With an eager attitude to gain some knowledge on the skills of floral arrangement and design, 69 enthusiastic students along with some parents and teachers; attended The Navhind Times Planet J workshop on Sunday, November 20 at the Dempo House in Panaji. The three-hour workshop aimed at giving youngsters tips on how to create simple flower arrangements that could increase the aesthetic value of any surroundings they were placed in. Conducted by floral designer, Lynette Alphonso, the workshop was an attractive mix of learning and fun with student’s creativity shining through in the practical session.
The workshop commenced with an introduction by Alphonso on the itinerary of the workshop and she then went on to explain the basic requirements to make simple arrangements. “Floral foam or Oasis as it is commonly called, flowers and foliage, a container or vase and a sharp scissors is all that it takes to make an arrangement. Once you get the hang of it, you can then experiment with other materials and there is no end to what you can achieve with your creativity,” she assured the participants.
The demonstrations that followed had participants glued to the screen. Alphonso began with a triangular arrangement and using gladioli for the framework, her deft fingers within minutes created a beautiful arrangement that also utilised gerbera, carnations and roses. “This type of arrangement is used for a buffet or in a corner or side table and has a 3-dimensional effect due to the manner in which the flowers and foliage or fillers are placed,” she said.
Next on the agenda was a round arrangement followed by long low banquet style arrangement, wall hanging, miniature, L-shaped arrangement, single flower arrangement and a glass arrangement. Throughout the session she gave invaluable tips on how to care for and condition cut flowers and use different accessories. “Today the market is flooded with the latest and very useful accessories that can not only retain flowers longer but also enhance their appearances,” she said. She then demonstrated the various products like gold and silver sprays, sheen enhancing spray, wires, ribbons and more.
After the demonstration, participants were more than ready to try their hand at what they had learnt from Alphonso; who went from table to table teaching the youngsters how to go about making the various arrangements she had demonstrated. The participants who had brought their own flowers also took advantage of Alphonso’s stock of flowers which included lilies, alpinia, birds of paradise, chrysanthemum, gypsophilia, blue daisies and more. Participants had a great time creating some very attractive arrangements and everyone appeared absolutely engrossed in their creative pursuit. The workshop ended with certificates of participation being handed out by Alphonso.
