MEET FRANCOISE WEEKS – EUROPEAN FLORAL DESIGN
| Happy Monday Guys….hope you weekend was lovely…we are opening the cafe with the INCREDIBLY talented and oh-so-sweet Francoise Weeks….Francoise’s floral designs are truly works of arts…she designs florals for weddings in Oregon and SW Washington….when Francoise isn’t busy with weddings, she’s teaching floral design classes….yes, she’s a busy lady and I’m excited to have her take a little time out of her busy schedule to stop by the cafe and share a little bit of her world with us. I love her use of textures in her designs and her floral jewelry is AMAZING…she brings fashion and flowers together so beautifully….now let’s get to know Francoise…Enjoy!!
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| TBC: Describe your client?
FW: There seems to be 2 distinct groups: the brides who like the very natural, woodland style and those who like the more traditional flower designs. But all of them love texture! Usually they are in their thirties or older. TBC: Where do you find inspiration? FW: Nature and art. The striking and exquisite work of many European designers is endlessly inspiring. |
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| TBC: Describe a “wedding weekend and how many additional staff do you hire?
FW: I have always chosen to work by myself, even though my husband helps with prep work and deliveries; hence I work very long hours during the wedding season. TBC: Finish this statement: A bride’s bouquet should reflect…… FW: Her personality |
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| TBC: What’s your favorite part about weddings when it comes to the florals?
FW: The work is always different and offers endless opportunities to be creative. TBC: What wedding trend would you like to see disappear? FW: Mason jars…. |
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| TBC: Name one of your favorite “vendor” sources that you just can’t do without.
FW: I tend to buy everything at the flower market, which has an extensive selection of containers and anything that is needed in this business. If I cannot find what I am looking for, my husband figures out how to make it. |
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| TBC: To date, what has been the highlight of your career?
FW: When I was invited to submit work to the British Magazine Fusion Flowers. TBC: What was your “big break”? FW: The woodland designs. A few years ago a childhood memory triggered this new beginning…. |
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| TBC: What’s a typical day like for you?
FW: Well, it depends on what time of the year it is: During the wedding season, I visit the flower market very early 3 times/week and spend very long hours in the studio. At other times, I divide my time between teaching, networking, social media, meeting with clients and experimenting with new ideas. |
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| TBC: When I’m designing, I love to light my candles and play “old school” music. Do you have a ritual that you like to do when designing?
FW: I like to listen to French and Dutch musicians who were popular when I lived in Belgium (where I grew up). TBC: If you had to make a career change, what would you do? FW: I love teaching hands-on wedding workshops and am in the process of expanding that part of the business. Last month I had the opportunity to teach in Los Angeles. It was a fantastic experience on so many levels and I am looking forward to teach workshops in several other cities where I have been invited. Sharing information is exciting and watching how everyone interprets it is a delight. |
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| TBC: Describe your design style.
FW: Detailed and textural; I always prefer using smaller flowers, mixed with fabulous textures such as edibles, herbs, seedpods, succulents, feathers etc. I have a great curiosity about design and like to constantly explore new ideas. The last few years my work has emerged into 2 distinctive styles: *urban woodlands – contemporary stylings of moss, bark and forest floor gatherings *floral forward – exquisite botanical haute couture creations of shoes, purses and hair pieces. Lately designing floral jewelry has become a new little obsession! |
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| TBC: What advice would you give to upcoming floral designers?
FW: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but follow your intuition; be prepared to work very long hours and be open-minded. Just for fun: TBC: Do you prefer tea or coffee? FW: Coffee TBC: Do you prefer blogs or magazines? FW: Blogs TBC: Chocolate or Vanilla? FW: Chocolate TBC: And, I have to ask…what’s your favorite flower? FW: So many are favorites and it depends on the season: Winter: fritillaria, hellebore, muscari Spring: poppies, alchimella, tulips Summer: sweetpeas, asclepia, gloriosa lilies Fall: scabiosa, chocolate cosmos, toad lilies |
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| Francoise, it has totally been a pleasure to have you stop by the cafe today and share your incredibly AMAZING floral designs with us…hopefully, I’ll get to meet you in June and we look forward to your next visit to the cafe….xoxoxo
Images 1-6 courtesy of Jamie Bosworth Photography Image 7 courtesy of Lauren Brooks Photography Images 8 -11 courtesy of Joni Shimabukuro Photography Image 12 courtesy of Lori Eschler Frystack Image 13 courtesy of Jessica Hill Photography
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