Woodland Workshop with Françoise Weeks

Woodland centerpiece detail with a large wood slab from a Juniper tree, contorted filbert branch, white cyclamen, Haworthia fasciata, Grevillea, sea star fern and moss I have loved Françoise Weeks’ work for years. I would look at her arrangements and wonder “How did she do that?” I finally attended her Woodland Design Workshop at the end of January. It was amazing. What made it even better is that Alicia (of Flirty Fleurs and Bella Fiori) attended too! We had a blast!

Françoise has a vast set of techniques, mechanics, and secrets to teach, but encourages you to pursue your own ideas when inspiration strikes. She works through projects with you, and assists with the simple mechanics so that you can focus your time and efforts on exploring designs and creating multiple pieces. I walked out of her workshop with a completely new style in my repertoire, and enough photos of my creations that I am already selling my new style to brides. I was even able to add a new gallery to my portfolio which you can see here.

Françoise Weeks’ floral studio, Portland, OR

Her beautiful studio (pictured above) is just bursting with unique flowers, foliage, succulents, branches, mosses and pods. It was hard to know where to start. I was so inspired to create that it seemed as if each day passed too quickly. I left Portland invigorated and hungry for more; even three weeks later I am recording new ideas in my sketch book daily.

Françoise is a passionate artist and a generous mentor. This workshop was not only a joy to take, but a valuable investment in the future of my business. I plan to attend the Botanical Couture Workshop next. Thank you for being so open with your knowledge, resources, and time Françoise!

Here are some of the arrangements I created at the workshop. Woodland centerpieces:

Woodland Centerpiece with a large wood slab from a Juniper tree, contorted filbert branch, white cyclamen, Haworthia fasciata, Graptoveria amethorum, Scindapsus pictus 'Philodendron Silver Cloud', Grevillea, sea star fern, maiden hair fern, mushrooms and moss

Woodland Centerpiece with a large wood slab from a Juniper tree, contorted filbert branch, white cyclamen, Haworthia fasciata, Graptoveria amethorum, Scindapsus pictus 'Philodendron Silver Cloud', Grevillea, sea star fern, maiden hair fern, mushrooms, sponge mushrooms and moss

Woodland Centerpiece with a large wood slab from a Juniper tree, contorted filbert branch, white cyclamen, Haworthia fasciata, Graptoveria amethorum, Scindapsus pictus 'Philodendron Silver Cloud', Grevillea, sea star fern, maiden hair fern, mushrooms, sponge mushrooms and moss

Woodland centerpiece with a Juniper wood slab, contorted filbert branches, Paphiopedilum orchid, succulents, eucalyptus and moss

Arrangement on a root structure:

Woodland arrangement on a root structure with white cyclamen, ivory poppies, Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace Fern', jasmin vine, succulents, lichen and moss

detail of woodland arrangement on a root structure with white cyclamen, Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace Fern', jasmin vine, succulents, lichen and moss

Bouquets:

woodland bridal bouquet with contorted filbert branches, privet berries, acacia foliage, pinecones, white cyclamen, green leucadendron, Philodendron 'Silver Cloud', sea star fern, maiden hair fern, seeded eucalyptus, Graptoveria 'Silver Star', Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, sponge mushrooms, lichen and moss, with a eucalyptus and river birch bark handle treatment

detail of woodland bridal bouquet with contorted filbert branches, privet berries, acacia foliage, pinecones, white cyclamen, green leucadendron, Philodendron 'Silver Cloud', sea star fern, maiden hair fern, seeded eucalyptus, Graptoveria 'Silver Star', Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, sponge mushrooms, lichen and moss, with a eucalyptus and river birch bark handle treatment

Bouquet with green leucadendron, scented geranium, eucalyptus and Colmanara Wildcat orchids, with a river birch bark handle

Bouquet with succulents, Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana, ivory double tulips, peach poppies, yellow kangaroo paw, Italian mini variegated pittosporum and scented geranium with a birch bark handle treatment

Bouquet with succulents, Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana, ivory double tulips, peach poppies, yellow kangaroo paw, Italian mini variegated pittosporum and scented geranium with a birch bark handle treatment

Boutonnieres:

Boutonniere with succulents, Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana and contorted filbert. a second boutonniere with a Colmanara Wildcat orchid and contorted filbert

Flower Girl Basket:

woodland flower girl basket with contorted filbert branches, white cyclamen, Philodendron 'Silver Cloud', maiden hair fern, seeded eucalyptus, aeonium, Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, lichen and moss, in a eucalyptus leaf basket

woodland flower girl basket with contorted filbert branches, white cyclamen, Philodendron 'Silver Cloud', maiden hair fern, seeded eucalyptus, aeonium, Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, lichen and moss, in a eucalyptus leaf basket

Check out Françoise’s workshops and classes. Maybe I'll see you at one!