Petals In Progress: Lessons & Designs from the Spiral Bouquet, Holder Bouquet, and Nosegay
Every project teaches me something new, and this set was no exception. Projects 003, 004, and 005 all came from one grocery store flower haul — a reminder that creativity isn’t always about having everything you want, but making the most of what’s in your hands.
The Spiral Bouquet
This one stretched me. Spiral bouquets are a foundational skill, and while I managed to pull it together, the mechanics were tough. I actually took it apart four or five times before the stems finally sat the way they needed to. It was frustrating in the moment, but I kept at it — and that persistence made finishing it feel like such a win.
The Holder Bouquet
Talk about a challenge! I had to reshape the foam into a ball to fit the holder, and several stems slipped out along the way. But I kept adjusting until the bouquet felt balanced. The soft lavender, hydrangea, and mums came together beautifully, and I finished it with a butterfly accent that feels whimsical and personal.
The Nosegay
Small but mighty. Using leftovers, I created a piece that proves even the tiniest design matters. This one felt like a lesson in resourcefulness — nothing wasted, everything with purpose. But it wasn’t easy. Wiring the pieces together was tricky, and keeping the proportions balanced on such a small scale challenged me more than I expected. Still, it came together, and reminded me that even the smallest designs demand patience and care.
And then there’s the reality: the mess.
Petals on the counter, stems scattered everywhere, foam dust, tools mixed in — proof that progress is not tidy. It’s real, and it’s where the learning happens.
Looking back, these three projects were challenging, maybe even overwhelming at moments. But I’m proud. They remind me that every florist starts somewhere, and with practice, the hard things get easier.
Next up: I’ll be sharing my first easel sympathy piece - a design that stretched both my skills and my heart. Until then, I’ll keep showing up with flowerers in hand, learning a little more with each design.
