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In planning this chair I wanted to create a contemporary version of the sympathy piece known as the Empty Chair. I selected a simple pattern for the seat cushion and clean lines, so that the chair remained very natural and the structure could be enjoyed.
My idea was to create a rustic country feeling for the piece. I started by building the chair structure with Birch Branches. The chair seat box supports the structure. Moss was used to cover the sides of this box. The seat cushion was covered with rich burgundy Galax leaves. Single purple Hyacinth blooms were then lined up to create the square pattern. A single large bright Gerbera filled each of the four squares. A simply gothic arch of Forsythia branches was used for the back of the chair.


In planning this piece I was inspired by the contemporary European look, where the water tubes appear to float in cubic structures.
Starting with a whitewashed, moss-green coloured frame (34 x 26). This frame appears very aged with cracked paint and a distressed surface. The transparent green vases help to enhance the green tones for the frame. gold wire was used to suspend the vase. The first and heaviest gauge of wire was tied just above each vase's bubble base. A second lighter wire was tied two inches from the top of the vases. The last wire was used to form the "W" and was purely decorative giving the final piece a more interesting look. To finish the piece, a vibrant orange Gerbera with bright yellow centre was placed in each of the five vases.



When planning this design I knew I wanted to use fruits, vegetables and flower in a very interesting way. Also, in my mind were the bright colours and different textures of a patchwork quilt.
After selection the faux stone finish container, I decided the final creation had to be a massive four sided tower. I then selected a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and greens for their vibrant colours and various textures. Next I betgan to pave the different materials into geometric shapes intending the finished arrangement to appeal to all the senses.
The mix of fragrances attract you to the column. Brilliant colour and patters of texture appeal to the eye. Overall a sensation combination, good enough to eat.


Sympathy
Formal Linear defines the elements of line and form so evident in this composition.
My goal was to artistically design a casket piece with a comforting yet contemporary feel.
The components incorporate the line material in the form of the branch that gives visual distance that draws the eye up and down the length of the design. I chose to place the flowers in groupings in order to better feature the colors. The protea has such a rich value of burgundy. The transition from this darker color to the lighter pink of the roses is carried through the addition of the purple dried stems.
From the center core of pinks I have tried to accent hues of green. The green of the anthuriums is highlighted on the side of the casket piece that would be nearest to the casket opening. This, I think, is where the eye is naturally going to rest during the viewing. The far side features the different shades of green viewed at a distance. The distance allows you to see the play of textures that happen between the salal and the sanseveria leaves. The grape leaves placed in the center repeats the shape of the anthuriums and provides interest. The schefferlera framed by the extended branches is integral in listing the eye away from the dark greens.


Designers' Choice
Working within an oval space, I wanted to create the classic European Hand-Tied Bouquet. Using the technique of clustering, I was able to create a feeling of one large bloom instead of a bunch of loose carnations tied together. To offset the tightness and to give visual height I have incorporated as the center, a vertical element in the form of the liatris. This center provided the element necessary for the addition of the steel grass.
I used the steel grass to give a shadowing effect to the focal area. The grass encompasses the birds and with the added Ivy, gives the feeling of a birdcage.


Wedding Bouquet
I think that the wedding work is perhaps the most detailed composition that a designer will create. No piece is able to be as personalized and filled with unspoken emotions as a bridal Bouquet. Whether it be simple and understated or flamboyant and vivacious, the bouquet should reflect the feelings of the Bride.
This bouquet follows a Formal Linear style and is a study of diagonal form and line. Using a terracing technique the Roses form the main focal line throughout the composition. This is reinforced by the strong visual complimentary lines of the lely buds, Reindeer moss and seed pods.
The placement of the Antherium and grasses is to provide visual weight to the bouquet. I chose ivory, copper and shades of green, as I wanted to highlight the roses as a feature flower. The grouping of flowers together draws the attention to the beauty of the individual blooms, and gives the feeling of understated elegance and confidence.