South Midlands Area of NAFAS
Floral Design
A Brief History
The first known use of floral art/design was nearly 4,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, they would place lotus flowers and buds into vases.
They also created bouquets, wreaths, garlands, headwear, and collars with the use of lotus and papyrus.
The Ancient Romans and Greeks also used floral art/design to create garlands and wreaths to wear, religious offering were usually cornucopias full of fruits and vegetables.
Ikebana is the Japanese style which includes the three main line placements that correspond with heaven, humans, and earth.
During the Renaissance, floral designs often had some symbolism and used bright, contrasting colours. Most designs were symmetrical and used a combination of fresh or dried materials including fruits and vegetables. Most of the designs were often triangular, arching or ellipse in shape.
During the Colonial Period in the Americas (1607 – 1699) arrangements were made from gathered wildflowers, grasses, and seed pods. They then evolved from numerous influences, primarily European. Floral Designs began to reflect the sophistication, symmetry, and shapes of the European Ideas during that time.
By the mid-20th century, flower arranging and floral art/design was seen more as an art form and today takes inspiration from a wide range of influences and ideals.
What is Floral Design/Art
Floral Design (or Floral Art) is the art of creating flower arrangements in vases, bowls, baskets, or other containers. Or the making of bouquets and compositions from cut flowers, foliage, herbs, ornamental grasses and other plant materials.
During the creation of a flower arrangement, there are seven principles that floral designers must incorporate into their arrangements to create eye catching and appealing pieces. The principles are:
1. Proportion
2. Scale
3. Balance
4. Focal Point
5. Rhythm
6. Harmony
7. Unity
As well as the principles, there are also five elements designers must keep in mind during creation. The five elements include:
1. Line
2. Colour
3. Form
4. Space
5. Texture
A combination of all these elements and a mixture of the principles help designers to create wonderous and beautiful arrangements, some to a theme or some just for fun. From planning to adding the final touch, floral design lets the designer’s creativity be revealed for all to see.
Completed Designs
What is NAFAS
NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) was formed when flower arranging clubs and societies joined together in 1959, with the help and advice from the Royal Horticultural Societies
NAFAS covers 21 areas, each with its own area chairman and committee, with each chairman attending a National Council four times a year.
NAFAS currently has around 30,000 members.
Skills of NAFAS members can be seen around the country, whether in churches, cathedrals, hospitals, hospices, stately homes or horticultural shows. Flowers are also regularly arranged in Westminster Abbey.
Courses are offered in floral design ranging from beginners skills to advanced.
Getting involved
There are many ways an aspiring floral designer can begin the journey of floral art, many colleges offer courses from beginner to expert, watching videos on social media or going along to floristry shows around the country.
You can also join a local club who have members of different experience who can help guide new designers and offer workshops, events, and competitions.
Interest in Joining?
If your creativity has been stirred or just want to see what there is on offer, why not click the link below find your nearest club
Welcome to the world of Floral Design and NAFAS