Education Database Online

Learning Strategies The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our Web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations. Introduction to Floral Design and Flowers History of floral design; professional opportunities; selling with unique designs; care and handling of cut flowers.

Basics and Tools of Floral Design Classification of flowers, plants, and foliage; materials and tools; choosing the right flowers. Practical Exercise 1 Learning Aid: Bow Package Supplement: Holland Cut Flower Book Video: Introduction to Bow Tying

Principles and Elements of Design Elements of design: line, space, texture, form, and color; principles of design: composition, scale, and balance. Introduction to Design Techniques Descriptions of a variety of design techniques and styles. Practical Exercise 2 Supplements: • Floral Designer's Glossary • Floral Designer's Pronunciation Guide (Booklet) Learning Aid: Color Wheel CD: Floral Designer's Pronunciation Guide

Design Styles — Part 1 In-depth discussion of design styles: Ikebana, formal linear, western line, crescent, Mille de Fleur, Biedermeier, and parallel. Design Styles — Part 2 In-depth discussion of vegetative, landscape, new convention, abstract, new wave, interpretive, waterfall, and hand-tied. Practical Exercise 3 Supplement: Ikebana Learning Aid: Floral Designer's Kit

Weddings — Part 1 Conducting the bridal consultation; working within a wedding budget; coordinating fabrics with floral design; bridal bouquet design methods and styles; coordinating the attendants with the bride. Weddings — Part 2 Wedding body flowers: corsages, wristlets, hair accessories, wreaths, lapel boutonnieres; decorating for the ceremony; floral arrangements for the reception; head, guest, and buffet tables; floral cake decorations. Solemn Occasions The funeral consultation; the variety of arrangements used; history and uses of carnations and roses. Practical Exercise 4 Equipment: Boutonniere and Corsage Kit DVD: Wedding Arrangements

Plants and Their Care Selecting the right plant; caring for potted plants; designing commercial and home plant displays; diagnosing and treating common plant problems. Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 1 Working with artificial flowers and plants; using dried flowers; creating dried flower displays and potpourri. Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 2 Advanced artificial and dried designs; working with dried, wax, and other artificial accessories. Practical Exercise 5 Supplement: Making Your Own Potpourri DVD: Artificial and Dried Flower Arrangements

Christmas Traditions; working with evergreens; creating wreaths; working with artificial Christmas materials; poinsettias and their care. Major Holidays Designs for major holidays: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, innovative party designs and gift baskets. Theme Arrangements Promoting and planning for minor holidays; creating holiday theme arrangements; accessory and theme ideas; arrangements for minor holidays: Secretaries’ Day, Father’s Day, Halloween. Practical Exercise 6 Equipment: Christmas Wreath Kit DVD: Holiday and Theme Arrangements

Establishing a Business Establishing your identity; examining the competition; securing funds; determining location, size, and shop layout; finding and keeping productive employees. Managing a Business The wholesale market; seasonal availability; purchasing nonfloral items; pricing strategy; security. Marketing and Merchandising Maintaining positive public relations; promoting your business; creating window displays; opening commercial accounts. Practical Exercise 7 Final Exam Project Final exam project critiqued by outside industry expert. Work Experience Option

Understanding the emotional power of flowers; the history of floral design; the floral design industry and employment opportunities; introduction to fresh-cut flower care; re-cutting stems, removing excess foliage; how to maximize vase life.

The design process; creating a complete artistic unit; developing a unique style; selecting parts that fulfill the theme; color; shape; placement; principles of harmony, selecting flowers, accessories and containers; unifying your designs through proximity, repetition and transition.

color theory defined; the properties of color: hue, value and intensity; the color wheel; primary, secondary and tertiary colors; creating color schemes with flowers; how floral designers utilize the psychological effects of color; contrasting and complementary color schemes.

Physical balance and visual balance; the four types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial and open; proportion; scale; achieving proper vase-to-flower and flower-to-flower ratios.

The importance of visual emphasis and focal points; using color, shape, pattern, size, spacing, texture, framing and accessories; rhythm in floral design; repetition and radiating lines; using transition to create "visual pathways".

The elements of line, form, space and depth in floral design; three basic linear configurations and how they affect feelings; grouping shapes together; design considerations of space; angling and overlapping stems to create depth.

How flowers, foliage and accessories appeal to the senses of smell and touch; achieving textural variety in arrangements; which flowers are most fragrant; when to avoid strong fragrances; feelings evoked by certain flower scents.

Tools for floral construction; container shapes and styles: glass, plastic, woven, ceramic and brass; using floral foam; wiring fresh flowers; how to use glue, clays and tape; ribbon and bow making; wrapping your floral arrangements.

Understanding botanically complete flower and leaf structures; names and expected life spans of flowers and plants; ways to extend freshness.

Maintaining flowers after harvest; the chain from grower to consumer; conditioning stems; removing thorns and excess foliage; soaking tropical flowers; preservatives; conditioning and dry-packing; refrigerating fresh flowers; caring for and harvesting home garden flowers.

Constructing triangular, circular, crescent, vertical and horizontal arrangements; cone-shaped, one-sided circular, topiary ball and Hogarth curve designs; how to add mass with foliage and filler flowers; popular shapes for floral arrangements.

Preparing for floral holidays; creating theme flowers for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine's Day, Easter, Passover, Mother' Day, Father' Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and various religious holidays; other occasion bouquets: new baby, birthday, graduation, anniversary, get-well and sympathy.

Complementing fashions with flowers; determining color, proportion and scale; making corsages and boutonnieres; spray painting carnations; ribbon loops and flags; lace, netting and pins; techniques for crafting wristlets, barrette flowers and chaplets.

Types of artificial flowers; designing permanent arrangements with artificial, dried and silk flowers; complementing interiors with silk flowers; drying, freeze-drying and pressing flowers; using plastic flowers; using glue, foam, wire and tape; cleaning and maintaining artificial flowers.

Simplicity and symbolism in oriental designs; uses of linear and asymmetrical balance; classic, formal, naturalistic, and abstract flower designs; oriental-style containers and accessories; characteristics of Chinese and Japanese design; Ikebana or Japanese flower arranging

Advanced classic styles: mille fleurs, phoenix, waterfall and Biedermeier designs; botanical, vegetative and landscape designs; linear styles; modernistic trends: sheltered, pavé, new wave and abstract arrangements; basing and uniting techniques.

Components of the wedding floral package; centerpieces; ceremonial flowers for rituals and celebrations in churches, cathedrals, chapels and synagogues; altars; canopies; pews; bridal bouquets; floral headpieces; bridesmaids'bouquets; flower girls'baskets; ushers'boutonnieres; corsages for relatives; cake flowers; reception flowers; servicing the customer.

The meaning of sympathy flowers; religious customs; handling in lieu of flowers requests; funeral terminology; casket sprays, lid insets, standing easels, garlands; grave bouquets; pedestal arrangements; working with families and funeral directors.

The world flower market; how flower producers, exporters and importers operate; seasonal availability of flowers and plants; harvest, rehydration, packing and shipping; time frame from grower to retailer; working with domestic and foreign growers; buying cut flowers from wholesalers, brokers or auctioneers; storage techniques.

Marketing; visual merchandising: dressing a window or storefront, in-store displays; starting or working in a full-service florist shop; specialty and limited service shops; flower carts; location options: free-standing shops, strip malls, shopping malls, business complexes, downtown offices.