Leopoldo Gomez - Floral Interiorism

 Leopoldo Gomez is a renowned international teacher of Floral Design.  He is the co-founder of Centro de Arte Floral located in Mexico City which provides an in depth curriculum of floral design classes.   City College of San Francisco's Environmental Horticulture/Floristry Department and the American Institute of Floral Designers North West Region partnered together to host and coordinate an amazing program that featured this exceptional new talent who is rising quickly in the Floral Industry.  The program was sponsored by the Master Florists Association http://www.masterfloristsassn.org/, City College of San Francisco https://www.ccsf.edu/, United Wholesale Flowers https://unitedwholesaleflowers.com/ and Accent Decor, Inc. https://www.accentdecor.com/.   Many thanks to these wonderful industry sponsors for the beautiful fresh product, unique containers and supplies.

 

Floral Interiorism was the program topic which is described as "Creating multi-use designs that your customers can enjoy again and again.  Leopoldo explored this topic using his striking color palettes, vivid combinations of textures and masterfully-crafted armatures and structures.  Many of Leopoldo's designs are influenced and inspired by the culture of Mexico where he lives. 

 

The stunning Aura Planter from Accent Decor, Inc. above was used for a featured design in the program. Wooden dowels were inserted and glued into styrofoam and then floral foam was placed on top for the water source.  Emil Yanos AIFD assisted by creating a band of woven raffia to compliment the texture of the planter.  Leopoldo completed the design by adding gorgeous snowball viburnum harvested from the department gardens.

 

Susan Ishkanian AIFD glued, stacked and layered beautiful Wood Slices from Accent Decor, Inc.  The green vase was used as a mold to create the shape for this unique container.

Water tubes are wired to structure for the water source. 



.

 

Susan and SAIFD student Jungwa Han created water tubes from hot wax and then added crayons for striking color effects.

 

Leopoldo completed the design with stunning materials provided by United Wholesale Flowers, Repetto Nursery, Blossom Valley Floral, Inc. and Mt. Eden Floral Company.  Thank you sponsors!!

 

SAIFD student Dahee Han gluing marbles on a glass mold to create a unique container.

Water tubes are hot glued inside for water source. 

Leopoldo creates dancing flowers. 

CCSF Alumni Imelda Iraeta created a container designed with Leopoldo's custom chicken wire technique.  This was achieved by twisting and shaping bale wire. The Reclaimed Wood Base is from Accent Decor's collection.  Orchid grass was adhered with wood glue to complete the container.

Water tubes covered with orchid grass and gold wire is the technique for the water source.  Tubes were glued into container with oasis glue.

 

 SAIFD student Sohyun Kwak assisting with Leopoldo's creation.  Pencils were used to achieve order in disorder.

 

Leopoldo explaining above the mechanics for his design concept.  Attendees worked in groups for the hands on part of the program.

Attendees enjoying working together on the group projects.  Great learning atmosphere. The Riva Tray by Accent Decor was use as a water source and base to this design.  12 gauge aluminum wire was used to bind birch branches together. 

 

Leopoldo explaining a group project using galax leaves and a Reclaimed Hollow Stump from Accent Decor's collection.  Holes were drilled into four large dowels then galax leaves were wired with binding wire and inserted into holes.   Water tubes with flowers were added.

Great job Ruth, Grace and Armando!

Design created with bale wire, newspaper and water tubes.

Technique using nails, yarn and water tubes.

Attendees learning lots of new techniques.

 

Christmas ornaments covered with pine shavings and used as a decorative water source.

City College Student So-yeon Kim creating one of Leopoldo's designs by gluing tiny branches into flat cane.

 

Many thanks to Leopoldo, Sponsors, Steven Brown AIFD, Katie McCormick AIFD, AIFD NW and all assistants for making an amazing program come to life.  You and the attendees created the most wonderful learning environment. I wish great things for you in our industry!! 

 

Jenny Tabarracci AIFD

 





A Day With "Tomas De Bruyne"

Tomas De Bruyne - Floral Designer

I highly recommend taking a seminar with Tomas De Bruyne.  The Floristry Department at City College of San Francisco was privileged to host at their facility this Brilliant Belgian Floral Designer.  Special thanks to The Northwest Region of the American Institute of Floral Designers(AIFD) who presented and coordinated his program/workshop.

