'Tis the Season...

...to be...what exactly? Definitely not ready to feel festive just yet, although winter wreaths are everywhere already! It's a wild and blustery day outside, so I have retreated indoors, lit a fire and decided it was time to write a little seasonal message, which is as late as it can be.

I'm was feeling in reflective mood this morning. I have been working for the last couple of days on a the perfect commission for farewell flowers. Having collected extras from two of my favourite flower growers, Tammy @wildbunchflowers and Lexi @littleandwild, I created a coffin arrangement in the Carole Patilla style, using differently sized bunches to create a long and full floral topper. This style was championed by Carole, one of the most energetic, creative forces of nature, who we recently lost to pancreatic cancer. Such as loss to her family, and the Flowers from the Farm community, but she lives on in her floral designs.

A large, seasonal coffin arrangement and a special request for the flowers to be repurposed for others to enjoy. Helen's late father was a local GP and she wanted his leather bag to be the centrepiece for his final journey, with 'an explosion of flowers' bursting from the bag. What an honour to be asked to create something so personal, with whatever was still blooming on my allotment, and with a few special extras bought in from my flower pals in Shropshire.

Joyful last flowers of the season.. for a life well lived.

The heavy rain and gusty winds has clearly brought the flower season to an end today, so I'm so pleased that the last of the flowers will help to make a difficult day, just that little bit easier. I will be heading off out again soon, to collect them, and make up bunches for friends in a local care home and to spread the floral love just that little bit further. Perfect.

Comfort & Joy

Westhope College is one of those special, nurturing places, where anyone can visit for a day, or longer, to learn a new skill, meet like minded folk, and enjoy the pastoral surroundings of the Shropshire countryside.

I will be there hosting my first workshop with them on Wednesday 19th November.

I will be making a waxed paper mistletoe arrangement, that will hopefully become one of those special keepsakes that comes out every year, and is used to decorate your home for the festive season.

I love mine, and have gifted them to several friends and family over the last few years.

I know there are a couple of spaces still available, so do contact Westhope (01584 861293) should you wish to join us.

The tradition of making flowers from paper and wax is a long one, that flourished in the Victorian era as a 'parlour art'.

Winter Wonder

I still have some spaces available on my ever popular Christmas Wreath Workshops.

Once again, I'll be heading off to a local wood, where I have an agreement with a local National Trust property that allows me to take fallen treasure. I fill my car boot with as much foraged evergreen as I can fit in!

Dates and venues:

Crafty Happenings, Wolverhampton

Thursday 27th November 6.30 - 8.30 FULLY BOOKED

Friday 28th November 11.00 -1.00 SPACES

Thursday 4th December 6.30 - 8.30 SPACES

Friday 5th December 11.00 - 1.00. SPACES

Inn at Shipley, Bridgnorth

Thursday 27th November 11.00 - 1.00 SPACES

Saturday 29th November 11.00 - 1.00 SPACES

Tuesday 2nd December 6.30- 8.30

Follow the booking link on the workshops tab...

I am also taking orders for one off works of beauty to adorn your front door, or back door for that matter!

Bells and bows optional, and I do have some pretty funky striped ones this year!

Wishing you a wonderful Winter season and festive season ahead, and looking forward to a peaceful new year.

I have some exciting things planned, not least a long overdue move.

This town mouse is heading to the country and can't wait!

Keeping it real with the flowers,

Lots of love,

Gretel xx