Where Flowers Become Art, Experiences & Memories

Exploring the many ways I love to work with flowers—and all the places they can take us.

I’ve never really thought of flowers as something that belongs only in a vase.

For me, flowers are a starting point—a way into color, texture, art, memory, and celebration. Sometimes they become a bouquet. Sometimes they become something you wear, something you preserve, something you make with friends, or an entire experience built around gathering and creating.

That curiosity is at the heart of Studio Sprig.

I’m Kim, the designer behind Studio Sprig, and over the years my love of flowers has taken me into some wonderfully unexpected places. My background is in art and design, so I tend to see flowers a little differently. I notice their shapes, the way colors sit next to one another, the movement of a stem, the architecture of a leaf, and all of the little imperfections that make something feel alive.

And the more I work with flowers, the more I realize there really isn't an end to what you can do with them.

Flowers are a medium. And like any good medium, they invite you to experiment.

A Bridal Shower Bloom Bar, just popping up on the porch

Start With a Bloom Bar

One of my favorite ways to bring people together is through a Bloom Bar.

There is something wonderful about putting a room full of flowers on a table and letting people choose what speaks to them. A little of this, a little of that. Maybe an unexpected color combination. A flower you've never used before. A bit of greenery that suddenly makes everything else make sense.

Bloom Bars can be part of a wedding, bridal shower, birthday, corporate gathering or just a creative afternoon with friends. They can be polished and beautifully styled, or relaxed and wonderfully loose.

What I love most is that everyone walks away with something different.

The flowers become a way of expressing yourself.

And sometimes that's all a creative experience needs to be.

Signature Backyard Watercolor Class at Windy Hill

Making Something With Your Hands

That idea naturally grew into Studio Sprig Experiences—hands-on gatherings where flowers and the botanical world become the inspiration for making.

I've always loved the feeling of sitting around a table with other people and actually doing something. Making a wreath. Creating a terrarium. Working with moss. Painting. Arranging flowers. Learning something new.

There is a certain kind of happiness that comes from getting your hands a little messy and losing track of time.

These Experiences can be intimate or social, seasonal or completely unexpected. And I love that they can evolve. One year it might be a botanical workshop; the next, perhaps something entirely different.

That's part of the fun.

I'm always wondering, "What else could we make with this?"

Bridal Announcement framed with the pressed Bridal Bouquet

When Flowers Become Memories

Flowers also have a way of becoming attached to the moments we never want to forget.

A wedding bouquet. Flowers from a parent's garden. A special birthday. A baby's arrival. A garden that belonged to someone you love.

That's where Botanical Keepsakes came from.

I've always been fascinated by the transformation that happens when a living flower is pressed, dried or preserved. Something fleeting becomes something lasting.

A bouquet that once filled a room can eventually become artwork. A few meaningful flowers can become a framed botanical piece. Something that might otherwise have disappeared becomes a tangible reminder of a particular time and place.

I think that's one of the most beautiful things flowers can do.

They can hold a memory.

A darling, little Boutonniere

And Why Not Wear Them?

I've also always been drawn to the idea of taking flowers off the table and putting them somewhere unexpected.

In your hair.

On your wallpaper.

Around your wrist.

Or on a yoga mat.

Floral wearables allow flowers to become almost like jewelry—temporary, tactile, and completely unique to the person wearing them.

There is something wonderfully romantic about that. A flower doesn't have to last forever to be meaningful. In fact, perhaps part of its charm is knowing that it belongs to this moment.

Floral watercolor printed as a pattern on a Yoga Mat

Floral & Herbal Cake Wreath

Flowers and Cake

Then there is cake.

Because really, why shouldn't flowers and cake belong together?

I love creating Floral Cakes and Table Styling because it brings together so many of the things I enjoy: composition, color, celebration, food, flowers and the little details that make a gathering feel special.

A cake can become part of the floral story. A table can feel as though it has grown organically from the garden. Herbs, branches, blooms and unexpected botanical details can make even a simple gathering feel considered and memorable.

And this is another area where I think there are endless possibilities.

Flowers can decorate the table, the cake, the place settings—or become the inspiration for the entire celebration.

Weddings Are Their Own Kind of Garden

Of course, weddings have always held a special place in my heart.

My work with Bridal brings together so many of these ideas: flowers, paper, pattern, color, styling, keepsakes and storytelling.

I don't think of wedding flowers as simply "decor." They are part of the atmosphere of the day.

The bouquet you carry. The flowers at the ceremony. A boutonniere. A flower tucked into a place setting. The table arrangements. A floral detail on the cake. The flowers that eventually become a keepsake.

And because my creative background extends beyond floral design into stationery, illustration and surface pattern, I love thinking about all of those pieces as one visual story.

A wedding gives you permission to be wonderfully specific.

Why shouldn't every little detail feel like it belongs to you?

Bridal Bouquet Watercolor Keepsake

But I'm Not Finished Exploring

And that's perhaps the most important part of all of this.

I don't feel like I've arrived at some final definition of what flowers mean to Studio Sprig.

Quite the opposite.

I'm still curious.

I'm still experimenting.

There are so many directions flowers can take us.

Maybe it's a new kind of workshop. Maybe it's botanical art. Maybe it's a flower-filled dinner party, a garden-inspired installation, a floral fashion piece, a collaboration with a chef or baker, or an unexpected way of preserving something from someone's garden.

Maybe it's something I haven't thought of yet.

That's what keeps it interesting.

I've worked with flowers in weddings, celebrations, workshops, keepsakes, cakes, tables and wearable pieces. I've painted them, drawn them, photographed them, arranged them and turned them into patterns and products.

And I suspect I'll keep finding new ways to play with them.

Because flowers are never really just flowers.

They can be art.

They can be a memory.

They can be an experience.

They can be a reason to gather.

They can tell a story.

And sometimes, they can simply make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little more beautiful.

How to Preserve Flowers for Creative Projects

Dried flower & Dried Lime Grapevine Wreath. This wreath features some Wooden Flowers.

After designing and creating something special with flowers, I always hate to see them wither and eventually fade away. Recently, I began preserving the flowers I love so I can enjoy and use them again in future creative projects. This year, I’ve been experimenting with one of my favorites—the beloved dahlia—and the results have been wonderful.

I’ve even been known to disassemble a special bouquet and transform its individual flowers into a small everlasting wreath, creating a meaningful keepsake that helps commemorate a beautiful occasion.

Preserving flowers this way gives them a second life, turning something fleeting into a lasting piece of art.

Different Methods for Drying and Preserving Flowers

There are several simple ways to dry and preserve flowers, and the best method often depends on the type of flower. When I have abundant, sturdy stems like lavender, I typically use the traditional method of hanging small bunches upside down to air dry.

For flowers such as hydrangeas and tiny spray roses, I’ve found that an even easier method works beautifully: simply place them in a vase without water and let them dry naturally. As they lose their moisture, many flowers take on a wonderfully sculptural quality, creating a beautiful piece of dried-flower art with almost no effort at all.

Experimenting with different flower-preservation methods is part of the fun. With a little patience, flowers that might otherwise be discarded can become lasting materials for wreaths, arrangements, crafts, and other creative projects.

Dried spray roses in simple vase.

How to Preserve Flowers with Silica Gel Crystals

One of my favorite methods for preserving flowers is drying them with silica gel crystals. Silica gel gently draws moisture from the flowers, helping them retain much of their original shape, color, and delicate details. It’s an especially effective method for preserving flowers for wreaths, floral arrangements, crafts, and other creative projects.

I like to begin by removing any excess foliage and stems using my favorite Micro Pruning Snips. If you’re planning a project that requires the stems, you can certainly leave them intact.

Next, add about 1 inch of Silica Gel Crystals to the bottom of a Rubbermaid container, making sure the crystals create an even layer across the entire surface. Carefully place your flowers on top of the silica gel, either face up or face down, depending on the shape and type of flower. Arrange them closely together, but make sure the flowers aren’t touching one another.

Once all of your flowers are arranged, slowly pour more Silica Gel Crystals over the top. Continue adding crystals until each flower is completely covered and the silica gel has gently filled in around every petal and detail.

Secure the lid tightly and place the container in a cool, preferably dark location for approximately one week. The exact drying time will vary depending on the type and size of the flower. Some delicate flowers may be completely dry in just a few days, while larger, moisture-rich flowers can take longer.

The wonderful thing about drying flowers with silica gel is that you can experiment with different varieties and drying times to see what produces the best results. With a little trial and error, you’ll discover which flowers preserve beautifully—and you’ll have a wonderful supply of everlasting blooms ready for your next creative project.

Delicate dried Dahlia Flowres.

How to Remove and Store Flowers Preserved with Silica Gel

Once your flowers have finished drying, it’s time to carefully remove them from the silica gel. For this step, I recommend using a small slotted spatula, which makes it much easier to gently retrieve smaller, delicate flowers without damaging the petals.

I carefully slide the spatula underneath each flower and lift it slowly, allowing the Silica Gel Crystals to fall back into the container. Once the flower is removed, I gently tap it on all sides to release any crystals that may still be tucked between the petals.

I then arrange all of my newly preserved flowers side by side on a tray and allow them to sit for a little while longer, making sure they are completely dry before storing them. This extra step is important because any remaining moisture can lead to mold.

