I can’t believe two years have passed since I closed my beloved Cracked Pot Flower Shop, to enter the wild and wonderful world of freelance floristry, under my new Branding Flowers by Louise. After decades surrounded by customers and colleagues, going solo has proved a whirlwind of self-discovery. I’ve learned a lot about my strengths and passions: not least, that my home isn’t big enough to contain them!
So now, with Ranunculus and Tulips finally beginning to brighten up our days, it feels the perfect time to unveil my wonderful new roots and shoots, too.
This Saturday, 14th March, sees the launch of my beautiful, new, riverside workshop and design studio, based in Watermans Park in Brentford. From here, I’ll be making up my fabulous wedding arrangements, designing gorgeous flower gifts and offering amazing, new workshops to help you cultivate your creative talents.
I’ve been busying myself over the last few weeks turning
this
into this
And to celebrate, I’m opening my studio doors for a “sneak peek Open House”.
From 10 am to 5 pm, you will have the opportunity to see where the magic happens. There will be fizz and nibbles and time to chat all things flowers, plus the chance to win a place on one of my fabulous workshops or an exquisite, seasonal bouquet.
So please, do swing by! I’d love the chance to personally share my creative flower world with you.
Florist Top Tips
Tulips continue to grow even when cut, so you can cut them a little shorter than you would other flowers. When arranging amongst other stems, cut them shorter, to allow them to grow to the height of the other flowers in the vase. Otherwise, you’ll find the tulips towering above all the other flowers within a day or so.
Flower Up Close
One of my all-time favourite flowers at this time of year is the magnificent Parrot Tulip. They come in a range of stunning colours: white, pale pink, apricot,a variety of reds and (my personal favourite) purple.
Their stems take on a contorted feathery look, and because of their unique designs and colourings, they’ve been a favourite amongst painters and photographers over the years. Their heavy heads also make them a fabulous flower to work with; they hang and flow beautifully, adding very special design lines to flower arrangements.
Wedding Highlights
This weekend saw me donning my wedding designer hat as I exhibited at the fabulous, newly renovated Gunnersbury House in Gunnersbury Park. Once home to The Rothchilds, it was then presented to the public and is now jointly run by Ealing and Hounslow Councils (read more here) as a fabulous wedding and event venue.
It was such a gorgeous day, and the sun even revealed itself to set the glorious wedding scene! The rooms were filled with top London suppliers, all showcasing their skills and designs. I was thrilled to be alongside the wonderful Ink & Paper, whose handprinted letterpress invites and menus are a must-see. Grania lent me some of her beautiful menus for my wedding breakfast set-up. And some rather stunning cakes by KesornKakery completed the scene for a little styled photo-shoot once all the guests had gone.
I was well-placed in the Long Room that housed Just Two Flute and Harp Duo, whose repertoire kept us all entertained throughout the day and whose lovely music will soon accompany my Instagram wedding video posts. Plus, as if it wasn’t hot enough, I was sat opposite the magnificent The Chocolate Men all day (if that’s your “go-to” fun evening then you can’t go wrong with these guys… (swoon😅)!
This Week's Bouquet
Well, as it’s Spring, or at least trying to be, I really have to kick off with this one: a hatbox basket filled with all the colours that the season has to offer. Click here to send this to your favourite person.
Upcoming Workshops
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a budding florist, my new range of hands-on workshops are a fabulous way to learn something new and have fun while you’re at it. I’m just finalising the last details, but there will be something for everyone from ” One-to-one flower indulgence days” to “Evening sessions with your girlfriends (even more fun than book club!), with bubbles and nibbles, too!
Look out for more details in the next newsletter
That’s all for this week’s floral beauty fix. So hope you can make it to this coming Saturday’s launch. I’d love the chance to tell you more about my plans and answer any questions you may have!
Creatively yours