2013 Color of the Year

 

It's official! 

Pantone, the color people have announced that 2013's color of the year is Emerald.

 

I had a feeling this was coming...

I've noticed a spate of emerald dresses on Red Carpets over the past few years.
Angelina Jolie may have started it with her Atelier Versace gown at the 2011 Golden Globes.
But then along came Mila Kunis in her Vera Wang one-shoulder,
and Elizabeth Moss' elaborately draped Donna Karan strapless.
And Catherine Zita Jones was elegant in a Monique Lhuillier ballgown.

 

So get ready!
This strong color will appear in products ranging from furniture to fashion.
The cosmetic giant Sephora has even paired with Pantone to come up with a range of nail polish colors,
and this green hue is called "Evergreen"...
Are you bold enough to wear it? 

The human eye is able to detect more shades of green than any other color in the spectrum.
  Green is certainly the most abundant hue in nature.
You can see this clearly when you're in the garden...lime, pine, chartreuse, fern, moss, olive...
the shades of green seem endless.

On the color wheel, purple is the opposite of green, so pairing these two can't go wrong. 

Emerald also works with yellow, and even pink...
Look how the green Dianthus makes this pink Peony pop!

So what can you pair this strong color with? 

In your home, pairing it with turquoise will give off a coastal vibe. 

Or use it as an accent color, such as these gorgeous throw pillows.

Interested in the past Pantone picks for color of the year? 

Click here for a previous blog post...

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.BloomersWilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Floral Hairdressing

 

Have you heard of Takaya Hanayuishi?

A Japanese artist, he began his career in the culinary arts. 

He then moved on to Floral Hairdressing, and as you'll see, the results are spectacular!

 Blue flowers are always dramatic. 

But this headpiece of Scabiosa, Tweedia and Delphinium

is simply stunning!

This tall conical construction of pink carnations, hydrangea and snowberries 

is very reminiscent of the style that Marie Antoinette favored in the 18th century..

 Wouldn't this ivory rose and ivy band be lovely for a bride?

No flowers here! Simply Equisetum and Ferns.

But what an unusual use of these materials!

 Oh my goodness! I can't imagine wearing this, but isn't it spectacular? 

And the mix of flowers is masterful. Orchids, sweet peas, cosmos, hydrangea...
the list of blooms goes on and on!

 Wear your veggies! 

This composition of broccoli, radishes, peppers, sprouts and even beans is magical,
and reminds me of the art of Giuseppe Arcimbold.

This headpiece of Bittersweet may not be comfortable to wear, or even elegant, 

but there's no denying that it is dramatic!

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.bloomerswilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Ikebana

Are you a fan of Ikebana?

 

The word "ikebana" translates roughly to "bring life to flowers". 

Re-cutting and then arranging a flower is a new life for it.

Traditionally, Ikebana designs were based on 3 main lines, 

symbolising the harmony between heaven, man, and earth. 

So, a true Ikebana design would never be stuffed with flowers or greenery. 

The "space" is just as important as the actual materials used, as is the container itself.

 

Ikebana is a traditional art form with a long history. 

Beginning with floral offerings to Buddha, the art eventually evolved. 

Today, in Japanese homes, an Ikebana arrangement would be given prominence

 by being placed in a special alcove known as a tokonoma.  

 

Today, different styles of Ikebana are taught throughout the world,
such as Nageire, which utilizes an upright container,
and  Moribana, using a shallow bowl-type of container. 

There are many, many more details to Ikebana, 

and if your interest is piqued, I'd suggest buying a nicely illustrated book
and a few basic supplies to get started. 

 But be warned: you may get hooked!

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.bloomerswilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Color and Scent

Color and Scent are two things that you may not give much thought to...

until they are missing or perhaps, unpleasant. 

But both are actually very important in our day-to-day lives. 

Consider this: food in your fridge may look fine,
you'll know instantly!

A certain perfume or cologne can remind you of someone you've not seen in ages. 

Out on the road, if we weren't able to distinguish colors, (red from yellow from green, say), 

we would have to rely on the shapes of road signs to help us...

 

Restaurants know that color is important. 

Blue and purple are appetite suppresants, so if you're planning to open a diner soon, 

this would not be a good choice for your decor. 

However, studies have shown that red is an appetite stimulator, 

and that diners given red plates ate more and stayed longer.

Retailers have discovered that shoppers are drawn to stores with pleasant scents, and

they will linger longer, increasing the chances that they will make a purchase.

Welcome to  "Scent Marketing".

Smart realtors know to burn apple or cinnamon candles at their open houses, 

and have fragrant potpourri strategically located throughout the home. 

Nothing turns off a potential buyer quicker than smelly trash or kitty litter!

 

Yellow a vibrant color and is the feng shui color of sunshine.
Use it in places where you need help making decisions, protection from depression in winter,
or relief from panic and nervousness.

This room above may not be your decorating style, but you can't deny that it just feels cheerful!

Conversely, yellow in a restaurant has been found to be an irritant.

 

Green is nature's color. Restful, and great to use when you feel you need a boost or change.