Once I’m confident the flowers are completely dry, I store them in a container with air vents to allow for some circulation. Properly dried and stored flowers can last for a long time, giving you a beautiful collection of everlasting blooms to use in wreaths, floral arrangements, crafts, and other creative projects.

Gently scooping dried Dahlia Flowers out of the Silica Gel Crystals.

Creative Ideas for Dried Flowers

Once you’ve preserved a beautiful collection of flowers, the fun really begins! There are so many creative things to make with dried flowers, from everlasting wreaths and floral branches to small decorative pieces that can be used as table cards, place settings, or gift toppers.

I especially love turning little pieces of wood into unique dried flower decorations. They make charming table cards or thoughtful gift toppers and are a wonderful way to give preserved flowers a second life. Another favorite in autumn are dried flower pumpkins. Hot gluing your dried bounty to the top of a pumpkin is simple and it makes a great centerpiece.

Or, you can keep it wonderfully simple. I often arrange small groupings of dried flowers in a pretty vase and let their natural beauty speak for itself. Unlike fresh flowers, dried floral arrangements can be enjoyed for months or even years, making them a lovely way to preserve a special moment, bouquet, or season.

If you’re planning to make dried flower wreaths, floral decorations, or gift toppers, I highly recommend investing in a quality glue gun. Because I do quite a bit of designing, I purchased a professional-grade, cordless Ryobi Glue Gun, and I absolutely love it. It gets very hot, so be careful when working with it, but not having a cord to maneuver around makes creating so much easier. The battery and charger are included, too.

With a collection of preserved blooms and a few simple supplies, you can turn dried flowers into beautiful, lasting pieces for your home, entertaining, gift wrapping, and creative projects.

Mini spray roses glued to a tiny piece of wood.

I hope this inspires you to start preserving all the beautiful flowers you encounter and turn them into something you can enjoy for years to come. I’d love to see what you create, so feel free to drop me a line and share your dried flower projects!
Your Supply list:

Hearty Fresh Flowers (without a lot of delicate & loose petals)
Micro-Tip Pruning Snips
Rubbermaid Storage Containers with Lids
Silica Gel Crystals
Mini Slotted Spatula
Professional-grade Glue Gun

How to Host a Beautiful Flower Bar: The Ultimate DIY Flower Bar Party Guide

Sweet Occasions, Peddlers Village Flower Bar

A flower bar is one of the most beautiful and memorable ways to entertain guests. Whether you're planning a bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, Galentine's Day gathering, corporate team-building event, or simply a creative afternoon with friends, a DIY flower bar gives everyone the opportunity to design their own fresh flower arrangement and take home something beautiful.

Also called a bouquet bar, bloom bar, or flower arranging party, this interactive experience transforms a table filled with fresh flowers and greenery into a creative gathering your guests won't soon forget.

I've hosted and designed Flower Bar experiences for everything from intimate gatherings to bridal showers, Mother's Day celebrations, and corporate team-building events. The beauty of a flower bar is that you can make it as simple or elaborate as you wish. You can hire a professional florist to handle every detail, work with a local flower farmer, or create your own DIY flower bar from start to finish.

Here's everything you need to know about how to host a beautiful flower bar party.

What Is a Flower Bar?

A flower bar is an interactive flower-arranging experience where guests choose from a curated selection of fresh flowers, foliage, and greenery to create their own bouquet or floral arrangement.

Typically, flowers are displayed in buckets or vessels and arranged by variety or color. Guests gather around a worktable, select their favorite blooms, and design an arrangement to take home.

A Flower Bar is a wonderful activity for:

• Bridal showers

• Baby showers

• Birthday parties

• Galentine's Day celebrations

• Mother's Day events

• Garden parties and brunches

• Girls' nights

• Family gatherings

• Corporate team-building events

• Wedding events and rehearsal dinners

The best part? Flowers naturally create a beautiful atmosphere. The moment your guests walk into a room filled with buckets of fresh, fragrant blooms, the experience already feels special. Here is a handy list of supplies to make it easy.

Gathering of Flowers

Should You Host a DIY Flower Bar or Hire a Professional?

You can absolutely create a beautiful DIY flower bar, but hiring a professional florist or floral designer can make hosting easier.

A professional can source the flowers, greenery, buckets, vessels, and supplies; prepare and process every stem; set up the flower bar; guide guests through the arranging process; and handle cleanup afterward.

For a more hands-on and budget-conscious event, you can create your own DIY bouquet bar. You'll simply need to plan ahead, source enough flowers, prepare your blooms properly, and create an inviting workspace for your guests.

Either option can result in a beautiful and memorable event.

Send Invitations and Build Excitement

Every special gathering deserves an invitation. For a casual flower-arranging party, a simple digital invitation works perfectly. For a bridal shower, baby shower, or more formal celebration, you might choose printed invitations with a beautiful design and envelope.

You can even decide whether to tell guests about the flower bar in advance.

Mentioning the activity builds anticipation, but keeping it a surprise can be equally fun. There is something magical about watching guests enter a room and suddenly discover a table overflowing with fresh flowers.

How to Set Up the Perfect Flower Bar Space

Choose a space where guests have plenty of room to move around, choose flowers, and create their arrangements comfortably.

A flower bar works beautifully on:

• A patio or deck

• A sunroom

• A dining room

• A garden or outdoor entertaining area

• A large kitchen

• A conference room or office

• A private event venue

• A flower farm

You'll need enough table space for everyone to work comfortably, plus a separate area for displaying buckets of flowers and greenery.

I love creating a flower market feeling by grouping flowers together in beautiful buckets where guests can easily see and reach everything. Think of your setup as a miniature Parisian flower market.

Mother’s Day Flower Bar, Peddlers Village

How to Choose Flowers for a DIY Flower Bar

One of the most important parts of planning a flower bar is choosing the right flowers.

For the best selection and value, consider purchasing flowers from a wholesale flower supplier or, even better, a local flower farmer. Locally grown flowers can be incredibly fresh, seasonal, and distinctive.

Ask your flower farmer what will be blooming around the date of your event. Working with seasonal flowers not only gives your Flower Bar a natural sense of place, but it can also help you discover varieties you may not find at a traditional flower shop.

For the best variety, include a mix of:

Greenery and Foliage

Choose several types of foliage to create structure and texture.

Filler Flowers

These smaller flowers help fill spaces between larger blooms. Baby's breath, small daisies, gomphrena, and flowering herbs can all work beautifully.

Private Bridal Shower Flower Bar

Focal Flowers

These are the stars of the arrangement—the larger, more dramatic flowers guests will naturally be drawn to. Depending on the season, consider tulips, peonies, dahlias, sunflowers, hellebores, ranunculus, or other statement blooms.

A beautiful flower bar should offer enough variety that every guest can create something unique.

How Many Flowers Do You Need for a Flower Bar?

Planning the right number of flowers is essential. I always recommend buying more than you think you'll need.

Start by choosing the vessels your guests will use. Create a sample arrangement using the size and style of container you plan to provide, then count the approximate number of stems you used.

Use that as your starting point, multiply it by the number of guests, and add extra flowers for variety and inevitable breakage.

Having too many flowers is much better than watching your last few guests arrive at a nearly empty flower bar.

Extra flowers also give guests more creative freedom—and you can always find beautiful ways to use the leftovers.

Mother’s Day Flower Bar at Sweet Occasions

Prepare Your Flowers the Day Before

Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your flowers. Ideally, purchase or collect your blooms the day before your event so you have plenty of time to process and hydrate them.

Start with Clean Buckets

Wash every bucket thoroughly with soap and water before filling it with fresh, cool water and flower food. Clean containers help keep your flowers fresher and healthier.

Remove Packaging and Ties

Carefully remove plastic sleeves, paper wrapping, and rubber bands. Handle delicate flowers gently and avoid excessive touching.

Process Each Stem

Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline. Depending on the variety, you may also need to remove thorns or damaged foliage.

Give Every Stem a Fresh Cut

Using clean floral snips or a sharp floral knife, trim each stem before placing it in fresh water. Make sure no leaves remain submerged, as decaying foliage can make the water dirty and shorten the life of your flowers.

Let the Flowers Hydrate

Store your flowers in a cool, dark location overnight whenever possible. Giving blooms time to drink and hydrate before your event can make a tremendous difference.

Mother’s Day Flower Bar at Sweet Occasions

Set Up Individual Flower-Arranging Stations

Before your guests arrive, prepare a comfortable workspace for everyone.

You can provide matching vessels for a cohesive look, or invite guests to bring a favorite vase or container from home. If guests are bringing their own, give them guidance about the approximate size.

Cover your worktables with tablecloths or placemats to protect them from water and plant debris.

At each flower-arranging area, consider providing:

• A vase or vessel

• Floral snips

• Towels for spills and drips

• Fresh water

• Flower food

• Pre-cut chicken wire for floral structure, if needed

How to Create a Beautiful Flower Arrangement

One of the best things about hosting a flower bar is that there really are no wrong answers. This is an opportunity for your guests to relax, experiment, and create.

For beginners, however, a simple three-step approach can be helpful.

Vanguard team building Flower Bar

Step 1: Start With Greenery

Choose several stems of foliage and cut them to fit the vessel. Arrange them first to create the overall shape and structure.

