Welcome once again to my column dedicated to all things floral and beautiful...

October brings with it many wonderful things, but one of my favorite is HOMECOMING !!! Remember... UPSELL!! UPSELL!! UPSELL!!  A girl can never have enough cowbells, trinkets, and add-ons.  Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to increase your bottom line.  You will be amazed at just how much disposable income these kids have.  It is not unusual to see kids gleefully plunking down $150+ for a gorgeous homecoming mum.  Learn cool new techniques and stay on the cutting edge.  These kids know quality and they are relentless in pursuit of what they want.  Plus, if they love your work, they will be back for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Prom, and maybe even a wedding some day in the future.   The trick is to make them savvy consumers and train them in the old saying "You get what you pay for"!!  Make them understand that your work is quality work and quality has a price.  I can not stress enough... NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT !!!

Another really cool thing October brings this year is the HOUSTON CUP DESIGN COMPETITION.  This year I was given the honor of chairing the competition and I am looking forward to a great competition.  I am trying to make this one the best competition yet so consider this your formal invitation to come out and support some great talent.  If you are interested in competing, the deadline is October 6th.  The competition will take place at Pikes Peak of Texas' Houston location.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all our generous sponsors who donated product, time, and facilities to stage this event.  We couldn't do it without your support! 

I promised you all a brief write up of my wonderful experience with the John Henry Wedding Design Book for its release in January 2007 and here it is:

Let me begin by saying that these last two years of my life have probably been the best in my floral career.  So many wonderful things have happened and I realize just how blessed I am.  This past August I had the opportunity to participate in what has been a dream of mine since I first began designing flowers.  Imagine having the opportunity to join some of the top designers in the world as they produce what is easily the most successful series in the floral industry.  Even the smallest flower shops in the country are familiar with John Henry Company design books.


This was a dream assignment and it make me really appreciate the complicated process that is necessary to produce these beautiful books.  We shot on location in a closed set in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The design team included Jim DelPrince PhD AIFD PFCI, Kebbie Hollingsworth AIFD, Karen Mannes, J Schwanke AIFD PFCI, and yours truly.  These designers were the epitome of talent, grace, and class.  There was absolutely no ego present during the entire week we were there.  J Schwanke is an amazing host and he made sure we were all extremely comfortable.  The work produced was AMAZING!!! I learned so many new things.  The creative process is a draining one, but it was a true honor to be in the presence of such creative energy.


I learned a couple of cool things that will definitely help you when photographing florals.  Always remember the camera only captures two dimensions, so take that into consideration.  There is no need to finish the back of your designs since the camera can not see through the flowers.  Also remember that the camera flattens the image, so your depth perception changes dramatically.  Digital cameras are great for this because you can re-adjust and delete images that don't meet your standard of excellence.  It is a good idea to invest in a good digital camera to take photos of your work.  Potential customers love to view what you are capable of designing.



The book will be released in January 2007, and I promise you, you will love it!  There are some fabulous new concepts and ideas to benefit all.  The book features larger, more detailed images.  It is also separated by color palette. IT IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL !!!  Look for the book at your favorite wholesale florist next January.

Well readers, we have reached the end of yet another column.  It is my sincere wish that your transition into the upcoming holidays will be a smooth and profitable one.  Next month's column will be about the upcoming holidays and cool ideas for holiday themed fare.