bloom

Photos by Dana Damewood

"The first thing to think about and remember when you are 'arranging' flowers is that nature isn't perfect." Those words ring in my ear a week after having Sue Beckner of Sue's Flower Shoppe in Oakland, Nebraska lead our first Athena Collective group. As Sue continued she explained the importance of "making it your own." Yes, that is right my friends. For our very first meeting, our very first class, the first thing we learned about was accepting imperfections, and using them to our advantage. What a perfect lesson.

Photos by Dana Damewood

This is a rough outline for flower arranging. Please have fun. Think outside the box, and create. 

For this project you will need:

Stem cutters

Flower tape

A bundle of flowers

A vessel

Photos by Dana Damewood

1 | Cut stem bottoms of florals at an angle (this allows the flowers, once they are in the vase, to get water.  When you cut the bottom flat, the stem sits on bottom of vase and creates a suction, making it harder to get water, making flowers not last as long).

2 | Take a leaf (any flat foliage is perfect) and fold it around inside of vase.

3 | Using the fuller florals (greenery, pine or leafy stems) that you have, place them in the vase.  Usually they will be in the same color family, but don’t be held back.  Feel free to mix and match as much as you want.  This is your creation.

4 | Taking the brighter or more “accent” pieces, place them around greenery in any fashion that pleases your eyes. 

Photos by Dana Damewood

Some helpful “first timer” tips. 

• Cut the stems at varying heights for more drama.  If you want something more round and compact, cut them shorter and use a rounder shorter vase.
• Using odd numbers of your accent pieces usually is easier to make a more visually pleasing bouquet.
• Don’t be afraid to add objects from nature you don’t usually see in typical bouquets. (for example: small sticks you find in your yard, leaves in the fall, even adding rocks or pebbles in the water add an interesting twist.)  
• Have fun. This is your creation.  Run wild!

Photos by Dana Damewood

When it was all said and done, I couldn't help but think, "No, nature isn't perfect, but isn't that what makes it so beautiful?"  The beauty isn't in the perfection, not in the predictability.  It is in the uniqueness. the color. the presence of the unexpected. So embrace your imperfections. Let the unexpected transform you. Bloom. Amber

Thank you Sue Beckner for your expertise and Dana Damewood for documenting the day in such a creative and inspiring way. You both epitomize Athena. Thank you for contributing to this journey.