The French Style of Flower Arranging by Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House 2009-2015.
Laura Dowling was the Chief Floral Designer at the White House 2009-2015
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The French style builds element upon element to create depth and a cohesive design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Complimentary colors create a stunning arrangement
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
A classic French style floral arrangement uses different flower shapes along with textural elements.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Pink hypericum berries, bougainvillea , and alstroemeria
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Laura demonstrates how to make a hand-held bouquet in the French style.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
To make a stand alone bouquet, trim the inside stems shorter than the outside stems.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
An arrangement of complimentary pastel colors and shapes creates a soft, joyful design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Floral designs should be free from stress and strict rules of design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Rust colored mums add a complimentary punch of color to the white and off-white flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Chinese lanterns add a textural element to the design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Roses and tulips add a rounded element.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Twists of colored floral paper add a touch of whimsy to the design. Cut the bouquet wrap in 3 to 4 inch squares, pinch in the middle, and wire the tip to create a floret.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Plastic pots covered with moss add another element to the design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Pink hypericum berries add a textural interest to the design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Moss balls are made by using a floral wire wrapped around the ball of moss with a floral pick attached.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Design an arrangement to reflect the seasons, such as this fall design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Different flower shapes and sizes along with interesting foliage add interest to the overall design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Leaves can be wired to the container to add another texture layer.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Different flower shapes in complimentary colors create a cohesive design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Beautiful floral designs created by Laura Dowling
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
A classic urn design using hydrangeas, asters, and carnations
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Close-up view of the hydrangea, aster, and carnation arrangement. Pieces of bouquet floral paper create a fluttering element to the overall design.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Beautiful arrangements created by Laura Dowling
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University