flower school

Weddings 101; a weekend long symposium

2012-01-24T14:12:00.010-05:00

This is an intensive weekend-long symposium for those interested in learning the advanced art of wedding floral production. Nicolette and Sarah will share their expertise and experiences in the wedding industry through a series of discussions and hands-on lessons.

Our goal is to share with pupils the lessons we’ve gleaned from the hundreds of weddings and events our studios have produced.

Topics covered include:

Planning
In a relaxed round table approach, we’ll discuss client relations, consultations, proposal writing, budgeting, and the art of working with wedding planners.

Preparing
We’ll share case studies of events and review our practices on flower budgeting and ordering. In addition, we’ll discuss in depth the advantages of working seasonally, share tips on flower conditioning, ideas for sourcing containers, and how to deal with props and rentals.

Making
A large portion of the weekend will be devoted to hands-on floral lessons. Our wedding designs are known for their loose, romantic and somewhat unstructured approach. Special emphasis will be placed on the nuances of layering color and texture.

Lessons included: The art of composing distinctive bridal bouquets (students should expect to make a bouquet, and then make it again) building centerpieces, crafting boutonnieres, tricks for constructing hair pieces and crowns, and techniques for talking clients out of wrist corsages. (Joking – we’ll make those too, but discuss alternatives that work for us.)

The weekend’s work will finish Sunday afternoon with a photo session aimed at capturing student’s hard work for their portfolios. And probably a cocktail.

Cost of workshop including all materials, lunches and coffee breaks is $2,400
This class is intended for those with some floral knowledge who are looking to expand further into the wedding market and fine-tune their technical skills.

Limited to 7 students.
SOLD OUT
Each day is 10-5pm.
Saturday we will meet at the Saipua studio; 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Sunday we will meet at the Nicolette Camille studio; 50-52 Dobbin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

NEW NYC CLASS: Dutch Masters April 7th

2012-01-24T14:10:00.013-05:00

still life:Jan Van Huysum

DUTCH MASTERS II; An advanced study

Saturday, April 7th, 2012
1:00-4:00pm
$300
SOLD OUT

Taking inspiration from the studied floral still lives of the Dutch Masters, we'll create rambling, moody, bountiful arrangements with the finest Spring flowers. Using a low footed compote we'll investigate the techniques of working in shallow vessels to highlight flowers natural gestures and movement. We'll have flowering branches, vines, ranunculus, muscari, dianthus, frittillaria, garden roses, delphinium, berries, and of course some exquisite tulips.

This class is suited for students with some prior floral arranging knowledge.

All materials and refreshments provided.

This class will meet at the Nicolette Camille's Studio; 50-52 Dobbin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

NEW CALIFORNIA CLASS: Wednesday May 9th

2012-01-24T14:07:00.010-05:00

Spring Fever!: Best of the West

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
5:00-8:00pm
$275

SOLD OUT

One could enter a heated debate as to what season yeilds the best flowers; but we'll put down our chips in May - thinking ahead to the first true warm weather beauties. From now till May we'll be thinking ahead to peonies, California poppies, field grown ranunculus, sweet peas, the first herbs, bearded iris, columbine and so many other spring blooms. In this basics class we'll discuss in detail how to effectively blend colors and textures, combining a myriad of blooms to build sprawling centerpieces fit to pay homage to the season.

All materials, clippers and refreshments provided.

Class limited to 25 students.

PLEASE NOTE: This class will take place in the San Francisco/Bay Area- the exact location is to be determined.

NEW NYC CLASS: May 20th

2012-01-24T14:02:00.007-05:00

(Detail from a J.L. Provost watercolor)

Watercolor palettes: A study with bearded iris
Sunday May 20th, 2012

1:00-4:00pm

$275

In this introductory level class we'll celebrate the bearded iris, a flower which artists have reveared throughout history. (How lovely to think of the many fragile beauties which have been immortalized in the works of JL Prevost, Van Gogh and Georgia O'Keeffe.) We'll round up several species of this exotic bloom and learn the basics of color and texture layering along with other seasonal May flowers such as peonies, garden roses, lily of the valley, yarrow and perhaps a bit of the spring's last lilac. Students will each create a lush, gestural centerpiece in a soft watercolor inspired palette.

This class will take place at the Saipua Studio: 147 Van Dyke Street in the Red Hook Section of Brooklyn.

2012-01-13T11:57:00.008-05:00

Watery blue; scenes from the studio this morning and memories of Italy...

This week we're back in Brooklyn at our studios planning things for valentines day and gearing up for our winter course offerings.

Jet lag has it's grip on me, and at 7am I found myself bleary eyed in the studio practicing with a rather pretty bunch of french anemones. The winter can be a tricky time of year for making arrangements as many of the winter seasonal flowers are small - anemones, ranunculus, sweet peas...

In our classes we often discuss the importance of having large flowers anchor the composition. In winter, those larger, more voluptuous blooms can be scarce. This morning I remembered that an effective way to offset a host of smaller flowers is to balance them with large foliage:

These giant Mullein leaves (often mistaken for lamb's ear, and supposedly a good remedy for bronchitis and other chest ailments when prepared in a tea) helped me to anchor the smaller flowers; a mix of tuberose, iceberg roses, queen anne's lace and anemones. It's been so warm in New York, I still have curry plant and some grape ivy (though discolored) in my cutting garden so they got thrown in the mix.

Did you know that anemones, like tulips, continue to grow once they are cut? This means they drink more water then most flowers, so I'll have to top off the water in this vase every day.

Still more spots available in our anemone class coming up in February at the New York Botanical Garden.

In Paris: wholesale market at Rungis

2012-01-03T05:57:00.003-05:00

Bonne annee!

We are thinking about doing some classes in Paris in 2012; and so we came to do a little research and development. Since Friday we've been running around networking and visiting flower shops and atelier's.

This morning we rode out to Rungis; Europe's largest food and flower wholesale market. It is a Massive market full of mostly Dutch product; roses, ranunculus, tulips, hellebores, etc. all very very fresh but nothing especially unique. Are we spoiled in NYC by global imports? I think yes. Maybe Tuesday is not the best market day....more research needed....

Onward to Venice; follow us on instagram; usernames: nicamille, sarahryhanen

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T09:05:00.003-05:00

MERRY EVERYTHING!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

more beautiful of our students beautiful wreaths here.

Sheet Mulching for Hellebores

2011-12-22T07:59:00.005-05:00

Maybe our fascination with sheet mulching started on a visit to the infamous Max Gill's flower garden in San Fransisco last March. "It's a mess!" he insisted. Indeed it was covered with cardboard, yet still the most exquisite clematis - vanilla scented! - bloomed, along with a smattering of hellebores here and there. Akebia, ecchevaria...I'm digressing, but lets take a quick look:

Anyway! The cardboard was for weed control; a weed barrier if you will that saves your back hours of work when it's time to plant. This stuck in my mind.

In February we have a big southern tier hellebore trip planned. Our goal is to accumulate a large selection of rare hellebores to serve two purposes; First to be used as specimens in our Hail to the Hellebore class the first week of March (we'll teach about them and then cut them up like the greedy florists we are), and Second to begin to establish a hellebore garden upstate for future cuttings.

Our hellebore garden will happen in a large patch of pine trees. Sheet mulching this area now helps us prepare for an early April planting and will keep the weeds (and massive stretches of poison ivy) from coming up. Who wants to weed poison ivy? Not I, and judging by her recent work ethic, not Nea.

There is lots of information on the internet about sheet mulching - and different ways to do it - we did this:

1. Lay down overlapping cardboard to frame out the area of the garden. It's important to really overlap them generously so that weeds can't find their way through. A nice way to use all those cut flower boxes from our studios...

