Leslie In London – Part 2

My second week in London at the Judith Blacklock Flower School was just as inspiring and joyful in learning new skills as the first week! 

We worked hard every day learning from some of the top florists in the industry. 

Our topics for the second week were large hanging designs, bridesmaid and flower girl designs, social media for florists, contemporary floral designs using different types of mechanics (how you secure the flowers into the container or base), contract floral work, owning/managing a floral shop, tablescapes using faux and fresh florals, wrapping a houseplant with fresh moss - like a Japanese Kokedama, party ideas – menu and napkin decoration and table favors, weddings including a fully wired fresh floral wedding bouquet, floral jewelry, Chelsea Flower Market Visit, dried and preserved flowers, buying flowers online, handtied bouquets and wrapping, pedestal arrangements, and garland construction.

Not once did I look at the clock the entire two weeks to see when we would be done for the day. 

We generally took 30-45 minutes lunches with few breaks, and that was never a problem. 

The time flew by, and now that I’ve been home almost two weeks, I find myself missing the magic I experienced there.

These are all people who are at the top of the floristry business worldwide, and I have never met a kinder group of people in one place at the same time! 

Every guest instructor shared all their tips of the trade, and encouraged us to ask questions. 

There was not one ounce of arrogance, ego, boasting, snobbery, or haughtiness in any of them.  They were humble, considerate, good-natured, gracious, friendly, complimentary, and generous in sharing everything they knew. 

I found myself thinking what a wonderful world it would be if we could all treat one another the way we were treated during this “Professional Business of Floristry & Events Styling Course” at the Judith Blacklock Flower School in Knightsbridge-London! 

Each person whether a student or instructor was filled with LIGHT! 

We were encouraged to come home and further our learning, continue using the skills we learned, and to share the lovely world of flowers with all those around us!  

We were also encouraged to keep in touch with genuine kindness and concern for our future in the floristry field of business. 

Judith has personally checked in with me numerous times since I returned home to see how I am doing, and to get me in touch with the floral shop she is working to set me up to do my two week internship with here in Utah.

Some people say to keep in touch, and I believe there are good intentions there, however these gracious people actually do what they say, because they truly care.

The pics this week are from the second week of our class. 

There will be one more week of London goodness next week, as I fill you in on what I did with the short amount of free time I had while I was there. 

We all have life changing experiences that we will never forget, and this is one of those for me! 

I am still living on the LIGHT I found in London and feeling grateful for new found friends who are kind and genuine.  What a blessing this has been for me! 

The challenge this week is to look for the positive people who surround you!  They are easy to pick out because the LIGHT they are filled with shines around them!  Learn from them, and become a LIGHT Giver as well.  This reminds me of a favorite quote from Roald Dahl – “If you have good thoughts, they will shine on your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely.”

Have a wonderful week!  And if you have kids, enjoy these last few days of summer with them before school starts again!  Take time to smell the roses! 

Love Ya, Les :)