Little Botanica

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Geometric Love

Totally fell in love with this post over on Style Me Pretty today, it's gold, it's geometric and it's himmeli - all of my favourite things!

I first discovered himmeli back in September when I was researching for my evening college course in printed textiles. Himmeli sculptures are little geometric mobiles that were originally made as Finnish Christmas ornaments, to be hung up in the house and on the tree. The first piece I attempted was an orb then I moved on to a wreath.

In December on a wee weekend away in Poznan, Poland we discovered this incredible restaurant called Weranda Lunch and Wine. Every season the staff create an amazing hanging art installation in the converted boiler house within an old brewery. In December the installation was all Himelli and it was replicated on a bigger scale within the Stary Browar centre.

Monday, 23 March 2015

LB in LA (part 2)

Our trip to LA wasn't all work; we did manage to pack in a fair bit to our flying visit...

The Flower District

Okay, okay so it's still sort of work related but LA has a whole flower district; six blocks consisting of 200 wholesale dealers; it was just too good not to check out!

The markets are open to trade early in the morning then from 8am until 2pm they open their doors to the public for the pricely sum of $1 entrance fee. Fresh cut flowers wrapped in newspaper, an abundance of potted plants, succulents, sundries and everything floristry related is available (including a moss covered stetson, because - well who knows!) The rose varieties were staggering; sourced from every corner of the globe (Canary Islands, Chile, Kenya, India and South Africa) Carpe Diem, Cherry O! and Blueberry were some of my personal favourites. Buckets and buckets of beautiful foliage, tray upon trap of succulents and trollies piled high. With a smattering of trendy little cafes it's clearly the place to go on a sunny weekend morning (it's just a shame about the 11hr flight and excess baggage)

Hayley

Moss covered Cowboy hat - only in America!

Carpe Diem Roses

Cherry O! roses

Blueberry roses

Hard day at the office

Tempting...

Sunday, 8 March 2015

LB in LA (part 1)

Last week we had the incredible privilege of attending an Amy Merrick floral workshop in a converted historic old factory in LA's Arts District called The Unique Space. The whole experience was probably the most inspirational day of my life. From day one of my floristry career I have been a worshiper of Amy's signature beautiful natural style, firstly in her work at Brooklyn's Saipua and later in her own business. Amy is not only a gifted story teller but also remarkably down to earth considering her talent and fame.

Brunch was provided by the city's hottest catering company Heirloom LA and we were lucky enough to be joined on the course by Tara, the co-owner of the company. Not only did the spread look magazine worthy everything tasted as awesome as it looked.

The Unique Space is exactly the innovative, creative environment you couldn't help but be inspired by. High ceilings, timber floors, white washed brick walls and the dappled Californian sunshine provided the perfect surroundings. I left with not only the technical skills to replicate Amy's beautiful style but also a re-ignited passion, enthusiasm and confidence. Immense thanks to Amy, Siri, Tara and the team at Heirloom LA, all the other students who made us feel most welcome and Kim for giving me this incredible once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hayley