2. Moisten the cardboard with water to help adhere it to the ground.

3. Cover the cardboard with this layer of seed-free top soil 3 inches thick. This took about 2 tons of top soil which we shoveled into the back of my pickup and then back out of my pickup to wheelbarrows. Next time we might find someone with a dump-truck.

4. Cover the soil with a layer of sawdust (from the Saipua soap dish mill).

5. Top it with a thin layer of mulch.

Voila! Let the worms get to work. In April we'll dig down to the cardboard, cut and X through it and plant the hellebores.

Into the woods

2011-12-14T21:39:00.005-05:00

We've spent two days deep in the woods of upstate New York foraging some material for this Sunday's wreath making class. Nea led the way in her neon 'please don't shoot me' hunter vest.

Wild rose hips are so prickly but we had to have them.

Tamarack cones

Piles and piles and piles!
See you Sunday!

Meet you in Garden Valley...

2011-12-07T15:01:00.012-05:00

Saturday, May 12th, 2012
ROSES 101: Little Flower School at Garden Valley Ranch
10am - 4pm
$400

Garden Valley Ranch in Petaluma, California grows some of the finest heirloom roses in the country (without pesticides!) and supplies our studios each spring and summer with the most fragrant and unusual specimens. In this day-long class, we’ll tour the rose fields with Garden Valley staff and learn about their rose growing techniques. After lunch we’ll discuss the basics of flower arranging and use our rose clippings together with a smattering of other California grown stems to create lush rambling centerpieces.
Possibly our most exciting class yet...we encourage you to browse the roses grown at Garden Valley and hope to see you there in May!

All materials, clippers, lunch and sunscreen provided.
Registration here.

And the winner is...

2011-12-05T13:05:00.002-05:00

Jules! Please get in touch with us and let us know which class you'd like to take!
Congratulations! hello.flower.school@gmail.com

We'll be posting some more classes over the next few weeks (including some dates Northern California!). Sign up for our mailing list to get info on all upcoming classes.
More soon....

xo
N & S

A new season...

2011-11-30T14:43:00.013-05:00

We're gearing up for another season of flower design classes at Little Flower School!

A few changes to note; we've made it easier to register for classes online - see our new bigcartel site for registration. We're hoping to make some of our favorite tools (think clippers, vases) available on here as well.

Also, we're working furiously to get together details for a very exciting northern California class; a weekend warrior style bridal workshop; a possible list of Paris dates (!) and a Pacific Northwest summer tour.

And, we have a new improved mailing list situation located over there -->;
If you'd like to receive emails about new classes please sign on up!

LASTLY, we're giving away one spot to one lucky winner!

Leave a comment on this post and you'll be put in a lottery to win a spot in our Color Workshop, Orchid or Hail to the Hellebore class... You win, you choose!
The winner will be selected at random. One comment is all you need to enter.
We'll announce the prizewinner on Monday, December 5th!

Thanks always for your support and enthusiasm for flowers!

Wreath Making 101

2011-11-30T14:09:00.005-05:00

WREATH MAKING 101

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Between 1 - 4 pm

$45

SOLD OUT

We’ll be using a variety of pine, cypress, cedar along with a smorg of pinecones, rosehips, pomegranates, feathers, and dried doo-dads to fashion natural looking winter wreaths all afternoon in the Saipua Studio. Make something tailored and neat or loose and wild. Wire frames or grapevine frames provided along with all supplies needed.

PLEASE NOTE:
This class is taught one-on-one in an open door timeframe; please pre-register and come by during the timeframe of noon-4pm.

The Saipua Studio is located at 147 Van Dyke Street in the Red Hook Section of Brooklyn.

Coral, Sand and Citrus; A color study with Ranunculus and Winter Fruits

2011-11-29T19:32:00.015-05:00

Coral, Sand and Citrus; A color study with Ranunculus and Winter Fruits

Saturday, January 28th, 2012
1:00-4:00pm
$275 SOLD OUT

By January the really exceptional locally grown ranunculus are rolling into our studios from upstate New York, New Jersey, and a few hyper specimens from Japan. In this entry level class, we'll talk at length about strategies of color blending. Through the use of gradient techniques, we'll blend soft and bold colors; employing stems of ranunculus, poppies, tangerines and kumquats, sweet peas, hyacinth, parrot tulips, etc.

This class will meet at the Saipua Studio; 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook Brooklyn.

Granted it's warm palette, but still rather cool in our studio so dress with layers!

All materials and refreshments provided.

Ode to the Orchid

2011-11-28T15:28:00.021-05:00

Ode to the Orchid

Saturday, February 11th, 2012
1:00 - 4:00pm
$295

In this class we continue our exploration of this striking specimen; reveared throughout history as one of the most precious and exotic cut flowers. The Orchidaceae family has over 20,000 known species; we'll bring together a large handful the most unusual plants and cut stems the flower trade has to offer, including some phalaenopsis, paphiopedilum (commonly known as lady slippers), Oncidium, cymbidium, dendrobium, etc. In recent years, the orchid has been relegated to tight, rather restricting styles of arrangements. In this class we'll focus on using them to build more natural, textural and unstructured centerpieces. This is a basics class, open to all skill levels. Students will create lavish centerpieces, and take home their own orchid plants to care for.

This class meets at the Nicolette Camille Studio located at 50-52 Dobbin Street in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. All materials and a snack are provided. Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Ode to the Anemone at NYBG

2011-11-28T15:27:00.014-05:00

Ode to the Anemone

Tuesday, February 21st

New York Botanic Garden

Midtown Education center

6:00-9:00pm

$250**

The anemone is the unusual black-centered gem among winter flora. Grown indoors in greenhouses from October through April, it is highly coveted by floral designers for its jewel-toned hues and lengthy vase life. Learn how to combine a variety of anemones with myriad other winter blooms (amaryllis, juniper, ranunculus, citrus, and more) to create rich, opulent arrangements while understanding basic floral techniques and the art of building a layered, garden-inspired centerpiece. Clippers will be provided and yours to keep.

**Register for this class directly through the New York Botanic Garden.

Hail to the Hellebore!

2011-11-28T15:25:00.009-05:00

Hail to the Hellebore!

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

1:00-4:00pm

$275

Nicolette and Sarah will be spending the last week of February collecting some of the finest hellebore plants down south. We'll be cutting from these fine plants (before we plant them!) and adding fritillaria, white cherry, ranunculus, spirea and other seasonal material.

Come join this class and learn all the basics of flower arranging using these fine early spring flowers.

This class will be held at the Saipua Studio; 147 Van Dyke Street in the Red Hook Section of Brooklyn.

Dress Warm.

All supplies and a snack provided. Clippers will be provided as a gift to take home along with the arrangement you create.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T20:09:00.011-05:00

Here are some highlights from our best of Autumn Class. So many wonderful arrangements from a very lovely bunch of students.
We've been hard at work planning an awesome new schedule of classes for Winter and Spring. Stay tuned-- we'll be releasing the dates next week!

Have a lovely holiday!

NEW CLASS! Rose & Rust

2011-09-11T17:43:00.014-04:00

Color Workshop: Rose and Rust

Saturday, October 29th

1:00-4:00 pm

$265

In this class we'll investigate the nuances of pink; from the saturated berry hues of celosia and cockscomb to the palest heirloom rose. Students will learn how to layer and combine color with flowers to create an ombre effect. Does pink have a better foil than the rich amber and sienna tones of October? We think not! Featured in this class will be the last of the Califonia heirloom roses, pepperberry, autumn fruits, asian pear, sedum, carnations and maybe, just maybe, we'll have some tree peonies too! Open to all levels.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke St, in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

NEW CLASS! Best of Autumn

2011-09-11T17:02:00.010-04:00

The Best of Autumn
Sunday, October 16th
1:00-4:00 pm
$265

Autumn, our favorite season for flowers.
When leaves color, field flowers are going great guns and we finally get to play with fruit on the branch, berries, pods and wild grasses. October beckons a range of color palettes from muddy blues and turquoise to opulent plum and warm ochre tones. We'll be bringing in the last of the dahlias in their dinner-plate sized glory, porcelain vine, persimmons, olive, rosehips, amaranth, celosia, pear, and painted fern. Combing fruit, foliage and flower we'll create grand sprawling arrangements using a flower frog in shallow footed urn. This class is open to all levels.