One of the many things you learn through his seminar is the importance to continually invest
in yourself.  It's so important for florists/floral designers to continually update our knowledge and enhance our skills to achieve success.  You will also learn that personal and professional development go hand and hand.

The seminar was aimed at students and flower shop owners wishing to stand out from the rest by using the 3 creative M s:  creative mechanics, creative merchandising and creative minds

Tomas being a floral designer, teacher, author and entrepreneur has a rich source of knowledge/experience with much to share. Visit his website www.tomasdebruyne.com for more information on his many accomplishments,upcoming seminars/projects and European Master Certificate.

Design demonstrated by Tomas.

Tomas teaching techniques for a cascade bridal bouquet.

 

 

The completed cascade bouquet that City College of San Francisco Student Cynthia Woods won after attending the workshop.

 

City College of San Francisco's SAIFD President and First Place Winner for the SAIFD Competition in Las Vegas "Ineke Moss" enjoyed assisting and learning techniques from Tomas.

 

Tomas discussing the mechanics of his design and the opportunity to tap into the Special Event Industry with our specialized skills as Floral Designers.

 

City College of San Francisco Student Jennifer Rossi concentrating and learning the intricate detailing for one of the designs Tomas shared in his program.  This was such a wonderful opportunity for CCSF students learning hands on with Tomas.



Emil Yanos AIFD one of the coordinators and assistants for the seminar prepping a design for Tomas's program.





 

Break time with Tomas, Wil, Connie, Lily, Cheryl, Greg and Katherine.  

 

 

 One of many techniques learned at seminar. 

 

 

Techniques with pussy willow. 

 

 

 

Thanks to the Northwest Region of the American Institute of Floral Designers.  This inspiring program and workshop happened because of their efforts and passion for flowers.  Thanks to Wil Gonzalez AIFD and his committee for all their hard work!  This year the American Institute of Floral Designers are celebrating their 50th anniversary.  If your interested in experiencing these types of programs, workshops and presenters go to www.aifd.org.  The next AIFD Symposium is in Chicago Illinois, July 3-7, 2014.

 

This Fabulous Floral Group contributed to the success of Tomas's program. Thanks to all of you for a wonderful experience.  Special thanks to the sponsors of the program who provided their product:  Accent Décor, Brannan Street Wholesale, Smithers-Oasis, KB Flowers and The Sun Valley Group. 

 

Thank You!!

Jenny Tabarracci AIFD

"Wedding" Trending at City College of San Francisco

 



 

 

Emerald Green

 

Design by Heather Logsdon

Trends are one of my favorite topics to explore and teach.  The Floristry Department at City College of San Francisco is very fortunate to have dedicated, passionate and talented design students.  I want to share some of my students design projects with special focus on floral wedding trends of 2013/2014.  The designs are from the 80C Advanced Floral Design class.  The students worked all semester learning classic and contemporary styles of wedding design.  This class is offered in the 2014 Spring Semester beginning Wednesday, January 15th, 5:10pm to 10:00pm.  There are still spaces in the class and time to sign up.  If interested you can register online at www.ccsf.edu.

 

The above bouquet is designed by Heather and she themed her final wedding project "A Mod Loves a Rocker"   She envisioned and was inspired by Vintage 60's fashion and design. The bouquet is composed of craspedia , artistically curled Ti leaves, succulents, tillandsia and a vinyl record collar with stems covered in slate gray satin fabric.  The solid colors, groupings, geometric shapes  and choices of materials categorize it as a contemporary style.  Emerald Green the color of the year is dominate in this bouquet and this is another factor that makes it current.  This bouquet is designed for that special bride who would enjoy this themed styled wedding.

 

Design by Paula Lam

Paula designed the above scepter bouquet in a clear lomey column.  She has impeccable taste and a natural flair for fashion and trend spotting. Moss, branches and decorative copper wire are designed inside the column and through out the design.  This is pure, clean, simple designing which is difficult to achieve. The gorgeous succulent grown from my home garden is the only specimen used because this diva stands on her own.  This is also a contemporary bouquet featuring a succulent which is still considered a trendy material.  Shades of Emerald Green are also used in this bridal bouquet. 