Doesn't this all-green floral arrangement give you a lift?

 

Blue is the color of calm, and inspiration, and also one of the most popular colors in decor. 

(remember collecting blue glass bottles?)

In your home or office, subtle scents will make a difference in your day.

Rosemary represents friendship,  and it's scent can help improve your memory. 

It  is one of our most requested greens for bridal bouquets, signifying rememberance.

 

Lavender, one of the most popular natural scents, has a calming effect. 

Use it for relaxation and stress reduction.

Eucalyptus is a scent that you either love or hate. 

Some think it is fresh and stimulating; others find it cloying and herbal. 

Popular in aromatherapy, Eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.

Whether it's color or scent, make a point of incorporating both into your daily life, 

and I promise you will see a difference!

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.BloomersWilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Orchid Care

Orchid plants are a popular gift here in the shop.
Perhaps you've been the lucky recipient of one recently, and are wondering how to keep it looking it's best? Here are a few tips to help you along....

 

Probably the most popular orchid (and easiest to care for) is the Phalaenopsis.
They can be found in a multitude of colors, from white and yellow, on into the hot fuscias.

Water when the bark is dry to the touch, maybe once a week, and less in the winter.
Be sure your container has good drainage-often a gift orchid will arrive in a plastic-lined basket,
which will keep your orchid sitting in water-never a good idea!

Don't allow water to sit on the leaves.
The chemicals in tap water can create all sorts of fatal problems.

Though orchid blooms are long lasting, there will come a time when they will all be

 finished. At that point, cut the stem to just above a node (a bump in the stem). 

A north-facing window is ideal for orchids. Strong, harsh light is not! 
Remember, in the wild, these plants are sheltered under the canopy of large trees,
so they will be happiest in similar conditions in your home. 

You'll need patience, but after a few months, you should see some progress, 

and new blooms should begin to appear.

Check the roots for green color...this will tell you that your orchid plant is happy. 

Be sure to not cut the aerial roots!

Once you've had some success, you may catch Orchid Fever! 

Here are some other varieties you'll want for your collection.

 

 This is the beautiful (and fragrant) Cattleya orchid. 

The coloring on this particular variety is stunning!

 This is one of my favorites, and often requested in wedding work: the Vanda orchid. 

Love that bold purple color!

 

 Last, but certainly not least, the stunning Oncidium orchid. 

These tiny blossoms remind me of butterflies-so sweet!

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.bloomerswilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Fabulous Fall Flowers

The leaves may not have changed quite yet where you are, 

but fall is in the air, and with it, requests for fall bouquets here in the shop. 

Fall flowers are much more than orange mums and sunflowers arranged in a pumpkin!

This could be my new favorite colored rose! 

Called "High and Magic", it's a vibrant combination of yellow/peach/orange/red, 

depending on what it's arranged with.

Dahlias are a popular fall flower-and why not?

 The number of varieties and colors is astounding.

The dinnerplate dahlias are impressive...

some of these blooms can be a foot across!

For the fall bride, there are beautiful flowers in tones of peach (Calla lily,) 

burgundy (Leucadendron), orange (Roses) 

and interesting accents such as scabiosa pods, hypericum berries and branches of all types.

Even decorative Kale can be a beautiful element in a bouquet.

After a summer's absence, fall tulips make an appearance as well, in beautiful single colors, 

or some very cool striated shades, such as this gorgeous Parrot Tulip.

How about this over-the-top arrangement?  
Artichoke, Kale, pinecones, blackberries,
are just a few of the gorgeous elements used;
notice there are actually very few flowers.

And here's gorgeous Pincusion Protea that we have in the shop right now...

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.BloomersWilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

What is Steampunk?

Have you heard the term "Steampunk" recently?

 It seems to be everywhere suddenly, but it's not new.
Google "Steampunk" on Etsy and you'll come up with loads of decorative items...

from goggles...

...to artwork.

According to Wikipedia: "Steampunk is a genre that originated during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science Fiction, Fantasy, alternate history, horror and speculative Fiction.  It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternative history such as Victorian era Britain or Wild-West era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology,  or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned  them".

 

 

Believe it or not, Steampunk is becoming a hot style for design now. 

Even weddings are incorporating elements of Steampunk into their decor. 
Check out this bride's leather belt and wire bouquet!

Tori Spelling's reality show recently created a Steampunk wedding for one lucky couple,

 right down to the cake accented with 'gears'...

 Take the theme all the way through to seating cards with the addition of metal bits...

 Location is important. 

Nothing too perfect. 

Ruins are ideal! 

Overgrown is the key...

 Think you can't have flowers in a Steampunk-theme wedding? Of course you can! 

The trick is to be sure they aren't too sweet...

Some element of toughness needs to be incorporated, as in this chain, wire and metal key bouquet. 

Making Baby's Breath  the star is the unexpected twist.

Leather, feather, goggles, wire, anything 'tough' can and should be incorporated into Steampunk design, whether it's a wedding or everyday design...

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

 910-815-8585

www.BloomersWilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com