The class will take place in the Nicolette's studio at 50-52 Dobbin St, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

On newsstands today! Herbs & Flowers

2011-09-10T15:58:00.005-04:00

Check out this little piece I did for the Wall Street Journal Off Duty section. Simple tips for creating late summer/early autumn arrangements with flowers & herbs. Full article here. Beautiful photos by Tara Donne.

xo, Nicolette

Oh, and don't worry we promise to put out a new schedule of classes soon!

The best of Autumn at the NYBG

2011-08-25T11:02:00.009-04:00

There's no doubt that Autumn flowers, fruit & foliage are our favorites here at Little Flower School. Come revel in the best of the season with us Sunday, September 11 at the New York Botanical Garden. We'll start the class with a tour of the gardens and we'll get some special cuttings from the garden to use in our arrangements.

Registration ends September 6th!

FROM GARDEN TO VASE: Autumn edition

Sunday, September 11th

10:00am-3:30pm

In this intensive one day workshop we'll start with a tour of the gardens led by the garden curators of the NYBG! After the tour we'll break for lunch then head inside for a few hours of floral arranging. Taking inspiration from the Autumn garden we'll make abundant arrangements that evoke the hues & textures of the season. We'll be using dahlias, pear, amaranth, garden roses, celosia, hydrangea, privet, zinnias, porcelain vine, coleus as well as some very special cuttings from the grounds of the garden!

Hope to see you there!

To register click HERE.

Flowers in Real Simple July 2011

2011-07-20T16:20:00.008-04:00

Hello flower friends!
Nicolette did a flower story in the July issue of Real Simple. The gorgeous photos are by the extraordinary Martyn Thompson. There are some really lovely photos* and lots of arranging tips. You can check out the article here or be sure to grab one at the newsstand!
Hope you are surviving the heat!

*this mostly green arrangement is my favorite. there are endless possibilities with all green arrangements. have you ever made an arrangement with all greens?

blue, bleue, blå, 蓝色, blu, sininen, 청색, asul, синий, azul, ブルー, أزرق

2011-07-01T12:05:00.010-04:00

Some blue details from our Blue Color Workshop...

Bella Donna Delphinium

Tweedia

Amsonia

Bella Donna & Columbine

Scabiosa

Passion Flower

One teeny tiny forget-me-not

There are many more beautiful students arrangements on our Flickr.
Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Peonies!

2011-06-09T16:11:00.005-04:00

Hello! Hope everyone is surviving this heat wave in NYC. Let's try to remember a cooler, breezier time...when peonies were just starting and wearing a scarf was still an option.

Here are some beauties from the Peony class.....

We'll be taking a short break from classes while we get through our busy wedding season.
But do not fret! We are scheming, brainstorming & organizing new class ideas and exciting travel/surprise guests/spaces/vases. SO MUCH!

We may even have a couple pop up classes this summer......

;

The most fragrant flowers...

2011-05-13T15:29:00.004-04:00

Peonies have arrived just in time for our Fragrant Flowers class next week!

The above photo is the "duchess de nemours" variety. So heady and sweet.

Amazing.

Next week we'll be mixing fragrant peonies with many other of Spring's intoxicating fragrant flowers. Lilac is at its peak, delicate lily of the valley abounds, rose geranium, garden roses, muscari, tuberose, herbs and so much more!

Fragrant Flowers

Wednesday, May 18th
6:00pm-9:00pm

NY Botanical Garden -Midtown

$250

Hope to see you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:31:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful spring day!
Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful mom's out there!

Today I'll be setting up my annual Mother's Day flower stand in Williamsburg!
Come by for a made to order bouquet, pick up a few stems for yourself, or just come say hello!

Hope to see you!
xo Nicolette

Today! Sunday, May 8th
12-5pm
160 n6th street
(just off Bedford Ave, next to Shoe Market)
Brooklyn NY 11211

New Class: Color Study in Blue

2011-04-19T21:40:00.007-04:00

A different kind of blue

Saturday, May 7th 1:00-4:00pm

$250

It happens that of all the blue flowers, many of the sweetest are only in season for a short time in the spring. Muscari, forget me knots, iris, blue bells - all exemplary in their azure hues - all at their peak in May. In this class we will take a look at these unusual specimens and combine them with other spring beauties like lilac, peonies, spirea, agapanthus & dogwood to create moody, watery arrangements fit for Picasso's blue period. This class is open to all levels.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

New Class: Spring's Bounty

2011-04-19T21:19:00.007-04:00

Spring Bounty

Sunday May 15th, 1-4pm

1:00-4:00pm

$250

One could easily argue that mid-May is the best time of year for flowers. Local ranunculus coming on strong, the start of peony season (Clare de Lune - an early peony that will make you swoon), an onslaught of lacey spirea, the season's first blueberry, crabapple blossoms, sweet pea shoots and hellebores. We'll combine a myriad of specimens to fashion a delicately sublime centerpiece for the table in a white-washed footed terra cotta urn.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

New Class: The Peony

2011-04-19T18:56:00.007-04:00

Our Annual Ode to The Peony
Sunday, May 29th, 1-4 pm
$250

Our most requested workshop, here in it's third edition. We ask in every class about student's favorite flowers and the peony is by far the most popular response. Why? Well you don't have to be a master florist to know it's because peonies are freaking gorgeous. Few flowers can compare in fragrance, flounce, femininty.We'll have tons to play with at the peak of their blooming season. Varieties such as Coral charm, Sarah Bernhardt, Festiva Maxima, Bowl of Cream, George Burns, Red Charm, Duchess, and others. We'll learn how to work with these show-stoppers and practice making arrangements using lilac, lamb's ear, nigella, scabiosa, clematis and a slew of other late spring blooms.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with refreshments.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

April showers..

2011-04-16T20:35:00.005-04:00

Hello friends! How is it already mid- April!? Sarah & I are knee deep in wedding season but don't despair we're nailing down some dates for a few new classes. stay tuned..

There are still a few spots available in our Fragrant Flowers class May 18! This will be in midtown folks! Did you know that some tulips have a scent like honey? We'll have tuberose, hyacinth, lilac, tulips, muscari, jasmine, sweet peas, roses, carnations, narcissus, stock, rose geranium and so many more. Register over at the NYBG.

Benefit for Japan Class

2011-04-05T12:26:00.007-04:00

We had a terrific group of ladies come out for our benefit class on Sunday. Together we learned about flowers, played with a gorgeous palette of coral, salmons, sienna, rust, and citrus, and created a gorgeous troupe of heady arrangements.

Not only that, but because of these killer arrangements, we were able to send a donation of $2,500 dollars to the red cross today.
Well done, ladies! Thank you!

Flowers used: Poppies, hellebores, "combo" roses, hyacinths, thunbergii spierea, 3 varieties of eucalyptus, ranunculus, silver brunia, "orange prince" parrot tulips, daffodils, fritillaria and tuberose.

New Class Added!

2011-04-01T14:58:00.006-04:00

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with a pair of clippers and some champagne.

