“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 2024 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!
All students receive their own professional tool kit to ensure a fresh start on your floral journey.
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!
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 2024
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. Students will gift wrap their bouquets using contemporary styling with wax tissue, cellophane and double faced satin.
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 make an impressive and abundant bridal bouquet using chicken wire as an armature. This technique is currently being used around the world and really guarantees great design success. This technique is a fantastic bouquet go-to technique to learn. Beautiful florals and foliage always provided.
PROJECT 2 NEW
Mantle installations have become huge in our industry! Grand and gorg, bulging with lux florals, foliage and moss. At Toronto Flower School our students will have the opportunity to design a full fireplace, top and bottom. We have added this beauty for you so you may not only learn all the techniques involved, but have amazing pics for your websites and social media! We, as always, will discuss wholesale to retail markups, the amount of florals and foliages needed as well as delivery and set up fees.
PROJECT 3 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! Wholesale to retail markups, flower and foliage quantities plus set up and delivery costs all discussed. Students will learn etiquette regarding site visits to the proper mechanics from base armature to cable, line and all other equipment needed for such an installation.
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 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.
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
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
Students will create the most current ceremony design. Ceremony pillars. These stunning crescents of flowers stand on either side of the bride and groom. The mechanics on pillars are critical and we have developed very approachable techniques to make ceremony pillars a project you will easily be able to accomplish. Costing, appropriate flowers, sourcing flowers and creative design technique are some subjects discussed. Your eyes will be amazed what your hands have done!
PROJECT 3
By far, the most current wedding design today! Meadow markers are becoming more popular than ever! Students will make stunning meadows learning many design techniques. Stone application, chicken wire and foam are all discussed and applied. Critical mechanics are discussed regarding weight. Our markers are designed to match your pillars in project 2 making for gorge social and website pics.
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