While I was doing the planning and research for my upcoming craft book, Modern Faux Flower Projects, I really wanted to highlight the talent and expertise of other small business owners. I decided to reach out to professional florists and faux floral designers whose work I admired so that I could interview and feature them in the book! Chapter 3: Collecting Inspiration just might be my very favorite part of the book. I am thrilled to have connected with the brilliant creatives below, many of whom have become friends in the last 18 months+ of working on this project!

In today’s blog post, I’ve chosen a favorite quote from each of the seven featured florists and designers from my book to share with you. Some work with fresh flowers and others exclusively faux, but regardless of the medium these design and arranging tips are applicable! Please, support these talented and creative women by checking out their websites and following them on social media! Read on for seven floral design tips from the pros.

“Quality is important. You should choose high-quality materials from the flowers to the foam to the cutting tools. Cutting corners typically leads to frustration and will take the enjoyment out of it for you”.

Stephanie Kirby of The Blue Daisy Floral Designs in Pittsburgh, PA

Website | Instagram: @thebluedaisyfloral & @littleflower_by_thebluedaisy

Photo credit: April Hubal

“It’s okay to start over if you’re not happy with your arrangement. Sometimes you have to destroy and rebuild to get a better result. I’ve been designing for fourteen years and I’m still learning. Never stop being a student, not only in floristry but in life as well!”

LaParis Phillips of Brooklyn Blooms in Brooklyn, NY

Website | Instagram: @brooklynbloomsnyc

Photo credit: Tristan Barrocks

“Make sure your arrangement doesn’t look like a clump by giving it some movement. An arrangement can have more interest and a modern touch if you go beyond the traditional globe shape”.

Stephanie Petrak of Lorraine’s Cottage in Cleveland, OH

Website | Instagram: @lorcottage

“Take care of your silk flowers. They will last a very long time and be worth the investment. You can reinvent them as styles change by adding to or reworking the shape or fully pull apart your creation after a few years and maybe transform it into a wreath for your sun porch!”

Meghan Connors & Shea Mack of Rosemary & Rust in Shrewsbury, PA

Website | Instagram: @rosemaryandrust

Photo credit: Sparrow + Lace Photography

“Your arrangement needs to have a focal point but also be balanced with a variety of textures and colors and also, a little blank space.”

Eveline Leake of The Macadamia Shop in Clifton Park, NY

Website | Instagram: @evelineleake

“Green is good for some arrangements and not so good for others. Instead of “bulking out” arrangements with plain greenery, I often use colored foliage or dried elements to add texture and I try to work with negative space instead.”

Anna Falkon of Gooseberry Hill Farm in Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Website | Instagram: @gooseberryhilflowers

Photo credit: Elizabeth Denning

“Floral design is an art form: the flowers are your tools and you are the artist. The more you practice putting arrangements together, you will find a style or two that you prefer.”

Alyssa Grogan of The Rogue Petal Co in Baltimore, MD

Website | Instagram: @roguepetalco

Modern Faux Flower Projects releases on September 8th! Pre-order today and get the first two chapters as an instant download AND enter to win our exclusive pre-sale giveaway!