Fun, Quick DIYCenterpiece Idea

This Easter afforded us a perfect DIY centerpiece scenario: what do you do when you need something for your table, but you’re in a hurry and are low on flower options? Dandelions owner Shirley Lyons found herself in this situation this weekend, and was kind enough to share how she resolved her problem.

You’d think that as florists, we are constantly taking  flowers home to make fabulous and lush centerpieces and arrangements for family functions. That does happen on occasion, but usually, and  more often than we’d like to admit,  even the florist forgets to take flowers home!! Shirley was half-way home before she realized she did exactly that! So between babysitting her two-year and twelve week old grand-kids (a juggling act of princess dolls and diapers), and preparing dinner for twelve, she needed to come up with something fast and uncomplicated. Thankfully, Shirley had daffodils growing in her yard, and with some of these and a few vases in colorful, spring tones and varying heights, she had a quick, fun, artsy centerpiece on her dining-room table!

Using what you have growing in your yard (be it flowers or some pretty greenery)  and your collection of vases is a cost-effective way to make a great impression, and get your creative juices flowing!

We love flowers because they’re inherently beautiful and really don’t need much embellishment to make a statement. Artfully placed vases and simply arranged flowers are an easy way to enhance any event.

Recent Weddings at Dandelions

This amazing tan orchid with pink veins looked amazing in this bouquet

An orange and pink bridal bouquet for a “Hawaiian” theme wedding

Although it was a Hawaiian themed wedding, the bride wanted more traditional flowers so we brought in white freesia that were reminiscent of plumeria

These unique tan and pink orchids brought a touch of tropical

The starting bouquet created in shades of green including hydrangea, green trick carnations, sedum, rosemary, poppy pods, green chrysanthemums, ti leaves and a moss orb.

The light green Mega Beaded wire intertwined in this bouquet added a touch of modernity for the bride who likes a little something different

Adding in more natural elements like the curly willow, eucalyptus pods and seed pods turned the green bouquet into a natural and earthy statement.

Stem wrap treatment using 2 shades of bullion wire

Three shades of carnations combined to make this bridesmaid’s bouquet. Grouping the colors together keeps it from looking like polka-dots

A great way to differentiate a bridal or maid of honor bouquet is to add a touch of glam with jewels or crystals

I love this Diamond Wrap that can be used on a stem wrap, around vases or applied to corsages & boutonnieres

A traditional combination of roses and hydrangea get an natural makeover with grasses and pods

Adding interesting foliage keeps these hydrangeas from looking to rounded for this bride who wanted a looser, more natural feel

Green, peachy-coral and purple bridesmaid’s bouquets

One of my favorite bridal bouquet creations to date…the David Austin roses in this were just stunning!

 

Eugene, Oregon wedding bridal event at the Pottery Barn

I love going to Pottery Barn. Mostly I go and dream of what my house might look like if it weren’t covered in toddler toys, a stroller parked in the corner and the ever present pile of laundry. Ok, maybe it still wouldn’t look like a Pottery Barn showroom…

We were actually at Pottery Barn because they invited us to be a part of their Bridal Event so we joined other local vendors and spent the evening chatting with brides about all of the fun new floral trends for the year.

Ranunculus was the star of the show at last night’s Bridal Event. It was displayed in the bridal bouquets and centerpieces but really got bride’s excited as a ring, corsage & boutonniere. Ranunculus is in its prime right now and is a great alternative to roses with its peony-like petals.

The exotic pincushion protea took best supporting actor because of its uniqueness. We made everyone touch it so they knew it was real!!

Hydrangea Season

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite summer flowers. They are very long-lasting and come in an array of spectacular shades. We are receiving quite a few today in both white and green but hopefully in some of the pinks or purples that are so beautiful.

a mid-tone purple hydrangea

An arrangement of all hydrangeas is really stunning and can be quite affordable. A simple square vase with a few hydrangea and greenery can be as little as $25. Or you can create a “WOW” impression with a fun vase with hydrangeas flowing out the top! Perfect for someone who likes the clean and modern look or for the Martha Stewart enthusiast.

Cut stems of hydrangeas can last over two weeks when cared for properly. They require a constant water source and if yours becomes limp and droopy, give the stem a fresh underwater cut and place it in warm water. The blossom should perk right back up.

Dandelions Flowers Blog

Dandelions Flowers & Gifts, LLC is launching this Eugene Flower Blog today to provide up to date information on flowers, plants and style for Eugene and Springfield OR.  Our Chambers St. store and website, www.dandelionsflowers.com provide a fabulous flower shopping experience, and we hope this blog will expand that experience in a new way for flower and plant lovers.  This blog will encompass a broad variety of topics for Dandelions including:

• Flower trends and flower design styles
• Flower and plant care
• Flower industry information
• Our flower store operations (holidays, gift shows, open houses etc.)
• Staff Profiles (We love them and you will too!  Isn’t it nice to put a face with the voice on the phone anyway?)