Step 2: Add Filler Flowers

Use smaller flowers to begin filling the arrangement and adding softness, texture, and movement.

Step 3: Add Focal Flowers

Choose several of the larger, more dramatic blooms and place them throughout the arrangement. Odd numbers often create a natural, pleasing composition, so three, five, or seven focal flowers can work beautifully depending on the size of the vessel.

Then step back, look at the arrangement, and simply enjoy the creative process.

A flower-arranging party isn't about perfection. It's about flowers, creativity, conversation, and having fun together.

Add Refreshments to Your Flower Bar Party

Keep refreshments simple and easy to enjoy away from the flower-arranging tables.

A small cheese board and light refreshments can be perfect for an adult gathering. For children's events or daytime parties, consider cookies, lemonade, fruit, or infused water.

If you're serving a full meal, I recommend doing so before or after the Flower Bar activity. Guests need plenty of space to work, and large plates can quickly take over the table.

In-Home Flower Bar Setup

Create a Beautiful Atmosphere

Flowers are already beautiful, but a few thoughtful details can make your Flower Bar feel even more special.

Welcome guests with something sparkling, play a light playlist, and allow everyone a few moments to admire the flowers before beginning.

You may even want to make notes about the names of your flowers. Guests often become fascinated by unusual varieties and love learning what they're arranging.

The goal is to create an experience that feels relaxed, creative, and just a little magical.

Vanguard team building Flower Bar

Don't Forget to Take Photos

Before your first guest arrives, photograph the entire setup.

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when hosting a beautiful event—they forget to capture the room before everyone begins.

Take photographs of the flower buckets, the workstations, the refreshments, and all the little details you worked so hard to create.

Then, as your guests begin designing their arrangements, keep taking pictures. The creative process is part of the memory.

For a brief moment, your home or event space may feel like a beautiful European flower market. Don't forget to enjoy it yourself.

Flower Bar at Sweet Occasions, Peddlers Village

What Should You Do With Leftover Flowers?

Having leftover flowers is a wonderful problem to have.

You can use extra blooms to:

• Create one final arrangement and raffle it off

• Tie miscellaneous stems into small "designer's choice" posies for guests

• Make an arrangement for a friend who couldn't attend

• Create a seasonal centerpiece for your home

• Fill small vases with everyday flowers

• Use extra blooms to decorate a cake or special table

• Donate an arrangement to a nursing home or someone who could use a little beauty

Nothing needs to go to waste.

Leftover flowers

Host Your Own Beautiful Flower Bar

Whether you call it a Flower Bar, Bloom Bar, bouquet bar, or DIY flower-arranging party, this is one of my favorite ways to bring people together.

It's creative without being intimidating, beautiful without requiring perfection, and every guest leaves with something they made themselves.

All you really need is a beautiful collection of fresh flowers, a little preparation, and a group of people ready to have fun.

So gather your blooms, set the table, put on some music, and let everyone create their own little floral masterpiece.

After all, there are few things more joyful than spending an afternoon surrounded by flowers.

Vanguard team building Flower Bar

Mother’s Day & Girls Night Out Flower Bar at Sweet Occasions, Peddlers Village

Flower Bar Supplies

Here is a convenient list of supplies that you can browse through when planning your event.

I look forward to getting to know you. Sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, and Pinterest.

Vanguard team building Flower Bar

How to Decorate Cakes with Fresh Flowers: Floral Wreaths, Crowns & More

Buttercream cake with a cake crown of rosemary, lavender and one bright pink anemone.

Buttercream cake with a cake crown of rosemary, micro flowers and blackberries.

What is a cake crown?

A cake crown is a miniature floral wreath designed to decorate the top of a cake, pie, or other dessert. Made with tiny herb cuttings, delicate foliage, and fresh or dried flowers, a cake crown is a beautiful way to bring the natural beauty of the garden to your dessert table.

While cake crowns are often used as fresh flower cake decorations for weddings, birthdays, showers, and other special occasions, don’t feel limited to cakes. These little botanical wreaths are surprisingly versatile. Generally ranging from 4 to 10 inches in diameter, they can be scaled to suit all kinds of celebrations and tablescapes.

Try using smaller cake crowns as floral napkin rings for a dinner party, or place them around individual place settings as a natural alternative to traditional flowers. They can also be used to embellish seasonal centerpieces—a miniature crown around a pumpkin in autumn or nestled around a vase filled with candy canes in winter.

Think of a cake crown as a tiny piece of flower art that can move beyond the cake. With a few fresh flowers, herbs, and bits of greenery, you can create a simple botanical decoration that works throughout your celebration.

Below is a time-lapse of me creating a cake crown from herbs, foliage, and flowers.

Time-lapse video of Kim Bensing creating a cake crown or mini wreath.

what you’ll need

To make a cake crown or mini floral wreath, you’ll need just a few simple floral design tools. Start with green florist wire. I typically use 22-gauge floral wire because it’s flexible enough to shape easily while still providing enough structure to support the flowers, herbs, and greenery. I prefer green wire because it blends naturally into the foliage and is less noticeable in the finished wreath.

If you already have another type of flexible floral wire on hand, you can certainly use it instead. Just make sure the wire is clean, unused, and appropriate for floral arranging.

You’ll also need small wire cutters, floral adhesive, and your favorite pair of flower snips. With these few basic tools, you’ll be ready to create your own fresh flower cake crown, mini floral wreath, or botanical cake decoration.

Supply list

Sturdy Greens & Foliage such as:
-Boxwood
-Rosemary
-Eucalyptus

A few mini fresh or dried flowers buds and pods:
(a few suggestions)
-Begonia
-Lavender
-Ranunculus

Green Florist Wire
Wire Cutters
Floral Snips
Flexible Ruler (is helpful but not required)
Floral Adhesive (Oasis is a reliable brand that I use)

How to make a cake crown topper or mini Floral wreath

Creating a cake crown topper or mini floral wreath is surprisingly simple once you have the right size wire base. For a cake crown that measures approximately 6 inches in diameter, cut about 12½ inches of floral wire from the roll. This gives you enough length to form the circle and wrap approximately ½ inch of wire around the opposite end to securely close the ring.

The amount of wire you’ll need will vary depending on the size and purpose of your wreath. A 6-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch cake crown will each require a slightly different length of wire.

Because I often create fresh flower cake crowns for cakes of different sizes, I like to use a flexible ruler to measure my wire ring precisely. This makes it easy to create a wreath that fits the top of the cake beautifully—large enough to make an impact, but not so large that it hangs awkwardly over the edges.

Taking a few extra moments to measure your cake crown topper before adding the flowers will give you a much more polished and professional-looking finished design.

Vanilla cake with a cake crown of rosemary, eucalyptus, and mini begonia.

• Prepare your supplies, flowers, and greenery. Gather everything on your work surface and snip your greens and flowers into manageable pieces that will work well with your floral wire frame. I like to create a small work area using a paper towel or, even better, a paper plate. The round shape makes an ideal work surface and helps protect your table or countertop from floral adhesive.

• Attach your first pieces of greenery. Place approximately three small dabs of floral adhesive on the back of two small base greens and allow the adhesive to set for about 30 seconds. Position the pieces on the wire, adhesive side down, facing in the same direction. Hold them gently in place for about one minute, or until they remain secure when you lift your fingers. Because the sprigs are small and lightweight, very little pressure is needed as long as the adhesive makes contact with the wire and has enough time to set.

• Continue layering the greenery. Once your first pieces are firmly attached, work your way around the entire wire frame, adding greens and foliage until the wire is completely covered. As you go, tuck the stem of each new piece underneath the end of the previous piece. This overlapping technique helps create a fuller, more natural-looking mini floral wreath while concealing the wire.

• Add your focal flowers. Wait a few minutes for the greenery to become secure before adding your flowers. This gives you a stable foundation and makes it much easier to create a balanced cake crown topper.

• Choose small flowers, buds, and botanical details. Small, tightly formed flowers, miniature buds, and seed pods work especially well for a cake crown. Look around your garden for interesting little blooms—even flowers growing from hanging plants can provide beautiful details. Dried flowers are also a wonderful option during winter. I especially love using strawflower saved from the fall because it holds its color beautifully. Don’t be afraid to incorporate interesting grasses and pods, too, as long as they are clean and won’t drop seeds, shed petals, or otherwise create debris on the cake.

Choose Flowers That Will Hold Up

When creating a fresh flower cake crown, it’s important to consider how well each flower or herb will hold up out of water. Some varieties are naturally sturdier than others, while delicate flowers and herbs can wilt quickly. Avoid anything that loses its shape easily, especially if your cake crown needs to look beautiful for several hours.

I usually keep my completed cake crowns refrigerated until it’s time to place them on the cake. This helps the flowers stay fresh and maintain their shape. If possible, use a clean refrigerator or a separate refrigerator without food, since food odors, moisture, and bacteria can affect delicate flowers.

Add the Flowers and Botanical Details

Once your greenery is securely in place, begin adding your small flower buds, seed pods, herbs, and colorful botanical accents. Use just a small dab of floral adhesive to attach each piece, working your way around the wreath and placing flowers wherever they create the most pleasing composition.

