Creating While In Quarantine
Written by Kat Castagnoli AIFD CFD
Welcome to the new blog for the Southwest Chapter of AIFD! There’s no doubt that we’re in the midst of some very strange and challenging times. We are saddened by the effects COVID-19 has had on so many of our members and on our industry as a whole, as well as by the fact that we will be unable to gather this year in Chicago for our much-anticipated annual AIFD Symposium this July.
Yet we are determined to stay positive, creative and moving forward—as individuals, as an organization and as an industry. Being in quarantine or ‘sheltering in place’ has actually given rise to a whole new type of grass-roots creativity—one that relies on designing from what’s at hand or close by, sharing tips and techniques more virtually than ever, as well as giving or placing flowers throughout our communities for the simple purpose of uplifting spirits.
We can thank Shawn Michael Foley, AIFD, PFCI, creator of the Human Form Project, for jump-starting this virtual trend with the Mini Form Challenge. In the spirit of, “spreading creativity through the world during this time of uncertainty with the help of my fellow florists and artists,” Foley asked designers to create anything they wanted, but in miniature, each day for five days. Then nominate five floral friends to do the same.
For Foley, this consisted of applying his signature Human Form designs on a Barbie. See a few of the creative results in the gallery above. Many of our SWAIFD members were nominated and had fun with this challenge, including Shonda Cunningham AIFD, our Chapter President! Click their above designs to be directed to their Facebook pages for more images.
Other social media floral challenges have since popped up, including one by Alan Masters, AIFD, CFD, asking designers to create boutonnieres that will, challenge us to #createwhilewewait because we will get through this and come back stronger.” Below are some examples, click on each design to be taken to that designers Facebook page:
Virtual floral design techniques and classes hosted by many AIFD designers have also become very popular during this time, including those from Jenny Thomasson, AIFD, PFCI, EMC; Erik Witcraft, AIFD; Brenna Quan, AIFD; Alanna Kaiser, AIFD, CFD; Christopher Norwood, AIFD; and so many more.
Even one of our favorite floral legends, Phil Rulloda, did a video refresher on one of his signature techniques—how to weave a bird from foliage—reminding all of us that, “Eagles fly above storms so I encourage everyone to be like eagles and rise above the challenges we face today. Together we can soar above them. Have some fun making birds and share them—after you wipe them down with antibacterial wipes.”
Las Vegas Spring Wedding Show- Recap
A blooming good time was had by all at the recent Southwest AIFD Spring Design show at Floral Supply Syndicate in Las Vegas, NV. Master florist Rene Van Rems, AIFD, talked about the resurgence of classically-inspired designs and offered new tips and tricks on hand-tied wedding bouquets as well as larger installations. Everyone enjoyed making their own artistic flowers to wear while enjoying dinner from the Stripchezze Food Truck and checking out offerings from the Pollinated Flower Truck and our silent auction tables. Agnes Fredureaux Anglesio, a designer at Flora Couture in Las Vegas, took Best in Show as well as the People's Choice award in our Wearable Floral Competition with her fresh floral capelet made of hanging green amaranthus, mini succulents, mini cymbidium orchids and tillandsia. She won a $100 cash price for each category.
Thank you so much to all who attended as well as to our sponsors!
Venue and MUCH more host: Floral Supply Syndicate, Las Vegas
Flowers donated by: Mellano & Company and Cal Flowers
Supplies and hardgoods: Oasis floral products
