2nd June 2016

Demonstrator:  Kate Thomas
​Her Title: 'Hidden Gems'

​​In June our demonstration was entertaining, inspirational and a little unusual!  Our demonstrator was Kate Thomas, a florist from Funky Flowers in Wokingham and she gave us an insight into the work of a florist as well as a floral art designer.  Her designs were all very different styles, from traditional to contemporary, with the influence from some European designers that she has worked with.
 
Kate’s flowers were beautiful as she used lots of exotic and unusual blooms, including anthuriums, huge lilies and peonies.  She created 6 designs on a theme of ‘Hidden Gems’.  Her first arrangement depicted the gems in the garden, in a large bark covered container and lots of country garden type flowers.  She used a hand-tied bouquet as the framework for her next design using carnations and roses.  She then created a chandelier structure with wire, beads and other decorations to which she added lisianthus and small roses.  Her last design was a large traditional pedestal full of summer flowers.
 
We had a large audience who were fascinated by Kate’s work.  Our Club now has 86 members from a wide area and it is good to be able to show them some interesting demonstrators.  Two members have been busy: Jean Tipping represented the Club at the Herts Show with a large exhibit depicting Capability Brown’s gardens and Carolyn Cranswick had the honour of arranging flowers at the High Altar in Westminster Abbey for a royal service in May.
 
2016 is a special year for Clophill and District Flower Club as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary.  In July we have a dinner and demonstration ‘Ruby Thursday’ for Members only.  On 17th and 18th September we are staging a Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church entitled ’90 Glorious Years’ to celebrate our special year but mainly HM The Queen’s life with 30 exhibits depicting all the Royal occasions and interests.  It will showcase all our talented arrangers and their skills.  Look out for further details in September.