Try not to overdo it. One of the beautiful things about a mini floral wreath or cake crown is that it doesn’t need to be completely covered with flowers. Leave some of the greenery visible and allow the individual blooms to breathe. Often, the simplest floral cake designs are the most elegant.

Freshly made cake crowns can typically be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, making them easy to prepare ahead of your celebration. I’d love to see what you create, so please leave a comment and share your photos!

If you’re local to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I’m also available to create a custom fresh flower cake crown for you. Just give me a call or send me a text to get started.

For those who want to make their own, I’ve linked all of the cake crown supplies and floral design tools below for your convenience.

Chocolate cake with a cake crown of boxwood, eucalyptus, lavender, dried pods & micro flowers.

A Note About Flower Safety

Whenever you’re creating fresh flower cake decorations, choose flowers and herbs that are in season and know how they were grown. Avoid flowers that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that are not appropriate for use around food. It’s also important to research the flowers and herbs you plan to use, as some varieties can be toxic or poisonous.

Most importantly, remember that a cake crown is a decorative element, not an edible decoration. The flowers, greenery, wire, and adhesive should be removed before the cake is served.

Please clearly tell anyone receiving or serving the cake that the cake crown is NOT TO BE CONSUMED.

Layered naked cake with a cake crown of wax flower and blackberries.

HIRE A DESIGNER OR CREATE YOUR OWN

Whether you’d like to create your own floral cake decorations or have a professional design them for you, there are plenty of beautiful ways to bring fresh flowers and herbs to your celebration.

Explore more floral cake ideas to see examples of fresh flower cake designs, cake crowns, floral wreaths, and botanical cake decorations, along with pricing for custom designs by Studio Sprig.

Layered cake with a cake crown of boxwood, rosemary, lavender, & micro flowers.

I look forward to connecting with you!

I’m always here to inspire and support your creative journey. Sign up for Studio Sprig to receive new post notifications, creative inspiration, and fresh ideas delivered to your inbox. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more floral design, botanical inspiration, and beautiful ideas for celebrating with flowers.

Cake Crowns designed by: Studio Sprig
Cakes: One Sweet Baking Co.

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Wire Cutters

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Floral Wire

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Decorating Cakes with Fresh Flowers

Florals: Studio Sprig Cake: Sweet Victory

Elevate your event with a Floral cake

A beautifully decorated cake can become one of the most memorable details of any celebration, and a floral cake decorated with fresh flowers is one of my favorite ways to make a wedding, shower, birthday, or special event feel truly personal. Whether you’re planning an elaborate wedding cake or a simple celebration cake, the right cake flowers and floral design can beautifully complement your overall event décor, color palette, and style. While there are countless ways to decorate a cake, I’m partial to the natural beauty of fresh flowers on cakes. They add an effortless, romantic touch that feels both elegant and organic.

There are several beautiful ways to use fresh flowers to decorate a cake. Below are three of my favorite floral cake decorating ideas, from simple and understated to lush and abundant. Choose the approach that works best for your cake, aesthetic, and timeframe.

• Loose Flowers

• Floral Wreaths

• Floral Swags

Florals: Studio Sprig Cake: One Sweet Baking Co.

First, create a beautiful Palette

If you’re designing a cake decorated with fresh flowers, take a little extra time to create a beautiful setting that allows the cake and its floral design to shine. The cake itself is only part of the presentation—the cake stand, serving surface, and surrounding details can all contribute to the overall look.

You don’t necessarily need an elaborate cake pedestal or expensive display. Instead, focus on choosing a beautiful surface and setting that complements your floral cake design, wedding flowers, and event décor. A simple cake can feel instantly more special when it’s thoughtfully presented, allowing the fresh flowers and cake details to become a focal point of the celebration.

Cake Boards

Start with a simple but lovely cake board. A cake board sits underneath the cake, providing support and making it much easier to safely move and display your cake. You can find round, square, and rectangular cake boards in a variety of colors and finishes, from simple cardboard and classic white to elegant silver and gold.

For a floral wedding cake, choose a cake board that complements your cake design rather than competing with it. A beautiful board can provide a polished foundation while keeping the focus on the cake and its fresh flowers.

Pretty Pedestals

I especially love seeing fresh floral cakes displayed on cake pedestals. That little bit of extra elevation can completely transform the presentation, giving the cake more presence and making it feel like an intentional part of the overall event décor.

A pedestal cake stand is particularly beautiful for wedding cakes decorated with fresh flowers, where the added height allows the floral arrangement to be seen from every angle. Whether your style is romantic, elegant, rustic, or garden-inspired, the right cake pedestal can turn a simple cake into a beautiful focal point.

Simplify the Icing

When creating a cake decorated with fresh flowers, keep the frosting and icing design simple. A beautifully textured buttercream cake can provide the perfect backdrop for your floral arrangements without competing with them. The goal is to let the fresh flowers on the cake become the star of the design.

Palette knives are wonderful tools for creating subtle texture and movement in buttercream. You can also experiment with different icing colors to complement your wedding flowers, cake palette, and overall event décor. But when it comes to a floral cake, remember: less is often more.

If you’re ordering your floral wedding cake from a bakery, ask your cake designer to keep the icing relatively simple and understated. A clean buttercream finish, gentle texture, or soft color allows the fresh flowers to really shine and creates an elegant, cohesive cake design.

Pretty Cake Stand

Cake Boards

Cake Palette Knives

Florals: Studio Sprig Cake: One Sweet Baking Co.

Cake Design with Loose Flowers

One of my favorite ways to create a fresh flower cake is with loose flowers—simply arranging a few beautiful blooms and touches of greenery on and around the cake. This approach creates an effortlessly elegant floral cake design without making the cake feel overly decorated.

The key is restraint. Rather than covering the entire cake with flowers, choose a few intentional places for your blooms, such as an off-center arrangement on top, a delicate cluster along the side, or a few flowers tucked around the bottom edge. The goal is to create visual balance while allowing the cake itself to remain part of the design.

For a floral wedding cake, I also recommend keeping the icing and lettering simple. Too many decorative elements can compete with the natural beauty of the flowers. Let the fresh flowers on the cake be the focal point.

When it comes to floral cake decorating, simplicity is often the most beautiful choice. A handful of thoughtfully placed blooms can have far more impact than a cake overflowing with flowers.

The Best Loose Flowers for a cake

There are so many beautiful flowers you can use to decorate a cake, so choosing the right blooms can be a little overwhelming. The most important rule when creating a fresh flower cake is to make sure the flowers are appropriate for use around food.

Avoid using flowers that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals that are not intended for use around food. Because commercially grown and grocery-store flowers may be treated with products that aren’t suitable for cake decorating, it’s best to know exactly how your flowers were grown.

For the safest and most beautiful floral wedding cake, consider sourcing blooms from a local flower farm or another grower who can tell you how the flowers were cultivated. You’ll have more confidence in what you’re placing near your cake, while also gaining access to beautiful, seasonal flowers that can make your cake feel completely unique.

When choosing flowers for cake decorating, think beyond color. Consider the season, flower varieties, texture, scale, and how the blooms will complement your cake and overall event design. A thoughtfully chosen selection of fresh flowers can turn even a simple cake into a stunning centerpiece.

Herbs on Cakes

Herbs are another beautiful way to decorate a cake, especially if you love a more natural, garden-inspired look. Their delicate size, beautiful texture, and fragrant foliage make them wonderful additions to floral cakes and fresh flower cake designs. And many culinary herbs can be used in ways that complement the flavors of the cake as well as its appearance.

I especially love using small sprigs of rosemary and lavender on cakes, but don’t overlook lemon verbena and the many varieties of mint. Along with classic peppermint and spearmint, look for unusual varieties such as orange mint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and strawberry mint. I grow many different varieties on my farm, and they come in handy when creating beautiful, natural cake designs.

Florals: Studio Sprig Cake: One Sweet Baking Co.

How to Create a Floral Wreath

I love creating floral wreaths on cakes because they add such an elegant, garden-inspired touch. A fresh flower wreath can transform a simple cake into a beautiful centerpiece, and although it takes a little extra time to create, the finished result is well worth the effort.

create the Floral wire base

To make a floral wreath for a cake, I use medium-gauge floral wire. Floral wire is ideal because it’s flexible and easy to shape, allowing you to create a wreath in virtually any size or shape.

Start by measuring the diameter of your cake. Then, loosely cut and bend the floral wire into a circle that is slightly smaller than the cake itself. For example, if you’re working with a 9-inch round cake, create a wire circle that is approximately 7 to 8 inches in diameter. This allows the finished floral wreath to sit neatly on top of the cake without extending all the way to the edge.

Twist the ends of the wire together to close the circle. If you have floral tape, wrap the joined ends to cover any sharp or rough edges.

Next, take a longer length of floral wire and begin crisscrossing it back and forth across the original circular wire. Wrap the wire underneath the circle and back up with each pass. This creates a simple, open wire base for arranging greenery and flowers. You can see this technique in the photo below.

There are many ways to create a floral wire wreath base, so don’t worry about following this method exactly. The important thing is to create a sturdy, flexible base that gives you plenty of places to attach your greenery and flowers.

Layer the greens and herbs

Once you’ve gathered, washed, and thoroughly dried the fresh greens and herbs you want to use for your cake wreath, you can begin layering them onto the wire base.