Sunday, June 17th

1:00-4:00pm

$12,500

By late June we usually have the urge to walk a long plank and fall backwards into open shark infested water. Why not join us? In this in-depth class, we'll share the secrets of arranging flowers at the bottom of the sea. Working in pairs, students will focus on creating lush, seasonal arrangements while tackling the nuances of buddy breathing. Using natural elements foraged from the sea floor, the class will home in on the use of various pearls, seaweed, and pirate treasure.

The class will take place 20 miles east of the Bermuda Triangle.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you. Students are advised to bring their own spear gun.

Of course, class will finish with refreshments. Can we make a champagne rain under water? We'll sea.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email capt.nemo@gmail.com

APRIL FOOLS!!!

from the Dutch Masters class

2011-03-21T16:02:00.002-04:00

Berkeley, California

2011-03-18T14:10:00.006-04:00

On the road to the motherland of flowers (and food for that matter) we anticipated nothing less than a bombshell of a class - gorgeous ranunculus from Santa Clarita, incredible local fronds and foliage, food from the master of vegetarian delights and the most perfect, fragrant preserves studio to teach in...

So many thank you's to June Taylor of June Taylor Preserves for so graciously letting us come and use her spotless studio-kitchen, and for teaching me something new about flower arranging. June's art is evident in everything she touches from her meticulously spirited fruit concoctions to the meditative arrangements of rocks and natural ephemera kicking around her shop and studio. We feel so lucky to have a new friend in her, and bags of candied orange peels and rose geranium syrup.

And of course so much gratitude for the catalyst of this project, the wonderous Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks. We are totally spoiled now - if only all our classes could start with a light lunch of buttermild farrow salad with fresh herbs and radishes and splitpea & goatcheese crostini...I hope and feel our collaborations with Heidi have just begun...

AND lastly here's to the amazing group of students who brought with them all sorts of different ideas about color, form, texture and flowers -- see for yourself...

Please take a look at all the arrangements and more photos from the class here on our flickr page!

NEW CLASS: Benefit for Japan Relief Effort

2011-03-15T03:27:00.010-04:00

[Japanese Magnolia from our recent trip to San Fransisco where these trees are blooming all over the city.]

April 3rd we'll be hosting a special flower class in which all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Did you know that the first week of April is the best week of the year for flowers? Non-negotiable! Get with it! By April 3rd we'll be inundated with flowering branches - think spirea, dogwood, and cherry. Add to that all the incredible bulb flowers; fritillaria, hyacinth, the most unusual tulips, plus the strongest sweet pea, the showiest local ranunculus, and the last good anemones of the season. Please consider signing up to learn the basics of the floral arts, celebrate the season, make a beautiful spring masterpiece, and join us in a small gesture of solidarity.

Spring Flowers Workshop

Benefit for Japan Relief Effort
Sunday, April 3

1:00-4:00pm

$250

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

CALI

2011-03-13T11:28:00.002-04:00

We've been up and down the coast of the golden state sharing these amazing ranunculus with you. Here's just one from our first LA class. We're off to set up for our class in Berkeley today at June's beautiful store and studio and Heidi is cooking up some recipes from here new book for lunch!

Can't wait!

We'll have tons of photos to share with you very soon form all three of these awesome classes.

LA Looks

2011-03-10T22:10:00.004-05:00

Thanks a million times to Jamie and Jen of Ban.do for giving us

their rad studio and being hilarious and kind and accommodating

and thanks to Kristin from BAKELAB for bringing us the best coconut cake in the world

We have been driving a lot
We have been drinking a lot of coffee
We have been planning more classes and there are lots more pictures from California coming soon...

Willem Van Aelst

2011-03-02T11:39:00.007-05:00

While browsing inspiration for this Sunday's Dutch Masters class I find myself coming back again, and again to the lavish, moody & sinuous paintings of Willem Van Aelst.

~~We've had a last minute cancellation for this class. Would anyone like to sign up for the last spot? Email us to register hello.flower.school@gmail.com.~~

This is real

2011-02-20T22:22:00.005-05:00

Dear Mother Nature,
Thank you for taking the time to Shibori dye these Anemones! I really enjoyed finding these 3 gems in my bundle of 50 stems. I was compelled to photograph them for over an hour. Your technique and style is unparalleled.

Very truly yours,

Nicolette

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:04:00.002-05:00

Three ways to bring flowers home this weekend!

2011-02-10T15:37:00.006-05:00

This Valentine's day you you have so many options!

If you're in Red Hook this weekend Saipua has teamed up with HomeMade for an amazing deal that includes flowers AND truffles. Um, yes please.

If you find yourself in Williamsburg this Sunday I'll be basking in the 39 degree weather & making made to order bouquets from noon-5pm on north 6th St. & Bedford Ave.

Come by and say hello!

We have one last spot in this Saturday's Ranunculus class!

Who would like to get your hands on these beauties?

Ranunculus are looking insanely beautiful this time of year! Me and my camera got lost in the layers of petals this morning...

NEW CLASSES WITH the NYBG!

2011-02-02T22:40:00.019-05:00

How exciting to have the illustrious New York Botanical Garden ask us to teach classes with them! Like an invitation to lunch with the Queen! We couldn't be more excited to share this with you...

FROM GARDEN TO VASE- Summer edition

Saturday, June 4th

10:00am-3:30pm

In this intensive one day workshop we'll start with a tour of the gardens led by the garden curators of the NYBG! After the tour we'll break for lunch then head inside for a few hours of floral arranging. Taking inspiration from our magnificent surroundings we'll make lush, wild arrangements that evoke the nuances of the cutting garden. We'll be using peonies, lambs ear, columbine, bearded iris, alliums, clematis, scabiosa, herbs, young blueberry, astilbe, dogwood as well as some very special cuttings from the grounds of the garden!

FROM GARDEN TO VASE- Autumn edition

Sunday, September 11th

10:00am-3:30pm

FRAGRANT FLOWERS

Wednesday, May 18th

6:00pm-9:00pm

This will be an evening class held at the midtown NYBG studio. We'll focus on the delicate fragrant flowers & foliage of spring. We'll be using lilac, lily of the valley, sweet pea, hyacinth, peonies, jasmine, garden roses, muscari, rose geranium and more to create romantic arrangements layered with the textures & scents of Spring.

FOR MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION CLICK HERE!

*Please note: Registration for these 3 classes is through the NYBG website.

*Flower School gift certificates do not apply to classes held at the NYBG.

WHITE OUT

2011-01-27T16:39:00.004-05:00

The view from my kitchen window this morning...

On such a snowy day what could be better than some photos from our anemone class? Each arrangement is so lovely...

One spot has opened up in our Ranunculus class. Anyone want to take the last spot? Email us!

prepping for succulent/begonia class

2011-01-14T17:49:00.007-05:00

Nicolette and I like to joke that we are professional shoppers. Sort of true, when you consider how much time we spend sourcing and hunting down prime material for our studios and classes. Yesterday we drove out to Peace Tree Farm to visit Lloyd, Candy and Stephanie and their beautiful nursery. We scored a few good trays of succulent plugs, a beautiful Phlebodium aureum fern(silvery blue!), and some begonias. Lloyd was on the Martha Stewart Show recently to talk about his amazing heirloom begonia varieties, and I'm convinced that's why his hot house was rather decimated! Begonias gone VIRAL! Still - we were able to pull a few great plants for cutting, and most importantly we got some good leads from Lloyd on sourcing hellebores and auriculas (hot on the trail and getting closer) for the spring...

Dutch Masters Class (Second edition)

2011-01-11T18:29:00.005-05:00

Dutch Masters Class (Second edition)

Sunday, March 20th

1:00-4:00pm

$250

In this class we will take even more inspiration from the painting of Dutch masters! Moody, lush and abundant arrangements that celebrate the bounty of the season. We'll be using the first spring flowers like narcissus, muscari, frittillaria, the best parrot tulips, passion vine, dianthus, jasmine and more.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Wild Winter

2011-01-10T15:00:00.010-05:00

Wild Winter Waning
Sunday, February 27th

1:00-4:00pm

$250

By late February we usually have the soft winter palette figured out. We'll share the secrets of combining a host of flowering branches and blooms in tonal ivories, creams, butter and blush to create an intricate, wild and lush winter bouquet. A white-hot arrangement to melt the ice? Perhaps...

