Poppies and Amber

I T A L I A { P o r t o v e n e r e }

Wispy Gestures

I approached my workbench as if it was a battlefield. Overeacting. I know. You can’t really blame me. It was just minutes after I’ve seen the genius of Nicolette and Sarah in live action. In other words, I just witnessed (with my own two eyes!) some crazy, out-of-this-world floral awesomeness. Here’s the story:

Once upon a November morning, as I was typically browsing through Saipua’s blog, I found out that Sarah and Nicolette are pushing through with their plans of coming to Oz to hold some workshops. I think I literally let out a silent scream..if you know what that means. It happens. I remember exactly how it felt. It was as if I took a “happy pill” or something. I was that excited. You see, the ladies I’ve been talking about are my favourite florists. There are only really three that I consider my favourites and two of those is this duo (who respectively runs their own business). I first accidentally discovered Sarah’s blog last year and my jaws just dropped when I saw her work. She has got a unique artistic touch and vision to her work. It’s a good mix of delicate and romantic, and wild and untamed that is altogether hauntingly beautiful. Through her blog, I discovered the talents of Nicolette. When I look at both of their work, it seems that it was dug up from the garden and was put straight to the vase. It captures the beauty of nature very well. They usually do some floral works together and teach at their own little school which, interestingly, they call “Little Flower School.”

To cut the story short (as I tend to get too carried away talking about them), I ended up signing up for the workshop, and last Monday I was in Newtown to meet them. 

Some very talented florists and flower enthusiasts across Australia attacking the flowers.

I like Sarah and Nicolette’s style of teaching, especially if you really just want to enjoy and make good-looking arrangements. They are very laid-back yet informative, not to mention that they serve champagne in class ;)

I just had to take a photo of Sarah taking a photo. One more special thing about her blog are all the breath-taking photos. Trust me. If you love good photographs, you should visit her site. Plus, she will entertain you with her quirky humor.

Having met and watch these ladies work was overwhelming. It’s like you a have a lifetime dosage of inspiration. If you a person who really looks up to someone so much, you know what I mean. Finally, I got my claim-to-fame photo taken. I am very relieved that I smiled in a normal way.

One of the most important things I learned from Sarah and Nicolette was how to create “little moments” in my compositions (this was an “aha!” moment). It means telling stories and creating little clusters of interest and surprises with the way we arrange flowers. Here they are. Pretty please allow me to bombard you with my little moments…

Obviously, I am back to reality…babysitting my little nephew (and trying to run my business). I have to concentrate with this now, otherwise, who knows what this kid might do aside from sticking stuff to his mouth. I love him nonetheless.

Happy weekend! I hope you have an awesome one. As for me, I will be at Hunter Valley over the next few days. There will me more daydreaming to be done.

xx Sasha

Back in the land of Oz

Finally, I’m back in Sydney after “holidaying” for a month in Manila, my hometown. Coming back to Sydney is not so bad after all. No tears were shed. And I am relieved that it still does feel like home to me. At least the apartment unit I am currently renting is still intact. Whew. My only concern at the moment is how a three-hour time difference can make me feel jet-lagged (not sure if I really am…) Some say it’s all in the mind.

Yesterday, which feels more like today (ahhhh jet lag), my husband, brother-in-law and I drove to see my father-in-law. He’s got a new place so the boys had to help in fixing up some stuff…while I look after the little dog. I loved the big backyard, the trees, the swing and all the authentic vintage stuff around the house. I got excited, thus, the photos. I hope you like them, too.

Hmm….swanhill. Now I’m curious. By the way, I like this door but my husband will not be happy if I tell him I want to make this our front door.

Now back home… indulging myself with tea, chocolate  and a “Russian” teacup (and really just showing off my newly acquired rug which I got on sale in Manila…). Also, I am getting ready for a hopefully “busy” year ahead. Poppies and Amber’s humble office is all set. Next, I’m praying for a proper workshop.

Today is Sunday. I want to wish everyone a good week, and may amazing or unique stories happen to us.

x Sasha

Hello, Baby.

I was asked to help decorate my friends’ baby shower. I guess I had a little too much fun! Why not? Their baby only deserves the best!

D.I.Y. “knot bunting”. It’s nice to stray away from the usual triangles.

I love the stuff Cindy finds on the internet! These little bottles with striped straws are adorable.

This is probably my favourite photo of the day… (lol)

Books can either go on a bookcase or it can sit pretty on a table and help create a nice table scape.

Delish.

Our little, furry friend who never skips out on parties!

Flowers and styling by yours truly. Some of the props hired from Fresh Creative Styling. Thanks, Cindy & Anthony, for letting me raid your place and do all these!

xSasha

Earth In My Bucket

Can I have a bit of earth? -Mary Lennox

Well, I think I got a bit of it in my bucket. Oh the simple joy of working with flowers

Fondness

If you were to ask me now what my favourite flower is, I’d give you two possible answers: it’s either I have none or it depends which season. But if you asked me earlier this year what my favourite flower was, I would have given you a simple, straight answer….peonies!

This flower is lush, full and round which makes it irresistible. It’s history goes back thousands of years ago. Greek mythology tells us that Peonies are named after Paeon, a physician to the  gods. He received a flower from Mount Olympus which was given by the mother of Apollo (although it’s quite interesting that even Greek gods need a doctor…).

There’s something about peonies that make them really attractive. Is it even possible to crush on flowers? If yes, I have to say I have a crush on peonies.

In 1903, Peony became China’s national flower. Peonies have been depicted in many Chinese art as well. It’s a symbol for “richness and honour”,  as well as “good fortune” in marriage.