Starting with your largest pieces of greenery, use a small amount of floral adhesive to attach each piece securely to the wire. Work your way around the circle, overlapping the greens slightly to create a full, natural-looking foundation for your floral cake wreath.

Once you have a good base of larger greens and herbs, begin adding smaller pieces on top. Layering different sizes and textures creates depth and gives the wreath a more organic, garden-inspired appearance.

Don’t be afraid to tuck small pieces of greenery into the gaps to conceal the wire and add movement and texture. Thyme is especially useful for this because its delicate stems can fill in small spaces beautifully. Keep layering until the wire base is completely hidden and you have a lush, natural foundation ready for your flowers.

Floral Wire

Floral Snips

Floral Adhesive

Flowers in the wreath

Now comes the fun part—adding the flowers! When creating a floral wreath for a cake, choose small to medium-sized blooms that will keep the wreath in proportion to the size of the cake. Smaller flowers tend to create a more delicate, balanced design without overwhelming the cake.

Some of my favorite flowers for small cake wreaths include Nigella, Bachelor’s Button, small pieces of Hydrangea, and Dianthus. You can also experiment with seasonal flowers from your garden to create a wreath that feels natural and unique.

When choosing flowers for cake decorations, however, be thoughtful about flower safety. Not every flower is appropriate for use around food, and some varieties can be toxic. Avoid flowers such as hellebore and any flowers you know to be toxic or that have been treated with chemicals that are not appropriate for use around food.

Important: A floral cake wreath made with glued flowers is a decoration only and is NOT edible. Make sure everyone serving the cake knows that the wreath should be removed before the cake is served. This simple step can help prevent any confusion and keep your beautiful floral cake display safe for everyone.

Finishing Touches

For the finishing touches on your floral cake wreath, add delicate flowers and herbs to soften the edges and create a more natural, abundant look. If you’re working with flowers that have small stems, such as lavender, place a small dab of floral adhesive on the stem and gently tuck the flowers into the wreath. These delicate sprigs can extend beyond the edge of the wreath, creating a beautiful herbal spillover that adds movement and texture to the cake.

Once your fresh flower cake wreath is complete, take a moment to inspect it from every angle. Look for any visible floral adhesive or exposed wire and cover those areas with additional greenery or flowers. The goal is for the wreath to look lush and natural, with none of the structural elements visible when it’s placed on the cake.

You can also add a layer of leaves underneath the wreath to conceal the wire base. This isn’t always necessary, especially since the wreath is a removable decoration that will be taken off before the cake is cut. What matters most is creating a beautiful, finished floral cake design from the perspective of your guests.

Florals: Studio Sprig Cake: One Sweet Baking Co.

What is a Flower Swag?

A flower swag is a little bit of floral art that I made up—and it’s one of my favorite shortcuts for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts with fresh flowers.

Quite simply, a flower swag is a small, wired floral sculpture covered with a bit of floral tape and accented with tiny flowers, herbs, and greenery. Unlike a full floral wreath for a cake, a flower swag is quick to create and can be tucked onto a dessert wherever you want a touch of botanical beauty.

It’s especially useful when you don’t have time to make a wreath but still want to add fresh flower cake decorations or a little flower art to cupcakes, cakes, and other dessert displays. A few strategically placed swags can make even a simple dessert feel special, romantic, and garden-inspired.

Florals: Studio Sprig

Building a Floral Swag

To make a floral swag for a cake or cupcake, start by cutting a piece of floral wire and bending it into a shape that complements your dessert. The wire can be curved, angled, or shaped to create a small botanical sculpture that will sit naturally on the cake or cupcake.

Once you have your shape, cover the ends and any visible or exposed sections of wire with floral tape. The floral tape creates a finished surface that makes it easier to attach your small flowers, herbs, and greenery with floral adhesive.

Think of a flower swag as being similar to a boutonniere, except instead of building your design around a flower stem, you’re creating it around a flexible wire base. This gives you much more freedom to shape the floral decoration exactly as you want.

For the black-eyed Susan shown above, I first taped the flower stem directly to the wire. The wire then acted like a small, rigid spring, allowing the flower to pop up playfully from the cupcake. It’s a simple technique that creates a wonderfully unexpected fresh flower cake decoration.

Florals: Studio Sprig

Swags are just fun!

Floral swags are such a fun and versatile way to add fresh flowers and botanical details to a dessert display. Use them around a cake table as little floral sculptures, or tuck them into cakes, cupcakes, and even pies for an unexpected pop of color, texture, and garden-inspired charm.

Because each flower swag is small and easy to shape, you can experiment with different flowers, herbs, greenery, and forms. There really are no hard and fast rules—play around with placement and scale, and see what works best with your cake and overall event design.

Thank you so much for visiting Studio Sprig! If you’d like more ideas and inspiration for decorating cakes with fresh flowers and herbs, take a look at How to Create Cake Crowns and Mini Wreaths from Herbs and Flowers.

I’m always here to help inspire your creative journey and bring a little more flower art and natural beauty to your celebrations. Stay inspired with Studio Sprig! Sign up to receive new blog post notifications, floral design inspiration, creative ideas, and seasonal projects delivered to your inbox. You can also follow Studio Sprig on Instagram and Pinterest for more floral inspiration, cake decorating ideas, botanical art, and creative projects.

How to make your own flower confetti

Flower Confetti for Styling Summer Tables

Forage from your gardens

• Take a walk around your gardens or a nearby meadow and bring your shears and a small bag or basket. Whenever I come across a flower with great color, I try to snip a few to use for flower confetti. Many cut flowers like to be cut regularly because this promotes new growth, so don’t be afraid to snip a few. If you are foraging in a meadow, make sure the petals are large enough, and if they are not, like with a wild daisy, snip the entire flower head.

Choosing flowers with colorful petals

Save every petal

• After foraging, lay everything out on a tray or towel to see what you have. Shoosh away any small insects and gently begin to remove the petals from the larger flowerheads before they turn brown

• You can separate and leave the petals to dry as is on a flat surface or …

• Place the petals in your dehydrator and set it to the lowest setting. Dehydrate for only about 1 hour or until all petals are completely dry but not brown. Be careful not to over-dehydrate; watch closely. All flowers are different, so this step needs to be monitored

Separating the petals from the centers

Store After Drying

• Separate and place the petals on a white plate so you can easily see the array of colors, and if necessary, wait several days to make sure they completely dry

• Discard any petals that have turned brown

• Store the dried petals in a wide-mouth jar without a lid or use a lid with air vents to allow air circulation and prevent molding.

Dried Peony Petals

Style Tables and Give Confetti Gifts

• Now on demand, you can create flower confetti jars to give as gifts. They make lovely summer picnic gifts, and they pair so nicely with baskets full of fresh herbs, vegetables, and homemade sourdough bread.

• Style pretty summer tables by sprinkling the flower confetti around candles, place settings, or amidst flower arrangements. Here is the list of all the supplies I use to create my own flower confetti. Enjoy!

Simple jars of Flower Confetti make wonderful gifts

Creating a Pressed Flower Frame

I really enjoy creating pressed flower frames, especially when I am making art from a beautiful bouquet.

Start with Fresh flowers

Nothing beats a stunning bridal bouquet as a starting point, but it’s critically important to keep the bouquet as fresh as possible after the wedding. Plan to keep the bouquet in water and refrigerated, or at least in a cool, dark spot, until you are ready to press. I gathered this bouquet 2 days after the wedding and began pressing immediately.

The Flower Press

I use this attractive wooden flower press from Aboofx. This wooden flower press not only looks appealing on a desk or counter, but it also comes with plenty of blotter paper, screws, and washers that allow me to easily apply ample pressing pressure. For a less expensive option, just buy loose sheets of Blotter Paper and press your flowers under several heavy books.

Press single Petals, Greens, and whole Flowers

Remember, it takes 4-6 weeks to press fresh flowers properly, but during that time, you can collect all the supplies you’ll need for your farmed art and rehearse the design you’d like to create.

Follow these steps when preparing the press:

• Eliminate all moisture from petals and flowers (air drying is best while the flowers are still on the stem, but in water)

• Cut off all thick stems as close to the flower as possible

• Pull apart the petals from thick, round flowers like roses and press the petals individually

• Take tiny cuttings from the greens and filler flowers like statice and baby’s breath

• Separate leaves for pressing if you choose to include them in the final design

• Use your best judgment when pressing small buds. If they seem too thick and full of moisture, do not try to press them

Layering the Blotter Sheets:

• Lay each flower, green leaf or petal, individually, and try not to touch other pieces

• When the blotter sheet is full, place another sheet on top and continue (be careful not to shift the sheets underneath)

• When all of the flowers, greens, and petals are positioned, cover the stack with one final piece of blotter paper before placing the press’s wood cover or your pile of heavy books on top

• Secure screws and washers, twist until tight, and the sheets cannot shift (only if using the flower press)

  *Pro tip: If you are pressing WHITE flowers, place the entire press, including the books, into a refrigerator for the duration of the press. This will keep the white flowers white. But if you want an antiqued, tea-stained look, then keep them at room temperature.

Choose A Nice Frame

The frame choice is very important because you want the finished piece to hold up and look wonderful. I always choose floating frames with glass, not plastic, because I think they showcase the flowers well. You can decide between white, black, metal, or wood finishes, and of course, there are many sizes. This bouquet was large, and I wanted to represent all of the flowers, so I chose the Americanflat 11x14 Floating Frame in Oak with Polished Glass.

