“Mary is a true gem, from whom I could not have been more privileged to learn. From the very first hour, it is immediately apparent that she sincerely cares about her students and their successes. She is immensely generous with her knowledge about the flower industry and the techniques you need to know to thrive within it, with her time and attention, kindness, and patience.” ~ Francesca Teotico Howorth
start up with design 2023 intensive
Make this the year you realize your destiny, a lifetime abundant with the beauty of flowers
START UP WITH DESIGN
(20 HOURS)
The start up program has been designed for beginners or those wanting to amp up and update their floristry skills. As well it is a perfect course for avid gardeners and flower lovers alike!
You will learn your foundation skills and week by week move into more intense and intricate design work. Our goal is to teach you all the necessary current techniques while developing your skill and nurturing your own particular talents and aesthetic.
The business of floristry is rapidly moving forward. So many of us in the profession have seen a huge and positive shift. Our ALL-NEW projects will take your learning skill beyond next level. Much time and attention has been put into our new space and program ensuring an amazingly creative and fulfilling experience for our students! All tools will be supplied with the option of purchasing your kit at a preferred student discount. Our tool kits have all the items necessary to begin your floral journey.
And as always, our classes are small to ensure the maximum attention to each student. We can’t wait to start!
“I had a friend recommend this course if I wanted to learn a good floral foundation in only 3 weeks! And I learned that and much more! Mary is an amazing florist and has an abundance of knowledge to pass on, from trends and style and tricks and tips, to Practical pricing and business smarts. Besides the classes being very fun and full of energy, one of the most valuable things is always having access to Mary when you need her.” ~ Hilary Rigo
overview of start up with design 2023
Remember, ALL floral and hard goods will go home with you at the end of every class.
CLASS ONE (12pm to 5pm)
Students will learn the most popular trends and flower and rose varieties. You will be presented with a power point sheet going over yearly availability of flowers as well as care and processing. In class 1 we will cover the “need to follow” florists, trend makers and influencers on social media as well as TFS alumni who have ventured into self-employment.
Students will be introduced to and familiarized with our preferred wholesalers with who you have immediate access with your tuition. You will learn wholesale pricing and bulk purchasing protocol.
PROJECT 1
Project 1 will include a European hand tied bouquet focusing on muscle memory and technique. A vase arrangement demo will follow, learning proper tying and cutting techniques.
PROJECT 2
In project 2 students will make a Grand European tied bouquet of beautiful seasonal blooms. Students will focus on spiraling techniques and proper flower placement.
PROJECT 3
In project 3 students will design a large floral arrangement in foam. We will discuss foam types, the benefit of armatures, pin frogs and chicken wire. Proper foam cutting and saturating techniques. Students will learn proper flower placement and creative method design. Photographs will be taken to benefit your social media or websites.
CLASS TWO (12pm to 5pm)
Our 2nd class is focused on wedding and events. We will discuss flower last ability, reviving hydrangeas and roses, delivery protocol and current wedding trends. In order to benefit your social media or websites, time will be allotted for photography.
PROJECT 1
Students will learn the sought after technique of making a stunning garden style bouquet. The tap technique and the quarter turn spiral method will result in a stunning, very up to the minute creation. We have developed game changing techniques to help students achieve perfect results and develop confidence in bouquet design.
PROJECT 2
You will make a Grand arrangement to sit high above a table. A centerpiece set for weddings or events. From the immediate techniques to final embellishment students will focus on creative placement as well as elements and texture.
PROJECT 3 NEW
Students will learn and create contemporary corsages and boutonnieres. Students will make 2 separate wrist corsages and 1 contemporary boutonniere focusing on simple and sturdy techniques. Techniques moving into the future of body florals.
CLASS THREE (12pm to 5pm)
Chicken wire or floral foam? Due to the negative effects of floral foam on our environment, florists in the know are switching their designs to strictly chicken wire, while others are die hard foam lovers. In this class we will use both chicken wire and foam to determine the effectiveness and benefits of both.
PROJECT 1
Students will learn quick and easy techniques to make a modern, impressive floral crown. Emphasis will be on design effectiveness and flower placement.
PROJECT 2 NEW
In this class students will make the beautiful Garden Style arrangement, plump with open florals and wispy foliages. By now skills have begun to develop and these stunning and intricate designs of exquisite blooms will become exciting to design with. At this point students are more confident and thrilled with their success.
PROJECT 3
Here students will learn to make a stunning floral arrangement by using chicken wire as your armature. Learn the ease with which chicken wire allows while learning the proper design elements of technique.
CLASS FOUR (12pm to 5pm)
In class 4 we will focus on large installation designs. Installations designs have become hugely popular in today’s wedding and event industry and a must know for any florist. You will learn all new techniques from start to finish from the immediate strapping of the bases to all the proper installation techniques including colour and texture knowledge. Start to finish you will be amazed at what you can create!
PROJECT 1 NEW
Whether we call it a hanging installment or a floral chandelier the final result is pure beauty. You have seen these dreamy hanging chandeliers dripping with decadent flowers everywhere and you will have the hands on opportunity to make one in this class!
PROJECT 2 NEW
Students will make a free standing ceremony pillar. We will teach you the proper base mechanics focusing on proper weight, width and height. From the application of chicken wire to colour and floral placement, you will learn a desired skill currently hot in today’s contemporary wedding floral climate.
PROJECT 3
Our graduating project will be a floral arbor. The focus will be the design and application of florals to the arbor. This essential need to know project will teach you the mechanics and proper techniques to make a stunning display. You will learn proper cost and delivery mark ups all the while creating a full sized, flower filled arch. Time is allotted for photography and staging. After completing your arbor and photography you will receive your official Toronto Flower School diploma.
MENTORSHIP
Your mentorship shall last as long as you require. Students may call, email or come by with any floristry related concerns. From wedding quotes to flower recognition, sustainability, seasonality or design help you are free and welcomed to access us. Students receive a TFS discount on all upcoming events and seminars.
Make this the year to fulfill your dreams and realize your destiny. A lifetime abundant with the beauty of flowers.
FAQ
Common Questions
“I went into this class not knowing what to expect and I left with floral industry know-how AND a full time design job in Toronto. Mary not only teaches you all of her tricks of the trade but she genuinely cares that her students succeed. She recommended me for a job after only 2 classes, I went in and was able to wow them so much with what I had been taught that I was offered the job on the spot. This class quite literally changed my entire life and I couldn’t be more grateful for it!” ~ Caitlin Adele
Cycle 3: May 7, 21, 28 and June 4