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Amaryllis Class

2011-01-10T13:34:00.006-05:00

BEHOLD THE MIGHTY AMARYLLIS

Sunday, February 20th

1:00-4:00pm

$250

Amaryllis are a winter staple in our repitoir; along side anemones, ranunculus, sweet peas, etc. Grown as a potted bulb flower, these dramatic beauties help us to create large lush arrangements in a season that offers lots of small sized fleurs. For this class, we'll build a centerpiece in a footed urn with a flower frog, and discuss the importance of size and shape of blooms when building an arrangement.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

orchids arrive for Sunday's class

2011-01-08T08:38:00.002-05:00

A box arrived at the studio from Barbara and Terry at Pine Ridge Orchids yesterday - a package worth its weight in gold. Inside were 40 stems of the most unusual phalaenopsis orchids grown in Miami-Dade county on a farm dedicated to preserving a small slice of the remaining everglade pine rocklands.
I almost died. Then I got my camera out.
Sundays class has some very very lucky students...

From the Ranunculus class

2011-01-07T13:57:00.006-05:00

Back in early November we had a lovely little Ranunculus class. We were knee deep in anemones, ranunculus, astilbe, wegelia, privit, tulips, pistachio, roses, wild rose hips. . .

We'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who signed up for our California classes. We're so excited to come out west!

=====>>>AND don't worry New Yorkers & Brooklynites- we haven't forgotten about you! We're cooking up a new schedule that will be posted very soon!

2011-01-03T13:00:00.009-05:00

Little Flower School Travels West this March!
Nicolette and I will be making a pilgrimage to sunny California in heated pursuit of the most beautiful ranunculus, poppies, heirloom roses, and hellebores. Along the way they’re stopping off to teach a few classes…

***

LOS ANGELES hosted by Jamie and Jen of Ban.do studio CLASSES ARE FULL
TWO DATES: Tuesday March 8 or Wednesday March 9
6-9pm at the Ban.do studio; 7958 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA
$250

Inspired by the color and sparkle in the Ban.do studio, we’re going to haul in loads of the brightest most beautiful blooms to teach our signature Flower Arranging 101 class. Students will learn about flower preparation, basic color theory and the process of selecting flowers and making an arrangement. Each of the two classes will have 15+ varieties of flowers to learn about and work with. It only makes sense that we finish class with a little add-on: how to make a fresh flower hairpiece!
As ever, the class includes a pair of clippers of your own, refreshments and very special treats provided by BAKELAB.

***

BERKELEY hosted by Heidi Swanson & June Taylor - THIS CLASS IS FULL
Sunday March 13, 2011
Noon-3pm at The Still Room 2207 4th Street Berkeley, CA
$250

This part of California is the promise land of fruit, food and flowers and we’re over the moon to collaborate with 101Cookbooks author Heidi Swanson and marmalade-maven June Taylor. We’ll most likely overload this class with flowers from the San Francisco flower market – the best in the country! Expect an intimate lesson on the basic how-to’s of flower prep and arranging, tips about cutting from your garden, and hands on experience making a sprawling lush centerpiece. The class will commence with a light lunch and students will each depart with their floral masterpiece, clippers, a goodie bag from June and a signed copy of Heidi’s new book: Super Natural Every Day

EACH CLASS LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS
TO REGISTER: Email hello.flower.school@gmail.com (and please be sure to specify which of the three classes you’re interested in!)
PAYMENTS ACCEPTED THROUGH PAYPAL

Winter Citrus 2010!

2010-12-20T22:46:00.006-05:00

We had a terrific class last week with some lovely ladies representing Brooklyn, Manhattan, Washington DC, and Toronto...

With a last minute special shipment of California Citrus we were able to make some gorgeous arrangements pulling from other winter seasonal blooms like ranunculus, poppies, hinoki cedar, tulips, sweet pea, paperwhites, eucalyptus pods and some carnations for good measure.

We love this bright, festive alternative to the typical red and green palette that reigns supreme this time of year. HEY! AH Ah YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS? GREENANDYELLOWGREENANDYELLOWGREENANDYELLOWGREENANDYELLOW...
...Is no one else listening to hot 97 this winter?

glass houses

2010-12-16T12:55:00.006-05:00

Headed up to Battenfelds on Tuesday with Nea and my mom to cut a Christmas tree and tour the anemone greenhouses. They have 8 huge warm and humid houses of anemones. These are the same flowers we buy wholesale in the NYC market - Battenfelds is the leading grower of anemones in the world. And now they've started around 1000 sq. feet of ranunculas. I was so excited and happy to be there, at one point I realized that I was saying "I love you! I love you!" out loud to the flowers.

Step by step, oooh baby

2010-12-11T07:22:00.007-05:00

Virtual Flower School! Get your clippers ready...

This week we'll post some exciting announcements as well as a new class or two!

The citrus class has a few spots left, who's in? Here are some of the lovely arrangements from last winters class.

'nations

2010-12-01T12:09:00.002-05:00

Well well well! ...it appears that our little friend The Carnation is quite the media slut around town!
Check out the full article in last week's Wall Street Journal...

Love it! Lets do a Carnation Class!!

WREATH MAKING 101!!!

2010-11-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

Still a few spots over there --> in Wednesday's evening's wreath class. We'll be using wire frames to make lushly carpeted wreaths of evergreens, eucalyptus, seeds and pods - and then a more rustic composition on a grapevine frame. One for you, one to give away!
__

Thanks to Ashley, Tanah and Lexi for joining us Wednesday night for our Thanksgiving centerpiece class...we'll post pictures of the evening soon. Here is the centerpiece I made.

Thanksgiving Eve Class is upon us....

2010-11-15T18:12:00.006-05:00

And we've got 4 tickets hanging on the line! You must register by Friday! Nicolette's signature palette will be in full effect; nude, salmon, taupe, bronze and aubergine - we're ordering flowers like there's no tomorrow - you need a jaw-dropping centerpiece to show off to your in-laws...

Register here

Cool Colors of Autumn Class = AMAZING

2010-11-04T17:21:00.009-04:00

In early October we relished in all the cool colors of the season. Brace yourself for these elegant arrangements...

Thanks to those of you signing up for the next round of classes! Got a few other exciting things up our sleeves - one of which is taking LFS on the road in the new year. Promise to keep you posted...

Make Your Own Thanksgiving Centerpiece!

2010-10-25T18:10:00.039-04:00

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE 101

Get it done! Sign up to make your own Thanksgiving centerpiece!

Wednesday, November 24th

6:00-9:00pm

$250

Tired of mini pumpkins and cornucopia?

Do your Thanksgiving up right with a lush sprawling floral centerpiece! Crown your own table, or bring it to your friend's/family feast. Nothing helps divert family tension like a stunning flower arrangement full of ranunculus, parrot tulips, chocolate cosmos, amaranth, and amaryllis! This class is suitable for floral enthusiasts of all levels, and will be limited to 6 students.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Ode to the Anemone

2010-10-25T18:10:00.038-04:00

Ode to the Anemone

Saturday, December 4
1:00-4:00 pm
$250

The winter season brings us the much coveted Anemone. With it's deep blue/back center and delicate papery petals it never fails to make an impression. We'll mix anemones with other seasonal blooms to create a wintery arrangement in a silver footed urn.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Wreath Making

2010-10-25T18:10:00.037-04:00

Wreath-making 101

Wednesday, December 1
5:30-7:30 pm
$200

We'll usher in December and holiday spirits with our first wreath making class! Working with foliage, evergreens, berries and fruits, we'll teach students about materials that dry and hold up well in wreaths. Using a grapevine frame, each participant will create their own festive wreath to take home. Well snack on egg nog and buche du noel!