 

 

Design by Jennifer Rossi

 

The above design by Jennifer displays another scepter concept for a bridal bouquet.  Today the handle treatment for a bouquet is just important as the bouquet it's self.  The bouquet was designed in a pvc pipe which was then wrapped in ribbon and then finished with curly willow and decorative wired pearls. The treatment adds a woodsy flair and a "Once Upon a Time" element.  This would be fantastic for a winter wedding.  The bouquet is designed mainly with white calla lilies and accents of Emerald Green trick dianthus.

 

 

Wedding bouquet contrast of Lady Diana and Kate Middleton

 

 

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's Wedding Reception

 

 

The Royals and Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have a huge influence on style and fashion.  It's hard to forget Lady Diana's breathtaking cascade bouquet.  This will be a classic to live forever.  Floral and fashion change is evident in Kate Middleton's bouquet above compared to Diana's.  Today we see something in-between these two iconic bouquets with more emphasis in color, texture, unique specimens and accents regardless if the bouquet is structured or loosely design.  Many bouquets of today are themed and tell a story.  Historical periods of time and cultural traditions are influencing designs more than ever. 

   

Designed by Paula Lam



Paula designed this hand tied bouquet and matching hair piece in a chic Victorian style.  A popular look with brides.  Feathers, Lace, jeweled accessories and high petal count flowers such as David Austin roses and peonies define this style along with antique hydrangeas and a dusty miller collar.  Soft and feminine this look is a sure win.

  

Design by Olga Llerena

A wedding trend I discuss in class is the revival of the cascade bouquet.  We've seen a new popularity in this classic style.  Many designers are incorporating themed elements and styles into this bouquet along with the brides favorite colors, flowers and foliage's.  Wire and taping were the mechanics used for the above cascade bouquet.  The cascade segment is wired one calla blossom into the other. The materials used are calla lilies, dusty miller, ranunculus, peony, decorative wire and rhinestones.  What a show stopper this is! 

 

 

Design by Olga Llerena

 

Olga has challenged her self even more by orchestrating this European influenced cascade arm bouquet.  Circular shapes are designed with decorative wire and midollino sticks.  Phalaenopsis and rose blossoms are incorporated into the design with accents of eucalyptus pods.  This bouquet is for the forward thinking bride that wants to make a unique statement on her special day.

Design by Fiona Li

Another stunning cascade bouquet by SAIFD student Fiona.  She brings a modern flair to this design by using air plant material which is in high demand.  The circular collar backing, simple clean lines and decorative wire accents make this bouquet contemporary and unique.

Design by Fiona Li

An important aspect to this final project was to accomplish Unity and Harmony with the bridal bouquet and coordinating hair adornment.  Fiona has achieved a beautiful cohesive relationship between these two designs.  

 

Design by Fiona Li

 

The picture above shows the handle and collar wrapped with wool and decorative wire.  Wool is one of the latest trends in the United States that we see in designs.  This detailing completes the bouquet and is pleasing and comfortable for the bride to hold.  An important factor a professional florist should do for their client.



 

2014 Color Of The Year

 

Group Design by Sachi, Oxana, Fiona and Paula

Moving forward to the trends and styles of 2014 we can study the above unique designs, textures and materials with the forecasted color harmony. The suspended arrangement is a beautiful garden display of ferns and orchids.  We are seeing this look now and even more in the next year. Designers and brides are loving ferns and featuring them in designs. 

 

 

   

Wedding of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel

 

As we end the semester, I reflect on the astounding development of the students technical, practical  and theoretical skills.  I applaud each and everyone one of you for completing the semester and achieving your goals.  I look forward to new beginnings in 2014.  Hope to see many of you in classes again next semester and those of you who are now leaving the City College nest, I wish the best to you with all your floral endeavors!!  Keep on trending because you are the individuals who will start new exciting floral trends!

Jenny Tabarracci AIFD