By Elizabeth Eadie

Everyone knows that fresh flowers are an easy way to bring color, subtle fragrance and life into a room. Unfortunately, I’m notorious for plopping flowers into a vase and thinking nothing more of it. Back when I was writing about how to spoil your loved one , I learned that The Floral Studio also offered classes on flower arranging. Before you wilt away (pun intended), flower arranging is not just for weddings, funerals and retirees! Design*Sponge and Oh Joy!, two prominent creative blogs, have long been featuring floral designs and essentially reintroducing flowers to its readers.

Shawn Nocher, owner of The Floral Studio, was teaching the group of students the basics of flower arranging. The class started preparing a couple of blooms for the arrangement by processing the stems. This involves removing any unwanted leaves and cutting the stem before inserting it into the foam block that would both provide the support and the hydration for the arrangement. Shawn went around and helped the students individually while a waiter made sure everyone continued to enjoy the hors d’oeuvres.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

This particular class was arranging what I would consider a medium-sized arrangement. Over the course of the night, the students wined, dined and learned by doing. At the end of the class, friends were made no doubt, and they all got to keep the arrangement that they created. Nocher’s teaching style was flexible and casual. While she taught the handling of the individual flowers, she also covered general design principles, techniques and best practices. (Keep your eyes peeled during class and you might spot the studio rabbit that will eat the leaves you’ve discarded!)

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

The Floral Studio offers a range of classes, some include lunch, others dinner. They can be booked for a group (what a great party idea, right?) or a business function. Some of their classes coordinate with upcoming holidays and can be gifts (hint hint). I personally would love to learn flower arranging in lieu of receiving flowers. Plus, I’d end up with flowers after the class. Sounds like a win-win! And did I mention that attendees receive 20 percent off of all purchases made that day? The retail space carries stationery, gifts, vases and containers.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

Learn a new (old) art, make new friends and walk away with a beautiful flower arrangement that you made for yourself!