The class will take place at Nicolette's studio at 50-52 Dobbin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Citrus Class

2010-10-25T18:09:00.024-04:00

CITRUS CLASS
Saturday, December 18th
1:00-4:00pm
$250

Our first citrus class was so dope, we could hardly wait a whole year to do it again... December brings beautiful lush citrus fruit from Florida; what a better way to shake the winter's chill than with kumquats, clementines, tangerines and limes. We'll be pairing these lovelies with other seasonal winter flowers like ranunculus, nerine lillies, amaryllis, cedar, acacia, and poppies.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Succulents & Begonias

2010-10-25T18:09:00.023-04:00

Succulents and Begonias

Saturday, January 22
1:00-4:00 pm
$250

Winter offers us a measly dearth of foliage and greenery - so we often find ourselves in the greenhouse, cutting from heirloom begonias and succulents to ritz up our arrangements. The silvery and textured greens these two very different species share makes an ideal backdrop for the delicate winter blooms we love - amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones, etc. The class will learn about growing indoor plants for cutting, and each student will create their own winter masterpiece.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Orchids!

2010-10-25T18:09:00.022-04:00

Orchids!

Sunday, January 9th

1:00-4:00pm

$250

In this class we'll liberate orchids from the contemporary/minimalist style where these beauties have been pigeon-holed for years. Along with other season material, we will highlight several different varieties of orchids (Phals, mokara, lady slippers, etc) to creating sumptuous, heady arrangements in the classic romantic style with a hothouse exotic twist. This class is going to be the best ever.

The class meets at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

50-52 Dobbin St

Brooklyn NY 11222

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Dutch Masters Class

2010-10-25T18:08:00.016-04:00

Dutch Masters Class

Sunday, March 6

1:00-4:00pm

$250

In this class we will take inspiration from the painting of Dutch masters. Moody, lush and abundant arrangements that celebrate the bounty of the season. We'll have early spring flowers like tulips, muscari and frittillaria, garden roses, passion vine, dianthus, jasmine and more.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a refreshments.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Ranunculus revisted

2010-10-25T18:08:00.015-04:00

RANUNCULUS REVISITED
Saturday, February 12th
1:00-4:00pm
$250

The ridiculously beautiful ranunculus makes us swoon with it's unending labarinth of petals. Need we say more?!? We'll bring mulitple varieties of this stunning beauty to class along with a smattering of other delicate winter blooms. Students will learn the basics of composition and each make a delicate arrangement in a footed glass urn.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a champagne toast and treats.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Gorgeousness! from the Copper & Rose class

2010-10-19T18:27:00.005-04:00

We had an amazing Copper & Rose color workshop a few weeks ago! We were knee deep in persimmon & crabapple branches, sedum, rudbeckia, crocosmia & scabiosa pods, amaranth, heuchera, dahlias, abellia, chrysanthemums, gomphrena, millet, burning bush and so much more. The talented flower maven & baker Joelle has been making us amazing treats for each of our classes. Apple walnut cake with cider glaze, Umm... YES PLEASE!

Each class is more an more inspiring! We are always in awe of how different each students arrangement feels even though everyone has the same material to choose from.

Our Winter schedule will be posted soon! We promise.
We've been dreaming up classes inspired by dutch master paintings, wreath making, maybe another ranunculus class and some winter color workshops.....please stay tuned for the new schedule!

Ode to the Dahlia: in three parts

2010-10-06T20:39:00.008-04:00

THE MUSE

I apologize in advance. I can take photos of flowers all day- especially the cafe au lait dahlia. Ivory, nude, blush, mocha, tea-stained, taupe, dusty rose, pale brown..perfect.

THE FARMER

We had the pleasure of visiting Anna Mack's glorious flower farm in western Massachusetts. The farm, aptly named "Wild & Cultivated" had some of the most beautiful dahlias Sarah & I have ever had our little hands on**.

THE GRADUATES

**There were so many gorgeous dahlias at Anna's farm. I've focused on the the 'Cafe Au Lait' but there were so many more varieties. More on our flickr.

Open Studio

2010-09-26T12:43:00.009-04:00

I'll be making flower crowns of all sorts at the open studio party this Thursday September 30th. I love this one with porcelain vine, scabiosa pods & antique hydrangea.

Some of the other designers at the open studio will be Fay Andrada, Wiksten, Odette NY and reMade USA. Hope you can join us! More info here.

Au Revoir Summer

2010-09-23T11:58:00.006-04:00

Our last class of Summer Wildflowers a few weeks ago was overflowing with some of our favorite late summer blooms. Celosia, echinachea, scabiosa, foxglove, nigella, amaranthus, snowberry, pee gee hydrangeas, snowberry, queen anne's lace, persian carpet zinnias, chocolate cosmos, black basil, grasses and more!

Sadly, Sarah's laptop was stolen (gasp!) so we lost all of the individual portraits of the arrangements. Here are a few of the students in action-- such a focused and talented lot.

We're working on a NEW WINTER SCHEDULE so stay tuned for many more exciting classes! We just may make you fall in love with the carnation, get to know the amaryllis, maybe even make some wreaths... Anyone have any special requests?

little flower school in reykjavik; day 1

2010-08-31T21:18:00.002-04:00

Dahlias, mountain mint, foxglove, porcelain vine

2010-08-19T13:52:00.014-04:00

Dahlias season has started and I was seduced by a bunch of soft organgey-peach beauties. I think this variety is called "Croydon Masterpiece". I paired them with porcelain vine, mountain mint & foxglove to make this soft moody early autumn arrangement.

We're so excited about all the new classes and thank you for everyone's support & enthusiasm! We still have one spot left in the Dahlia class! Who's in?

1st Wildflower Class

2010-08-09T08:36:00.005-04:00

Our wildflower class went off at the end of last month. It was the most flowers I think we've ever had - I'm going to try to list them all just for kicks...

garden roses from California, nigella, scabiosa pods, asclepias, dinner plate dahlias, standard dahlias (is there such a thing?! NO), amaranthus, bronze upright, russian olive, crabapple, black scabiosa, celosia, decorative oregano, hydrangea, thistle, cosmos, echinacea, jasmine, yarrow, lambs ear, nigella pods, purple basil...

And the New York Times came and made a story about flower classes that ran last Thursday. If you didn't see it you can here.*

Snack time included some amazing grapes from Nicolette's courtyard..

And some of the portraits...

* Russell was reading the Times online Wednesday night when the story went up. You know how they rotate the A1 lead story every hour or so?...when he logged on there we were front and center - so surreal! He grabbed this screenshot for me:

NEW CLASS ADDED: The Ranuncula

2010-08-03T14:26:00.010-04:00

RANUNCULUS, a love story
Sunday, November 7th
1:00-4:00pm
$250

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
We patiently wait the whole summer for the ranunuculus to come back to us. In this class each student will use this million petal-ed, delicate bloom along with seeded eucalyptus, garden roses, pear, anemones & plum to create an elegant arrangement in a glass compote for the table

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a champagne toast and treats.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

NEW CLASS ADDED: FRUITING BRANCHES & BERRIES ON THE VINE

2010-08-03T14:02:00.009-04:00

FRUITING BRANCHES & BERRIES ON THE VINE
Sunday, October 24
6:30-9:30pm
$250

In this class we'll focus on the glorious fruiting branches & berries of autumn. Learning how to pair these forms with more delicate flowers, students will create large rustic arrangements in a footed urn. We’ll be working with pear & persimmon branches, pepperberry, acorns, porcelain vine, kale, dahlias, ranunculus, begonias and other seasonal flowers.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a champagne toast and treats.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

NEW CLASS: COLOR WORKSHOP: Cool colors of Autumn

2010-08-03T12:31:00.011-04:00

COLOR WORKSHOP: Cool colors of Autumn
Sunday, October 3
1:00-4:00 pm
$250

In this class we'll draw inspiration from the cooler, moody tones of autumn. We’ll play with powdery blue antique hydrangeas, silvery Russian olive, dusty miller, multiple varieties of begonias, black privet berry, bronze amaranthus, robbin's egg blue porcelain vine, creamy dinner plate dahlias and a sprinkling of ranunculus. Each student will learn the basic principles of floral composition and create a lush & sprawling Autumnal arrangement in an antique metal urn.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.

Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.

Of course, class will finish with a champagne toast and treats.

Payments accepted through paypal.

To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

NEW CLASS: COLOR WORKSHOP: Copper, Rose & Bronze

2010-08-03T12:26:00.013-04:00

COLOR WORKSHOP: Copper/Rose/Bronze
Wednesday, September 29
1:00-4:00 pm
$250

Dusty rose is the perfect companion to all the beautiful bronzy golden hues of mid-autumn. This is one of our all time favorite color combinations – and we’ve been waiting all year to teach this class! Students will work with bittersweet, dahlias, ranunculus, spirea, garden roses, mums, persimmons, amaranthus, scabiosa, rosehips and other seasonal material to create a gorgeous sprawling testament to the season in an antiqued copper vessel.

This class will take place at Nicolette's studio at 50-52 Dobbin St in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and is considered an open level class for all skill sets.

***
All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne toast and treats.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

NEW CLASS: ODE TO THE DAHLIA

2010-08-03T11:38:00.013-04:00

ODE TO THE DAHLIA
Wednesday, September 15
6:30-9:30pm
$250

Ladies & gentlemen, Dahlia season has arrived.
In all their brazen and voluptuous glory this class will feature some of our favorite varieties of this incredible specimen. Each student will create an arrangement dripping with dahlias, crabapple, celosia, grasses, hydrangea, scabiosa along with a bounty of other late summer blooms.

This class will take place at Nicolette's studio at 50-52 Dobbin St in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and is considered an open level class for all skill sets.

2010-08-03T11:09:00.005-04:00

The Little Flower School went on the road last month over to Sunday Suppers...It was a lovely ladies lunch - we taught a miniature flower lesson and then learned how to make a seasonal summer lunch with The Jewels of New York. If every Sunday could be so decadent!

These gorgeous photos courtesy of Karen Mordechai - wait till you see the final results of the table setting, the food, and the flower arrangements...

*We've been scheduling fools today - our new Autumn class schedule is coming out tomorrow, promise!!

peony classes revealed!

2010-07-19T17:54:00.005-04:00

The highly-coveted peony classes were two big lovely messes of peonies (obviously), lamb's ear, black basil, nine bark, ranunculus, crabapple blossoms, oregano, blueberry, astrantia, astilbe, columbine, clematis, eucalyptus, nigella, allium, lavender, hellebores, etc, etc!

See for yourself...

Gorgeous...

Breathtaking!

Brava!

Really?

Seriously?

I know, right?

Stunning...

The dopest...

most divine...

natures envy..

undeniably radient..

magnificent...

stellar!

on fire!!!

out of this world!!

hhhOT

ravishing

resplendent..

intoxicating!

sublime..

ravishing!

angelic..

and that's all she wrote. i'm out of adjectives anyway.

mothers day class

2010-06-21T10:52:00.003-04:00

Looking at these photo's now makes me miss lilac and crabapple blossoms like crazy...we're already using crabapple fruit in the studio this week. Time flies...

Half of this class consisted of a family of 5 women, a mother, her three daughters and her sister. All from Brooklyn. Another mother-daughter team from California and one lovely lady from Salt Lake City, Utah. The arrangements these women made were incredible...

We had two last minute cancellations and so we invited both our mother's to attend. Turns out Irene and Susan are both flower mavens. In fact I kept them after class for an extra credit assignment - putting them to work on some Saipua orders for the next day!

...Nothing like waiting till father's day to show you mother's day. We've been busy. Nicolette and I are hard at work with weddings and also planning new classes for Summer, plus a special collaboration with Sunday Suppers - details to come soon...

NEW SUMMER CLASSES!

2010-06-09T15:52:00.011-04:00

Summer Wild Flowers 101
July 25th -OR- August 29th
1pm-4pm
$250

We'll cover how to choose, handle and arrange flowers in this basics class inspired by the wild blooms of late summer. Clover, celosia, dahlias, agapanthus, echinacea, hydrangea, chamomile, grasses, thistle, nigella, scabiosa, flowering herbs, lavender and more! Each student will make a lush & wild arrangement to take home along with a pair of clippers. Class will end with a champagne toast and treats!

These workshops will take place at Nicolette's studio in Greenpoint:
50-52 Dobbin St, Brooklyn NY 11222
All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Payments accepted through Paypal.

To register or ask questions email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

la la lilac

2010-06-01T16:10:00.002-04:00

Fun evening class in April with all sorts of lilac...a distant, fragrant memory!

spring flowers 101 class results...

2010-05-25T15:48:00.003-04:00

This was a night class devoted to spring flowers. We played with different types of daffodils, spirea, astrantia, hyacinth, fritillaria, geranium, muscari, hellebores, tulips, queen anne's lace, goosenecks, and lots more to create large organic looking arrangements in stone urns. So fun...

Looking at these photos makes me miss the spring, it's 80 degrees in NYC today, and I don't do well in heat (and neither do my flowers!!)...

gorgeous cherry blossom class results!

2010-05-12T18:31:00.002-04:00

2010-05-03T10:19:00.003-04:00

Good morning industrious flower students!
I'm looking at Constance Spry's work this morning. She was sort of the MFK Fisher of flowers...She taught women how simple flowers and foliage plucked from yard and garden could be used inside to brighten the home. I'm crazy about all her work. And it's inspiring me to learn and grown my own flower practice...

Nicolette and I are so busy lately with our own wedding/events work. We have two peony classes coming up that we're over the moon about...and then...what? I had a fantastic lunch with Julie and Nick of Confetti System fame last week and we talked about doing a collaborative class geared toward brides who wanted to make their own flowers and paper favors...we also talked about the end of the DIY wedding movement, so go figure.

There's also a Pink/Copper color class in the works, a class about fall fruits and foliage and we'll definitely be doing a dahlia class...

I want to teach more, but I also have a lot to learn myself...

Sarah

more lilac...and we still have spots left in tomorrow nights class!

2010-04-27T11:28:00.002-04:00

We're finishing preparations for tomorrow nights LILAC & SCARLETT WONDERLAND...it's going to be out of this world - the local lilac is just peaking and we're getting in purples, whites, blushes and striated varieties.

There are still 4 or 5 spots left if you want to join, shoot us a line.

Those of you who have signed up, we'll see you tomorrow night!!

[These photos are from some studio work this week...the top picture shows a bouquet with Lilac (Maiden's blush variety) some local ranunculus, cherry foliage, black scabiosa, dogwood and majolika spray roses.
Bottom has purple lilac, ranunculus, fritillaria and hyacinth.]

La la la Lilac!

2010-04-19T06:29:00.006-04:00

Lilac season is here and we are so excited to work with these sweetly scented blooms...

We'll have tons to work with in next weeks Lilac color workshop. 6 Spots left!

