housemartin

in the times

ink & peat is thrilled to have been included in this article in the New York Times today about floral design classes all over the country. It focuses on studios that teach a more naturalistic floral design style. The photos are of the delightful workshops taught by Sarah and Nicolette of the Little Flowers School in Brooklyn. There are lots of other lovely teachers all over the country listed as well - what fun! Stay tuned for our fall classes! Join our email list by emailing us at [email protected] to stay informed.

flower bliss

I found this lovely lady  - Simone of Miss Pickering - as a commenter on my blog. What a charming shop she has in the stone-built market town  of Stamford, which is 100 miles north of London. The shop is late 15th Century, and is in a street of equally Medieval buildings. She does gardeny and lush floral arrangements and the shop looks so sweet. You can read more about her on her blog here. Take a deep breath, ahhhhh!

wondrous

I love it when my customers give me tips about lovely shops around the world. Several months ago a shopper told me about this lovely one in her city of Chicago - Asrai Garden. There aren't many home and floral lifestyle shops - which I obviously have  a passion for -  so when she told me about it I was excited to see what it was like. Their website doesnt disappoint! A shop full of natural wonders, home deocr, gifts, finerie, and flowers. Owner Elizabeth Cronin has an amazing eye and has been sharing her vision for 11 years. Floral arrangements that are natural, unstructured, and gorgeous. My heart goes pitter pat. If you are ever in Chicago do go by and check out this wondroous place. and get a hand tied bouquet while you are there.

 
 

end of an era

I happened to be looking online as I was planning my NY trip for August and found some sad news. One of my all time favorite stores is closing. Takashimaya, the famed Japanese high-end department store, is closing its NY location June 5th. Takashimaya had a lovely selection of perfumes and soaps, tailored beautiful clothing, kids goodies, and of course the home and floral section. When the floral section was downstairs, it was magical and inventive - it certainly inspired me to begin a floral carer. The most exquisite blossoms arranged in unique ways - many years before I began seeing this style on the West Coast. It is a sad loss. For those of you in the NY area - do go in and snap up some goods at 40% off. Oh and have lunch in the tea room one last time for me. And buy a 1/4 lb. of Genmaicha and a 1/4 lb. of plum blossom tea as well in a simple brown bag with a decadent gold seal.

 

delicious texture

Wonderful textural floral designs by Bornay of Barcelona (Sarah of Saipua told me about her wonderful work). Dreamy, lush, full blossoms all bundled tightly. It's all so painterly. And it even makes me re-think carnations!

flower school

How fun would this be - Sarah of Saipua and Nicolette Owen of Nicolette Camille - both uber-talented floral designers are teaming up to teach a workshop in Brooklyn! Read more here.

Rose and Radish

Good news for those of you in San Francisco! Rose and Radish has found a new home at Pier 3 on the Embarcadero! They are right next to the Ferry Building - swoon - one of may favorite spots!

succulent and green

We did a fair bit of wandering around and exploring while in New York. While in the West Village we came upon Ovando. I am always inspired by other floral shops when I travel. I simply can't escape it. I am drawn in. It is a small but sleek and modern floral boutique. It's chock full of one of my favorites - succulents. The window display showcased some amazing plant sculptures. What a treat!

 

color glow

I love everything about this wedding! Maya and Jirka were married on the hillsides of Malibu and Flowerwild did the fabulous floral arrangements. This wedding was also featured in LA Style Unveiled. So gorgeous and fresh! (photography by Thayer Allyson Gowdy of The Little White Dress)

pretty petals

Congrats to our pal Laurie whose fabulous sunshine bouquet of ribbons, paper, and fabric flowers was featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings! Laurie is so talented and always inspiring - go read about more fab  projects here...