Author Archives: Karen

The Italian Job! 22nd July 2026 ITALIAN HORIZONTAL DESIGN WORKSHOP

The Italian Job!    22nd July 2026

ITALIAN HORIZONTAL DESIGN WORKSHOP

Page 60-61 AFAA Manual

TIME: 9.30am for 10.00am start

COST: $15.00 for members.  $25.00 for non-members

CONTAINER: Large pottery vase/pot or container. Floral foam is the mechanic of choice. The container is part of the design and may be either traditional or modern but not an urn. The container becomes part of the design and is included in the Horizontal Line direction. You may prepare your container in advance.

MATERIALS: Choose interesting shaped linear materials which may be straight, wavy, convex, concave, indented with interesting textures e.g., Foxtail fern, Flax, Aspleniums, seed pods, bark, wood, Liatris, Hot Pokers, Gladioli. About 6-8 accent flowers with heads of same size e.g. Dahlias, Sims Carnations, Roses, Anthuriums, even vegetables or fruit. Interesting foliage for manipulating and enough to make groupings, e.g., Aspidistra, plain or variegated, large Ivy leaves, small philodendrons, Xanadu, Kentia palms, Flax, Bergenia, Hosta.

BYO: Toolbox, plus container and chosen floral/fauna materials (see above!) Pot tape (floral foam will be available for sale if needed)

RSVP by Monday 13th July (numbers are limited) Karenkchapman22@bigpond.com

VENUE: Brandon Park Community Centre, 649 Ferntree Gully Rd, Glen Waverly 3150

Please bring a coffee/teacup for your refreshment.

 Design by Anne AshbyGood tip for inserting the likes of bark, small
pieces of wood & dried materials into horizontal designs using plant labels glued to the back

Unfortunately the words on the diagram are not clear. please see our Facebook page for clearer instructions.

Australian Floral Art Association Convention 2026 – Flowers in the Middle of Everywhere

The Flowers in the Middle of Everywhere AFAA Convention 2026, will be held from 7th- 12th September 2026, at The Port of Sale, Sale, Victoria and we would love to see you there! https://portofsale.com.au

See the links below for the details of the convention including registration.

Featuring Francine Thomas, from New Zealand, as our special guest demonstrator it promises to be a conference with a difference.

Meanwhile familiarise yourself with The Middle of Everywhere.
Victoria’s best kept secret! https://themiddleofeverywhere.com.au
We look forward to seeing you in September.


Booklet Front Cover

CONVENTION 2026 BOOKLET

Convention Luncheon

REGISTRATION

Wednesday 22 April 2026 – Still Life

Still Life was the topic of our Victorian Floral Art Assn. meeting today. Cheryl started the demonstration with an Asian influence arrangement and Noreen followed with ideas for a Traditional design.

Josie followed with a design influenced by her love of sewing.

                 

The following  photographs are members’ designs using items they brought from home.

             

         

 

 


Still Life Workshop 22nd April 2026

TIME: 9.30am for 10.00am start

COST: $15.00 for members $25.00 for non-members

A Still Life is a moment in time captured by way of painting or a 3D design. In Australian Floral Art it is 3D design, with the inclusion of horticultural material that does not predominate.
All of the Elements and Principles of Design need to be considered and adhered to. Especially Scale and Proportion and Rhythm.
A story is being told, and the viewer’s eye needs to be guided through it and be told a clear story, not too cluttered but with enough items to convey your idea.

STILL LIFE – AFAA Manual page 88
In a still life design plant material does not predominate.
Objects should be actual in size and true to their function and are placed at varying heights to achieve a well-spaced and balanced three-dimensional effect.
A varied silhouette is desirable, and the objects chosen should be of various shapes and heights.
Elevation can be provided by the discreet use of blocks. A complimentary drape or board may be used to link and unify.
MORNING: Demonstrations including 2 designs being critiqued and altered to improve their adherence to the class and Principles and Elements.
AFTERNOON: Construction of your “Still Life” and formal group critique of designs.

BYO: Toolbox

PLUS A collection of items that you feel will work in a still life along with any stands, bases or props etc..
Horticultural material to enhance the design.
It may also be useful to bring a cover for the table if light grey is not a good base for your design, especially for photography.
As usual you will work two to a table, so your design needs to be kept appropriate to that size.

RSVP: before 8 April 2026 to: Karen – kchapman22@bigpond.com
VENUE: Brandon Park Community Centre, 649 Ferntree Gully Rd, Glen Waverly 3150

Please bring a coffee/tea cup for your refreshment

PEPE CONES WORKSHOP

(A Francine Thomas inspired design)

Wednesday 25th February was out first meeting of the VFAA for 2026.

The following photos are the finished designs by our members. Josie had prepared the stands for our workshop, we attached the Cardboard, Pepe Cones and test tubes and decorated the design with our own flowers and flair!!

             

PEPE CONES WORKSHOP

PEPE CONES WORKSHOP

Wednesday 25th February 2026

TIME: 9.30am for 10.00am start

COST: $15.00 plus materials $15.00 ($30) for members

$25.00 plus materials $15.00 ($40) for non-members

SUPPLIED: A stand for pepe cone design & pepe cones

BYO: Toolbox – to include small pliers, scissors to cut cardboard, wire cutters, stapler, paper covered wire, paper florist tape, ruler, pencil, an awl (a pointed hand tool used for piercing small holes) or metal skewer or knitting needle, 6 plastic test tubes (i.e. orchid tubes 5cms x 1.5cms) Floral Glue. Flower & foliage to add to your design

RSVP  by 11th February (as mechanics need to be made and numbers are limited) Karen – kchapman22@bigpond.com

VENUE: Brandon Park Community Centre, 649 Ferntree Gully Rd, Glen Waverly 3150

Please bring a coffee/tea cup for your refreshment

AGM, Christmas Party and Christmas Workshop.

On Wednesday 26th November the Victorian Floral Art Assn. held their Annual General Meeting, Christmas Party and Christmas Workshop.

After the AGM one of our past presidents, Maxine Webb, congratulated Cheryl Wynd and presented her with the Australian Floral Art Assn. Service Award to Floral Art. Having being part of the VFAA for many years, and a valuable member of our committee, as secretary, since 2007. She was also presented with a beautiful orchid. Congratulations Cheryl.

Committee members and club members were invited to add to the Christmas atmosphere and display a Christmas design. (Photos attached)

After an enjoyable Christmas lunch and get together we participated in making a Christmas Tree from wire and pine needles. The picture of the designs are below (the rest of us had to finish our tree at home!!).

                                                                                         

         

The Victorian Floral Art Assn. would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy 2026.