Flower Show Committee

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Zone III Flower Show Workshop
February 16, 2005

How to enter a flower arrangement class without stress?

    Get organized and have a routine.
The success of your exhibit will depend upon your preparation.

Following are the guidelines to help with the planning and execution of an artistic entry:

Get Ready...............

• Sign up as soon as you receive the schedule.

• Read carefully the schedule.

• Take into consideration the staging and the light in the class you have entered.

Homework.............

• Do some research on the theme of the show and the class.

• Check the definitions in the Yellow Book.

• Verify all the rules in the Yellow Book.

• Do some reading on the conditioning of the flowers you are planning to use.

Designing Process.............

• Check again the measurements of the space you are allowed in the schedule.

• Make a sketch of your first ideas.

• Review the Elements of Design you are using in your sketch.

• Make sure that the Principles of Design are well combined.

• Make a list of flowers you plan to use and check the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants in the schedule.

• Prepare the mechanics.

Rehearsal...............

• Try it out. Practice your design. With practice comes confidence and experience.

• Create the staging of the class you entered.

• Analyze your final design to check for any mistakes.

• Take a picture and bring it with you on the day of the show.

• Fill out the Entry Card and check the spelling of the botanical names.

Showtime..............

• The day before the show, do a final check on the condition of your flowers.

• Prepare your toolbox to bring to the show.

• Make a list of all items you need to make your arrangement.

• At the show, relax. You need to be calm in order to execute your design.

• Take a picture. Pictures tell the truth.

• Check for any mechanics showing, holes or unbalance… 

• Call for the passer. Have a quick look at the competition and leave.

• Start praying!
   

Photographs from Zone III Flower Arranging Workshop
Flower arrangements by Susan Detjens

   

       

  

Hints and Tips for Exhibiting in a Flower Arrangement Class

When you enter a flower arrangement class, you are expected to create a work of art by arranging material in a design in order to communicate an idea. Art Floral is a visual language. You need to learn your basics.

The success of your design will depend on your knowledge and experience.

Designing is a matter of selecting and combining the Elements of Design by using the Principles of Design. It is like a recipe: mix all the ingredients to achieve harmony.

You must know all about the plant material including season availability, various colors and conditioning.
Master your mechanics.

Through experience, you will train your eye,
you will expand your vision and you will become more creative.

• Develop your creativity by visiting Shows, Museums and Art Galleries.

• Before you start your design, ask yourself  “What do I want to say?" Have a clear view of your intention and your interpretation.

• Make a sketch of the design you have in mind.

• Give yourself a critique of your first design.

• Challenge yourself and try new ideas.

• A good design is not chaotic. It must have a sense of unity.

• Remember that the judges will look for conformance, interpretation, creativity and distinction.

• In an Interpretative Design, do not be too literal.

• When choosing the plant material, look for the unusual. Go in the woods. Visit hardware stores and crafts shops.

• Expand your knowledge by reading books and subscribing to magazines (A must: "GCA By Design")

• Take classes and attend workshops.

• Join an Ikebana School such as the Sogetsu School.

Last but not least…..Enter shows.
 

Dominique Buaron
Zone III Flower Show Representative (2003-2005)