them at Accent Decor.  They are the frame work to the design.  Holes were drilled at the base and secured with screws into custom pedestals made out of plywood.

"Something Blue" 

Blue "Co-Flex" a cohesive flexible bandage was used to wrap around the metal frames.  This is something I came across riding horses.  It is used in the horse world regularly and comes in all different colors.  It works well in floral design and does not need glue.  The painting has small accents of blue and I wanted to portray the same effect with the floral design.

Metal frames were first wrapped with the blue Co-Flex and then the mesh was added with black cable ties.  This was the key mechanic to the design.  The mesh really held everything together.

 

Sometimes it takes two people to get the mechanic just right.

Thank you to my assistants Sun, Imelda and David! Hope everyone had a chance to see the show.  Many, Many amazing designs!  Congratulations to all!

Design Supplies

Black abaca mesh, water tubes sprayed black, jewels, beads, pearls from Accent Decor, blue Co-Flex, black cable ties, black 12 gauge aluminum wire, black and silver 24 gauge decorative wire.