Designing the Flowers and Petals

This is the fun part. Only after 4-6 weeks have passed and your flowers have had enough time to dry and press, should you begin designing. Test each layer of your press to make sure everything is ready. I like to lay each sheet on my table so that I can clearly see everything before I begin arranging.

Lay out your design

To begin, place one piece of the frame’s glass onto a soft work surface. I used a plain, white dish towel so nothing could scratch the glass.

Start by laying out your preliminary design to get an overall sense of where you want to place each flower. I like to use a tweezer to carefully lift each petal or leaf, remembering that everything is very delicate at this stage and the petals tear easily. Sometimes I create using a lot of white space, allowing the flowers to breathe, while other times I like to bunch items together. Design is really personal preference.

Once you have your vision in place, carefully place small glue dots behind each flower or leaf and lightly press them into place. Some layering is aesthetic, but be sure not to create too many layers; otherwise, your double-layered glass will not slide into the frame.

Assemble the Frame

When you are happy with your design, pick up the glass and make sure none of the pieces fall. If they do, just secure them with some more glue dots until everything stays in place. At this final stage, go over the entire design and make sure you do not see any glue from the front. If you do, place a small flower to cover it or remove the glue dot with your tweezers. Once everything is secure, slowly place the second piece of glass on top and assemble the frame.

I hope you enjoyed this blog

Have fun creating your pressed flower frames. Here is a short list of supplies you might like, including several unique press options for your convenience.

How to Preserve and Use Your Spring Flowers - All Year Long

Enjoying Spring Flowers

There’s nothing like the first blooms of Spring to brighten your day. The only trouble is that many perennials, like lilacs and peonies, don’t last very long. That’s why it’s very important to preserve them quickly if you’d like to use them in the future.

What You Can Do With Preserved Spring Flowers

• Create a Dried Bouquet or Host A Dry Bouquet Bar

• Create a Dried Arrangement or Host A Dry Arrangement Bar

• Create a Dried Wreath or Host A Dry Wreath Bar

• Create a Floral Memento or Host A Floral Memento Event

Fresh Hydrangea

Dry Hydrangea

How to Host A Dry Bouquet or Arrangement Bar

Hosting a Dry Bouquet or Arrangement Bar requires a fairly large room or outdoor space, depending on the size of the event, because you’ll need a table for displaying your flowers, as well as a workstation for each guest.

What You’ll Need

You should have at least one long table to display your dried flowers and greens, and at least one long 6-foot table per 3 guests. Arranging dried flowers does take up a fair amount of space, and it can get quite messy, so prepare with tablecloths. I like to stash big rubber bins under my tables for easy cleanup.

Provide each guest with a vessel or vase, and a flower snip to easily cut the stems.

And just like arranging with fresh, start each arrangement with your greens and work up to focal flowers. It’s much more difficult to design with dried flowers, as they are brittle and stiff. They fall apart easily, so be gentle when handling them. In shallow vessels, it’s a good idea to use a frog for stability. In the colorful arrangement above, I used chicken wire and shoved it into the iron, vintage vessel. It does a great job holding everything in place.

Host A Dry Wreath Bar

Wreath Bars are fun anytime of year, but especially around a seasonal change or holiday. Everyone likes a new wreath to hang on their door or wall.

What You’ll Need

All you have to do to host a wreath bar is display all of your previously made dried flowers and greens in attractive vessels and group items accordingly. Set up a few work tables or stations and invite guests to bring a wreath of their choice and a glue gun.

You can alternatively provide glue, glue guns and wreaths for everyone if you are hosting a bridal shower and want this to be a creative activity. But if this is just a fun event for friends, I recommend the “bring your own” wreath bar to keep things simple. This also enables each guest to choose the size and style of wreath they’d like to make.

Glue Guns

Grapevine Wreaths

Photos of the event are crucial so be sure to take lots.

Host A Dried Flower Framed Momento Bar

Framing a cherished memento is so satisfying. It’s a way to preserve a memory from a wedding, a birth, a precious handwritten card or note, or a photograph you just love with all your heart. Framed mementos make meaningful gifts all year long, so why not use your spring flowers and showcase special memories.

What You’ll Need To Create a Memento Bar

For this each guest will need only pressed, dried flowers, a memento, glue dots, and a frame. To prepare your flowers, you can use the pressing technique outlined below.

Arrange all of the flowers and green options on a big table, and give your guests an area to freely create their masterpiece. Provide each guest with a frame slightly larger than their memento. These floating glass frames work very well and they come in many sizes.

First, clean both pieces of glass. Then, use double-sided, clear tape or glue dots to place the memento wherever you want it on the first layer of glass. Now you can begin adhering the flowers. Be very careful, as dried, pressed flowers can be very delicate. You may want to provide some craft tweezers for precision.

When the design is finished, place the second piece of glass on top and assemble the frame.

Floating Glass Frames

Clear Tape

Craft Tweezers

There are Various Ways to Preserve Flowers

Here are four ways you can preserve your fresh Spring flowers.

• Dry Flowers in Silica

• Hang Flowers Upside Down

• Air Dry Flowers on a Flat Surface

• Flower Pressing

Flower Drying in Silica

To dry fresh flowers in silica, first you must prepare your containers and fill them with Silica Gel Flower Drying Crystals. I prefer using these Rubbermaid Containers with Lids to prevent spills. I normally have five containers going at once. Just line the bottom of each container with silica crystals and lay the flowers so that they are not touching or overlapping. Then pour more silica over the top until the flowers and stems are covered. Place the lid securely on the container and store for about a week in a cool, dark (but not moist) place.

Silica Gel Drying Crystals

Containers with Lids

When you remove the flowers from the silica, be careful not to break the flowers and stems, as they will be dry and brittle, but remarkably in tact. I always use a small spatula.

Hang Flowers upside Down

A very old and simple method of drying fresh flowers is simply hanging them upside down.

Game Changer Hooks

I have bunches hanging all around my home in the springtime, and I find the little, black hooks pictured below are especially helpful. They are typically used to hang utensils, but I’m able to attach flower bundles to almost anything with these little hooks - game changer.

Air Dry Flowers on a Flat Surface

There is nothing wrong with just placing your flowers on a flat surface and waiting for them to dry, but I would only do this if you prefer the crunchy look. Flowers typically shrivel when they dry this way while they retain their shape and texture with the silicon method above. However, with some flowers like lilac, I really like this look. I think it will be pretty when I use it on a wreath.

See the Difference

The lilac above was dried with the flat surface method, while the tulips below were preserved in Silica Gel Crystals. You can clearly see the difference.

Flower Pressing

You can also preserve your flowers by pressing them until they are dry.

For this method, carefully flatten and layer flowers between thick sheets of watercolor paper, then press them between heavy books, or buy a flower press and do many layers at once.

A Flower Press

I use this sweet Flower Press. What I love about it is the small profile. It’s only 11” square and fits nicely on a small table in my workspace and it would be right at home in a greenhouse. It comes with all the tools, papers, cardboard layers, and a travel bag.

Thanks for visiting. When preserving your Spring flowers, choose the method that works best for you and enjoy your flowers for as long as possible. I’d love to hear what you’re doing with your garden. Comment below.

How An Invitation Can Tell Your Love Story

Should Everyone have A Wedding Theme?

Today it seems most big events have a theme or a distinguishing thread that evokes an emotion or tells a story. However, not everyone wants a theme. Instead, you may have a small vision board, colors, or floral suggestions representing how you see your event unfolding. Here is how adding a touch of creativity to your existing idea can help you tell your love story in an interesting way.

what is your Love Story?

Most couples do not come to me with a theme, instead, they have some sort of special love story that they want to tell. Occasionally these stories are very unique, but more often than not the love stories are pretty typical.

This was the situation with Marisa and Corey. When they asked me to design their wedding invitation, they did not have a theme. They met while at Kutztown University, had dated for a few years, got engaged, and were now planning their wedding. So they hired me to find a way to tell their love story compellingly and creatively.

Designing A Love Story

Right from the start, Marisa and Corey knew they wanted sunflowers to be their wedding flower. These were the perfect choice because they are lovely to work with and very much in season in mid-August. Aside from being big, bold, and beautiful, sunflowers represent adoration and loyalty, so I thought they were a good start for a wedding invitation concept.

Step 1: Develop an interesting concept

I began this design project by writing a short poem about an adoring couple of sunflowers. Sunflowers needed to be the main characters so I broke the poem into three parts and began by designing the bright yellow text pages of this 8-page invitation book. Writing the poem text helped me develop the concept, in this case, the Sunflower.

Sunflower Concept: Although we often fall for surface beauty, it’s what’s underneath that’s important.

Here is the poem:

“A little bloom peeked out today, out of the earth and far away another bloom about the same came up to dance and feel the rain. They sunned and soared but always two, for each, alone, had much to do.”

“And then one day the sun went down, they looked beneath the garden’s ground. Below the tangled leaves they saw, inside the dirt, no light at all.”

“It’s not the beauty we can see, or bright, rich colors calling thee, It’s underneath and deep inside, undying love that’s true and tried.”

