Nothing completes a hand-tied wedding bouquet quite like the addition of a coordinating ribbon. It’s that little something extra, that small detail, that truly makes the bouquet look complete. But what to do with those ribbon ends? Tie a bow? Clip them off? Decisions! In this step-by-step tutorial, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI walks you through her favorite ribbon technique for finishing off a wedding bouquet. It’s secure and tidy – and it uses no knots, no glue, and no pins! Simple and sophisticated with double-faced satin ribbon, this technique can also be done with jute, twine, yarn – you name it!

May 5, 2022

Traditionally, hand held bouquets are expected for a Bride as they are a way to communicate romantic sentiments through flowers. But why not expand beyond tradition! Teacher Marisa Perring AIFD FDI found a collection of gathered necklaces to showcase the language of flowers in a more Bespoke approach that can be worn instead of carried.

April 6, 2022

Prom 2022 is on this year and the dates are coming up quickly on the calendar! For many schools, this prom will be the first in-person celebration in two years – and the first prom ever for some students – so flowers do play an important role in this rite of passage for young adults. In this step-by-step tutorial, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI takes a few easy-to-find materials – lily grass, button poms, and a little bit of bling – and weaves them together into a modern prom wearable suitable for guys and gals alike. Best of all: this beautiful and modern prom flower piece requires no pins!

March 11, 2022

Looking for a chic and stylish way to share flowers on Valentine’s Day? FDI Instructor Marisa Perring AIFD FDI has the answer as she puts a contemporary spin on the classic spiral hand-tie bouquet, creating the perfect gift for you or someone you love. Unique and interesting textures are paired with tints, tones, and shades of traditional holiday red, giving you a special way to say “I love you” with a flourish!

February 2, 2022

What better way to highlight the Pantone Color of the Year 2022 — Very Peri — than with a minimalist design showcasing specimen blooms in tints, tones, shades, and related hues. In this step-by-step tutorial, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI builds a simple structure that brings the flowers into focus, using tree branches and water tubes. Its size is easily scale-able — you can make a smaller version for a desk or a night stand, or fashion a larger centerpiece to run down the middle of a banquet table. Either way, grab your tools and have fun creating this exciting, unique, and stylish design project!

January 6, 2022

Is your home space too small for a traditional Christmas tree? Do you need a festive winter design to grace a side table or share as a wonderful hostess gift? If that's true, then FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI has you covered! In this step-by-step tutorial, Teacher Michelle uses an assortment of winter materials and a trio of silver ornaments - enhanced with a bit of sparkle - to create a bright and beautiful design that can be easily adjusted to fit your holiday color scheme.

December 2, 2021

What do you get when Teacher Marisa Perring AIFD and Assistant Creative Director Parker Jenkins collaborate on a floral design? Why a unique and whimsical autumn arrangement of course! The creative result of their collective imagination is a fall design that mixes fresh, foraged and faux materials in a carvable pumpkin, which can be repurposed for any future autumn season or event.

November 4, 2021

Want to up your accessories game for the next social event you attend with a “fascinating” take on flowers-to-wear? Then you’re in the right place! In this step-by-step tutorial, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI mixes an assortment of fresh, dried, and preserved materials — and one fabulous white Phalaenopsis orchid bloom — to create a foliage and fresh flower fascinator headband. (Why should the British have all the fun?!)

October 7, 2021

Are you fascinated by orchids of all kinds? Have you ever wondered what you can do with one stem of mini cymbidium orchids? In this tutorial, FDI instructor Marisa Perring AIFD demonstrates a step-by-step process for maximizing the application of a single stem while sharing a special technique that uses equisetum as a water source.

September 2, 2021

Ahhh, summertime! The fields are full of gorgeous flowers — what a fabulous time of year to create a bold design filled with dramatic, late summer hues. In this tutorial FDI Instructor Carolyn Catron FDI demonstrates a step-by-step process for designing this boho chic arrangement in a pottery vessel, using floral foam for the mechanics.

August 5, 2021

Looking for a simple – yet unique – way to add personalization to a wedding or event? How about a moss monogram flower arrangement! In this tutorial FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI walks you through the steps to create a moss-covered monogram using rigid-foam insulation, perfectly sized for a guestbook or check-in table.

July 8, 2021

A design can be simple and minimal, but also be bold and impactful. To create this dramatic linear anthurium flower arrangement, teacher Marisa Perring AIFD demonstrates a dramatic linear design, expanding upon the elements, principles, and design mechanics.

June 30, 2021

What’s a parade without horses and rodeo queens? Not nearly as fun! In this Flower School Slide Show, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI shares tips and tricks for decking out an equestrian court with fabulous flowers, including horse and saddle flower arrangements.

July 17, 2020

Flowers to wear are not confined for use in formal events. In this slideshow demonstration FDI instructor Marisa Perring AIFD expands on the classic pocket boutonniere to create a beautiful design perfect for casual occasions.

June 30, 2020

Beautiful design includes all the elements and principles, great use of floral materials, and a little creative surprise. Teacher Marisa Perring AIFD created this lovely arrangement. The focus is on creative balance and innovative use of enhanced floral materials.

May 10, 2020

I love springtime. I love the longer days and the warming temperatures. But, most of all I love the flowers, foliages and budding branches that are unique to the spring season. For this slide show we asked David Kesler AIFD to create a vegetative floral design. This style of design requires a naturalistic composition in which plant materials are positioned as they would grow in nature. This is David's favorite design style and his finished design is spectacular.

March 15, 2018

Floral jewelry is one of the hottest floral trends for proms, homecoming dances and weddings. In this week’s Flower School Slide Show, FDI Instructor Michelle Headrick AIFD PFCI shares a favorite technique for creating a gorgeous, over-the-top homecoming cuff with lots of bling. Enjoy!

September 14, 2017

As a Floral Designer, creating tall wedding flower centerpieces for the first time can be stressful. In this week’s Flower School Slide Show, FDI Instructor Jeri Barr shares some professional mechanics and a step by step guide to help you create dramatic, long lasting and mechanically sound tall wedding table flower arrangements.

April 13, 2017

Paperwhites are the perfect meditation flower for the dawn of the new year. With 2016 racing to a close it’s time to reflect, but also time to look forward. These beautiful bulb flowers share a meaning of prosperity and wealth, especially for the future—what a grand way to begin 2017! 

In this week’s slideshow Winter Paperwhites, Callie DeWolf AIFD, will share an inspiring floral design, Sure to evoke a sense of clarity and calmness. Enjoy!

December 22, 2016

Mistletoe has long been known as the traditional Christmas kissing green, but did you know there are also Christmas kissing balls? Yes, it's true! This tradition began in England during the Middle Ages, and was revived during the Victorian Era. This is where the fusion between mistletoe and the kissing ball evolved into the contemporary holiday decoration that fills the home with a bit of Christmas whimsy and a touch of romance. In this week's slide show Callie DeWolf AIFD will show you how to create your very own Christmas Kissing Ball, just in time for the holiday party season!

November 18, 2016