At last we have started our courses at Calla & Co. The shop was closed for the day while a group of four ladies attended the pedestal arrangement workshop to be completed in the morning. The main focus was the importance of “greening up” and how to use foliage to create shape, texture and interest. Also, knowing the different foliage that lends itself to oasis arrangements, saves time and makes life easier. Putting flowers in after the foliage is the easy part! The plan was to make a table arrangement in the afternoon, but we changed our minds and created hand-tied bouquets. This was suggested by Kirsty, who is to be a bride and wanted to create a specific look.
Helen was bought a course day voucher at Christmas by her son and will use her new skills in the church arrangements, while Colleen from the Peace and Plenty B & B will be creating room arrangements for her guests. Jane Conlin (pictured) is accomplished at arranging flowers for the church, but says she left with new ideas. We were so fortunate to have such a great group for our first course here and soup next door for lunch was a chatty affair. It really was a good and enjoyable day. The courses will be held each month and Colleen suggested a progression of learning new skills, rather than one-off days. This is a great idea and so we will be doing our once a month “fun” day as well as the more serious aspect of floristry over a period of time. All abilities are welcome to attend our courses, whether just for fun or to become more skilful in the art of floristry, it would be a pleasure to see you here. The next day course is Thursday, March 30. Flowers are such an important and joyful part of our lives and knowing how to create stunning arrangements makes so much more of their beauty. Look forward to seeing you.
In addition to running our own courses in the shop, Calla & Co are holding a demonstration of Easter flower arrangements in aid of Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital at Rye Tennis Club on Monday April 10 at 10:45am for coffee, with the demonstration starting at 11am followed by a ploughman’s lunch. The cost is £10 and tickets are available from the Hospital 01797 223810, email fundraising@ryehospital.org.uk or from Jennifer Grenfell 01797 223977
Photos: Karen Tyas and John Minter
I note that the cost of the demonstration has been incorrectly written. It is £15.00 not £10.00.