Step 2: Capture compelling Images

To capture the proper images to match the poem, I hired a renowned local watercolor illustrator, Jane Ramsey. Jane illustrated each poem’s page perfectly. I then brought her illustrations into my design program and gave each a thin border for definition. This helped define each sunflower illustration on the page opposite its corresponding bright yellow text page in the book.

Step 3: A good title says it all

The title “Intertwined” is centered on a deep soil-like background on the cover of this book. A small paper sunflower tied with a delicate string of raffia dangled over the saddle-stitched spine. All the pages were printed and bound by a professional printer. This book was the first thing guests saw when they slid open the invitation suite. The full suite consists of the love storybook, the loose wedding invitation that slides out of an envelope glued to the back inside of this book, a custom-designed response card, an accommodation card, and an envelope. You can see the full design and other love stories in my portfolio here.

designing your own concept invitation

If you want to tell your love story creatively, choose blooms, colors, or something special that embodies your emotions, and find a designer who can convey your heartfelt message to guests in a creative way.

Kim Bensing is the creative director behind Studio Sprig at Windy Hill. With the help of her 19th-century farmhouse and its vintage gardens, she shares floral styling strategies, custom stationery concepts, home DIY inspiration, and a new line of wallpaper and fabric designs. Join her on her artist's journey, one project at a time! Subscribe here

How to Design a Valentine Tree

Why I Designed a Tree FIlled with Love

As the Christmas season was coming to an end, I decided I wanted to enjoy our pretty tree a little longer. I knew I could get away with keeping our faux Balsam Hill Pine up through January dressed in its wintery guise, but what excuse did February have? That’s why, this year, I created a Valentine's Tree. Read on to see how I did it.

Transitioning a Christmas Tree

We created a pretty simple Christmas tree this year so the transition was easy. I first removed all of the Christmas balls but kept all the white lights and icicles. This step was very quick and with a semi-bare tree, I was able to then plan for February-appropriate decor.

Making a Valentine's Tree Topper

I considered keeping our glowing Moravian Star tree topper but decided that a Valentine's tree needed to better reflect Valentine’s Day. I considered a grapevine heart wreath covered in dried flowers but decided I’d like to just use found materials and make my own. This is how I did it.

Start with a basic shape

I took an old cardboard box and cut two identical free-form hearts. I then hot-glued a 10” doubled-up piece of floral wire about 4” deep inside the two panels and extended it out the bottom, so that I’d have something to wrap around the tree’s top branch. If I do it again, I will also extend the wire from each side so the heart has more stability when topping the tree.

Once the wire is secured, hot glue the hearts together. This step helps the topper to be more ridged and stable.

Designing the front of your heart topper

Start by designing one side of the heart with your dried flowers and moss. I used my professional-grade Ryobi glue gun, some reindeer moss, and the dried flowers I harvested this year. If you want to learn how to dry your own flowers, see my blog: Learn how to dry your own garden flowers. I didn’t have much of a design or plan, but I just kept filling in the cardboard as I went around the heart and eventually, one side of my heart was completely covered.

Designing side 2

When I finished side 1, I realized leaving the second side of the heart blank wouldn’t look very nice from the side view, so I cut up a coloring book, quickly glued it to the surface of the heart, and glued some leftover moss around the edges to finish it off. In retrospect, I would cover this side first with contact paper or something simple to make the job easier. You could also fill the back side with moss if you have it.

The Heart-Shaped Tree Topper

Here is the result. Not bad for a trial run. Later I’ll show you how it looks on the tree.

Hanging hearts on the Tree

Now the rest of the tree needed some LOVE-ly decor. I found these pretty heart ornaments in rose gold online. They are sold in sets of 45 so I only ordered one set. You can also get them in silver, pink, gold, red, and a pink, red & white combo.

Accenting with Vintage Valentine Cards

I also found some vintage Valentine ornaments to add some character to my tree. There are many types of interesting card ornaments to choose from on Amazon, so look around. Some are more childish which would be nice if you are creating this for your children or grandchildren.

The Unveiling

When all the little rose gold hearts and vintage Valentines were hung, I added a few large dried flowers and some colorful felt ball garlands that I had lying around.

I am very pleased with how this turned out and I’m happy I started a new tradition for our home. Don’t worry, if you’ve already removed your Christmas tree this year, you can plan for next February or grab some fallen branches from outside and place them in a garden pot to make a smaller Valentine’s Branch Tree. Anything is possible. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Create Oyster Shell Necklaces

Oyster Shells - All the Rage

Oyster shell art seems to be all the rage recently, and I’ve enjoyed learning how to create small jewelry dishes with these shells.

When friends of mine decided to design oyster dishes during our fall beach getaway, I thought why not try to make a few pendant necklaces instead? I couldn’t help but notice that several of the smaller oysters we had collected, already had natural holes, so it was the perfect opportunity to try.

Cleaning and Prepping the Oyster Shells

While on a weekend trip to St. Michaels, MD, I found a bucketful of oysters for sale. I rummaged until I found 10 perfect pendant-sized shells and brought them home to create some gifts. If you don’t have a beachy source to gather some oysters, you can always buy some online.

When home, I soaked the shells in a bucket of water with a bit of bleach for about an hour. I did this to remove any sand and contaminants that might still be lingering on the shells. The next step is to set the shells out to dry thoroughly so you can use a marker to indicate where you’d like to drill a hole, if there isn’t a natural one already.

Drilling the Hole

After you’ve marked the spot that you’d like a hole, decide on the size hole you like and match up the correct drill bit. I purchased 1.5mm round leather cord for my necklaces, but you can use an existing gold or silver chain too.

Set up your drilling station by placing the shell on a small piece of wood and keep a little dish of water nearby. You’ll want to wet the drill bit slightly and drop a few drops of water directly on the shell. This helps eliminate friction when drilling. If you do not have a drill, here is a good drill for small crafts.

Cover the Blemishes

After you’ve successfully drilled the holes and you know your shell did not split or break, you are ready to cover the dark blemishes on the inside surface. I have been doing this with white nail polish but a good opaque white paint works well too. You probably have one or the other lying around. You don’t want to skip this step because these dark blemishes will show up under your designs and ruin the overall look.

Adhere Paper Napkins

Now comes the fun part. Before you begin, you’ll want to acquire a variety of pretty paper napkins. These can coordinate with a holiday or season, a getway weekend, or maybe they are pulled from a collection of the prettiest paper napkins you’ve acquired or stolen from dinner parties all year long!!

Decide which design you’d like to use for your necklace or small dish. If your napkin is 2ply, be sure to carefully remove the underlayer so that only the printed layer remains. then cut the napkin with a scissor in the rough shape of the shell. Make sure your cut is larger than the shell itself. I try to make my cuts at least 3/4” larger on all sides.

Apply Mod Podge

Next, you’ll take your small paint brush and apply Mod Podge to the inside surface of the shell and let it set for about 30 seconds. Then, gently lay your napkin inside the shell cavity, face side up. It will crinkle a bit but lightly press it down with your fingers so that it sticks to the sides and bottom. Now, coat your brush with Mod Podge, and brush it over the napkin until every piece is glued down. You can choose matte or gloss Mod Podge depending on the look you prefer. Do your best to smooth out all the creases with your brush and when all of the inside surface is covered, allow your shell to dry for a few hours. The excess paper napkin will still be all around the edges and that’s okay, you will tear it away once it’s thoroughly dry.

Tear Edges

When your shell has completely dried it will not look that great, in fact it will look unfished. This is normal, the next step is what brings it to life.

Carefully hold your shell and start tearing off the excess paper napkin as gently as you can, all around the edges. If you tear too far and remove some from the inside, that’s okay, just patch the section with a tiny brush of Mod Podge if necessary to secure it to the shell and keep moving. You want to get it to where there are no loose edges of the paper at all around the perimeter. If you patch, be sure to let dry again.

Apply Gold Leaf Edge

Once every edge is torn and everything is dry, vigorously shake your gold leaf (or silver leaf) pen and begin drawing around the edges. You’ll want to shake the pen, and dab it a few times on a napkin to get the gold leaf flowing. Be sure to buy gold leaf and not just a gold marker because the ink is different and you won’t get the metallic leafing effect. Of course, if you are going for a different look and don’t want metallic, you can use a paint marker of any color. But again, be sure your paint marker is opaque and not just a typical marker because you want the outlining edge to cover over the edge of the napkin and define the shell. Have fun with this step by taking the pen into the design or highlighting edges on the back of the shell, as I often do.

Loop the Cord Through

The last step is to string the leather cord through the hole. You can tie it off with a simple slip knot if you’d like, or add beads to finish off the look.

Please attach photos of the necklaces you make after reading this blog. Have fun. There is a full supply list below.

Supplies for Oyster Necklaces

Oyster Shells

Scissors

Drill / Bits

White Nail Polish

Napkins

Matte Mod Podge

Gloss Mod Podge

Small Brush

Gold Leaf Pen

Silver Leaf Pen

Leather Roping

How to Create a Stunning Centerpiece

Start with a great base

A few months ago I found this fantastic cement pedestal planter on Facebook’s Marketplace. It’s very heavy but I managed to get it into my car with a little help from the seller. I was lucky with this one because the beautiful white paint patina was only flaking off a little bit -just enough to show the age, but not enough to ruin my kitchen, where I decided to showcase this rare beauty. Look around garden centers for one of your own and if you’d like to recreate a smaller version of this, I found this replica.