COLOR WORKSHOP: Lilac and Scarlet

{weeknight edition}
April 28th, 6-9 pm
$250

Every spring we can't get our hands on enough lilac. Dusty, barely-there lavender to deep royal plum - lilac varieties encompass a unique spectrum of the color purple. In this class we'll cover the basics of how to arrange flowers, paying special attention to the combination of the colors purple and red.
***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

new peony class added!

2010-04-13T08:23:00.012-04:00

Peony Bouquets
Wednesday, June 2nd 6-9pm
$250 {CLASS IS FULL}

We'll be hauling buckets and buckets of peonies into the studio come the end of May - join us for an evening to learn about all the varieties and ways to employ this floral queen in bouquets and arrangements for the table. Alongside a host of other late spring material such as thistles, delphiniums, columbine (hopefully! - one of our favorite late spring flowers), green blueberry, nigella, ornamental oregano, garden roses, and more. Each student will make an arrangement to take home in a silver julep-cup style vase. Open to all levels.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with prosecco and snacks.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

from the Succulents Class...

2010-04-11T17:44:00.010-04:00

D-D-DOPEST CLASS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
But then I guess we end up saying that about all classes....
We played with various types of ecchevaria, jasmine, carnations, hyacinths, ranunculus, kangaroo paw, poppies, eucalyptus, dogwood, astrantia, muscari, fritillaria and a few other bits.

I still have to post the photos from the Spring Flowers 101 and today's Cherry class which was crazy town also...

Anyone interested in another peony class? We're thinking about adding one for next month - especially interested to know if you'd want a weeknight class or a weekend class...

Fragrant Flowers...

2010-03-29T22:47:00.004-04:00

It was such a miserable, rainy day for our Fragrant Flowers Class two weeks ago - but every student marched out the studio with something bright and cheerful...a welcome reminder of warmer days to come. We used lots of fragrant sweet pea, jasmine, carnations, (did you know they smell like cinnamon and clove?!) garden roses, narcissus, lilac, hyacinth...and of course there were some ranunculus for good measure.

Thanks for such a beautiful class everyone!

Tiny Treasures

2010-03-18T15:27:00.012-04:00

Hooray! Just two days until the first day of Spring and I'm overjoyed to see eager little Spring flowers forcing their way out of the soil. I'm loving all the delicate bell-shaped flowers that the early spring has to offer. I took a few moments (ok, i was procrastinating..) to enjoy these humble blooms and took some of photos to share! These delicate little bells are perfect for small scale arrangements.

this mini arrangement is only 5 x4 inches!

fritillaria

muscari

snowdrop

You can play with these beauties in our Spring Flowers 101 class! 5 spots left...

Cherry Blossoms are almost here!

2010-03-10T21:12:00.007-05:00

Cherry Blossoms
Sunday, April 11th; 1-4pm
$250

In this basics class we'll usher in the season of the Cherry Blossom! In all their bubble gum pink or snow white glory, we'll use the cherry to build wildly lush arrangements that celebrate the first warm days of the year. Focusing on a palette of tonal pinks from muddy tea-stained hues to deep mauves and pale rosey blushes. We'll be using some of our favorite early Spring blooms; the glorious cherry, bleeding hearts, ranunculus, columbine, flowering oregano & heuchera & lysimachia.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Ode to the Peony!

2010-03-10T13:39:00.009-05:00

Ode to The Peony
Sunday, May 16th, 1-4 pm {FULL}
$250

Mirror, Mirror on the wall - who's the fairest of them all??

Few flowers make us swoon like the peony. We'll have tons to play with at the peak of their blooming season. Varieties such as Coral charm, Sarah Bernhardt, Festiva Maxima, Bowl of Cream, George Burns, Red Charm, Duchess, and others. We'll be mixing these bodacious blooms with other spring materials like lilac, lamb's ear, nigella, scabiosa, young (green) blueberry and clematis. Every student will make an abundant summer bouquet dripping in lush peonies! Trust us, we're counting down the days for peony season...

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Spring Flowers 101

2010-03-10T13:35:00.006-05:00

SPRING FLOWERS 101

{weeknight edition}
Wednesday, March 31st; 6-9 pm
$250

The basics class inspired by the beautiful harbingers of spring. The end of March brings us dogwood, hellebores, fritillaria, sweetpea, daffodils, locally grown ranunculus, pansies and spirea. We'll investigate an early spring color palette of fresh ivories, whites, creams with touches of lavender, mauve and deep violet. Contrasting the small delicate blooms of spring with sculptural dogwood branches, students will create their own woodland-inspired arrangements.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Color Workshop: Lilac & Scarlet

2010-03-10T13:27:00.005-05:00

COLOR WORKSHOP: Lilac and Scarlet

{weeknight edition}
April 28th, 6-9 pm
$250

Every spring we can't get our hands on enough lilac. Dusty, barely-there lavender to deep royal plum - lilac varieties encompass a unique spectrum of the color purple. In this class we'll cover the basics of how to arrange flowers, paying special attention to the combination of the colors purple and red. Each student will create a romantic regal arrangement in a footed mercury glass bowl.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

Mother's Day Class

2010-03-10T13:24:00.008-05:00

MOTHERS DAY CLASS!
Saturday, May 8th; 1-4 pm
$250 per student

Who better to celebrate the art of arranging flowers than with your mother! We're encouraging daughter/mother teams to sign up together, but this class is open to all. We'll go over the techniques of creating an arrangement with lilac, lily of the valley, peonies, snowball viburnum and a host of other May flowers. Each lady will create an abundant spring masterpiece in a stone footed urn.

***

All classes are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
Clippers will be provided and are a gift to take with you.
Of course, class will finish with a champagne and tea party.

The class will take place in the Saipua studio at 147 Van Dyke Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Payments accepted through paypal.
To sign up, (or ask questions) email us at hello.flower.school@gmail.com

the herbal class...

2010-03-08T09:37:00.007-05:00

Everyone planted a window box with sage, thyme and rosemary (hopefully you all are being good herbal stewards and keeping them healthy) and made a wildflower arrangement in ball jar using anemones, ranunculus, rose geranium, rosemary, sweet pea, raspberries, andromeda, scabiosa, jasmine and eucalyptus. [Sigh]

...and so there's a little floral preview of spring for you, on a day when it's going to be 60 degrees here in new york!!! Nicolette and I are going to try to find a place to eat lunch outside today while we brainstorm the next set of classes. Thanks everyone for your ongoing support and enthusiasm, Little Flower School makes us so happy...

herbal class update!

2010-03-03T12:06:00.005-05:00

For those of you who made the herb boxes, how are they coming along? I brought one home, and mine is doing good. I water it very little - maybe a pint a week. I made nicolette's roasted beets with thyme recipe monday night - and I shall MAKE IT AGAIN:

- diced three small beets, threw them in an oven proof bowl (or pan)
- two pats of butter on top
- 6 or so sprigs off thyme
- just enough water to cover
- a sprinkle of salt/pepper

Baked for about 30 min. at 350 degrees, or until most of the water was absorbed.

Then I tossed them with some greens and a shallot vinaigrette. the key to a good vinaigrette is to let the (very) finely chopped shallot macerate in the vinegar (i like to use champagne vinegar) for 20 or so minutes. then I whisk in a bit of dijon mustard, salt and pepper, then the olive oil in a very fine stream whisking very fast till all is melded. i topped this hot mess with a little goat cheese and toasted walnuts because everyone knows that beets+goat cheese+walnuts is killer!

I still need to go through the photos from the herb class and post them here...

2010-03-03T11:52:00.006-05:00

Here are some photos from our mock-up/made for TV class last week...we used lots of seasonal February flowers - anemones, ranunculus, dusty miller, camelias, scabiosa, eucalyptus, quince, etc...
We're putting together more classes for April/May now. We would LOVE to hear you're requests!
Check back later in the week for the new schedule.