Find A wreath to cover the top

I found this medium silvery wreath floating around, so I decided it would make a great base for my arrangement. It hides the chicken wire mechanics I placed inside the planter for stem stability and it covers the opening enough without hanging too far over the gorgeous, detailed edges. In hindsight, a looser green wreath would work just as well, and if you only have one that hangs over the edges a bit, that would be okay too because it would look soft and flowing. That being said, I recommend looking around your house for something that fits your decorative base well and if you can’t find something then quickly create a small wreath with wire and fresh greens, branches or even faux foliage. Here is a good starting point if you can’t find or make something. Consider pulling apart an old, worn-out wreath and filling it with something new and fresh, but be sure it will compliment your focal flower color palette nicely.

Focal Flowers

When choosing my palette for this winter arrangement, I went with creamy whites and browns so that my design could last all winter and not need to be changed out soon after the Holidays. I decided to use these faux Magnolia branches and a few off-white wooden stems I had lying around. The Magnolia stems are a mix. I found some at a home decor boutique and I found some at Michaels, The wooden flowers came from Trader Joe’s and I’ve had them for years.

The Execution

To fill in the planter, I began by placing each large Magnolia branch so that it loosely spilled out over the scalloped edges of the planter. I had to bend each long, wired stem so they’d be short enough for the planter. I didn’t want to cut them because I may use them differently next year. Once bent, I liked the way they just randomly popped out here and there on all sides.

Secondary Flowers

Next, I began anchoring the wooden flowers so they’d create height in the center. of the arrangement These stems are held up with the chicken wire inside under the wreath. This is important because, without the inside structure, I would not be able to get this grand height. You could also use floral foam, but I try to stay away from foam whenever possible.

Filler Flowers

Once all the creamy Magnolias and wooden flowers were placed where I wanted them, I grabbed a big bundle of muted dried Hydrangea that I picked from my own gardens, and began filling in the spaces. Dried Hydrangea are a bit messy, but they are so nice and fluffy and they do a great job covering up all the stems and rounding out the arrangement. And I don’t mind mixing faux, silks, and dried, as long as my color palette is pleasing and the overall aesthetic is textural and nice. And if you can’t use dried, here is a link for faux Hydrangea stems.

the End Result

So here is the result. A wintery mix of Magnolia & Hydrangea placed smack dab in the middle of my small, antique, kitchen island. It takes up most of the surface, but I love that. And my favorite part is that I do not have to disassemble after Christmas. This color scheme will take me through the winter very nicely. I hung a few dried oranges from the arrangement on Christmas Eve and I may hang a few small hearts for Valentine’s Day. Please tell me what you think. XO - Kim

Supplies for the Magnolia Cement Planter Design

Replica Pedestal Planter (small)

Wreath

Magnolia Stems

Dried Oranges

Small Hearts

Faux Hydrangea Stems

Wooden Flowers (I found mine at Trader Joes)

How to Make Sentimental Easter Eggs

Easter is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about easy-to-do spring decor ideas. Sentimental eggs that tell a story are a great way to add interest to the season. Creating a decoration that you can display every year is a meaningful way to enjoy a happy memory, and reusing something worn and weathered is a great way to honor the environment too.

Why maKE sentimental eggs?

Last year I created these pretty floral eggs with a vintage pillowcase that has a story. This particular pillowcase was part of a set of vintage sheets my mother chose for me when I was a child. When my children were small I hired a seamstress to design clothing using some of my hand-me-down vintage sheet sets (don't worry, I will blog about that soon because they were awesome!). But this time I made eggs instead.

This particular pink and green pillowcase above was an outlier that I was mixing in here and there with my other linens. I used it for many years and always took great care of its delicate nature, however, as expected over time it wore very thin. One day, my washing machine completely shredded it and I was sad because it reminded me of my mother. So instead of throwing it in the garbage, I wondered what I could do to preserve it. I decided since Easter was my favorite holiday, that I'd try to create a few decorative eggs so that I could enjoy this childhood memory every year going forward. The samples I created tell a story, so they are now the first set of what I am calling my Story Eggs.

the BEST FABRIC FOR MAKING story eggs

I used floral, vintage sheets from my childhood, but you can also use any scrap of sentimental fabric you can find. Maybe it is a small clipping from your grandmother’s wedding dress or a cutting from your child’s favorite cotton onesie. I would recommend hunting for thin cotton as it's much easier to work with. For reference, thin, vintage pillowcases are the perfect texture and work very well.

Estate sales and thrift shops are great places to hunt for fun and fabulous vintage cloth. You don't need much fabric for this project so if you go to a fabric shop ask if they have quilting squares, as that's another great source that won’t cost a lot. If you’ve never heard of Spoonflower, they also have the option to order an 8”x8” square swatch for just $5 with any pattern you choose, and better yet you can even upload your own pattern designs and create your own custom fabrics. Imagine uploading your child’s artwork, creating a pattern, and having spoonflower print it on fabric. I’ll put a link at the bottom for you to see what I am talking about. I have also included more links for pillowcases and trims at the bottom of this post. Use your imagination and gather what works best for you to create your own memorable Story Eggs.

WHAT TYPE OF EGGs SHOULD I USE?

I don't like to use real eggs because they are hard to work with and they can crack and spoil over time. I also don't recommend plastic eggs because they aren’t substantial enough. Instead, I recommend using an assortment of really nice wooden eggs.

Here I used very inexpensive white wooden eggs, but you can also order brown wooden eggs. And I also found a collection of white, brown, and pale green wooden eggs which closely resemble the chicken eggs I buy from my neighbor.

Creating a Story Egg with your own sentimental vintage fabric is an easy and fun DIY project that is sure to reignite happy memories. Even children can create these eggs using the simple directions below. With just a few supplies and your creativity, you can make beautiful eggs that will make your Easter and Spring celebrations even more special. When finished, pop them into a child’s easter basket, or present them as a housewarming gift in a simple pottery bowl as I did. They can just be little decorations complimenting your larger Easter Table Ensemble or let the creation of your Story Eggs be an “egg painting alternative” for a family gathering. Either way, I hope these eggs spark many sentimental conversations. Whether your creations are used to decorate for the holiday, become a new family craft, or are given as gifts, try to come up with a new Story Egg idea each year so that this can become a cherished part of your traditions.

To create a story egg you will need:

SUPPLIES:
Fabric Scissor
Small Paint Brushes
White wooden eggs
Mod Podge (Matte Finish)
Fabric

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:
Brown wooden eggs
White, brown, and pale green wooden eggs
Mod Podge (Gloss Finish)

Pink Vintage Inspired Pillowcases
Blue and Green Vintage Inspired Pillowcases
Purple Floral Inspired Pillowcases
Rick Rack Trim various colors
Egg Cups for drying
Translucent Bags

CREATE YOUR OWN FABRIC WITH SPOONFLOWER:
Spoonflower Custom Fabric Squares

FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

Step 1: Prep wooden eggs

With a slightly damp cloth, clean your wooden eggs to make sure they are free of any dust and debris.

Step 2: Cut fabric designs and patterns into small pieces

Use a fabric scissor to cut around your designs and patterns, breaking them into small portions. Smaller sections, not larger than 2” work best. I simply cut around each flower and stem.

Step 3: Decoupage your eggs

Break out a roll of paper towels to cover your work surface, then use a small paint brush and a small amount of decoupage glue (I use Mod Podge) on the egg (only in the area you'll be adhering your first piece). Then place the piece on that glue. Let dry.

Once you've gone around the entire egg and placed all of your pieces, you are ready to paint Mod Podge over all the fabric pieces and all bare egg surfaces as well. If you choose a matte finish they will dry like mine. A gloss finish is another option. All links are below.

Step 4: Dry your Eggs

This is a great time to pull out your mini egg cups or deviled egg dishes if you have some. The eggs need a place to dry so they do not roll around. You can also use the underside of an egg carton.

Step 5: Display or Package Your Story Eggs

Once your eggs are completely dry, find a pretty bowl or basket for display. If your eggs are created from a sentimental fabric you may want to place each one into a special little translucent bag as I did below and give them to members of your family. You may also choose to add painted polka dots, stripes, or a wedding date or name to complete the memory. This is completely optional.

I’d love to see your Story Eggs or hear about other ways you’ve made sentimental eggs from things you love. If you are enjoying my blog, please share it with friends and subscribe here so you can read the next one.

If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. If you enjoyed this Creative Inspiration you may also like this: DIY HERB DRYING RACK: HERB DRYING AT HOME

How to Enjoy The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

The Philadelphia Flower Show Water Feature

If you are from the northeast or live anywhere near Philadelphia, I am sure you've heard of The Philadelphia Flower Show. Flower enthusiasts come from far and wide to this grand event every year. Many of them probably do not even realize it's the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world!

The Flower Show is produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society annually at the beginning of March and is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center which provides the show with 2.3 million square feet of exhibition space, the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast. During the two years of the pandemic, the show was moved outside to fdr park and it was moved to the month of June.

PA Convention Center - Photo: www.discoverphl.com/

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, that uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. They use the funds to provide low-cost gardening programs, create community gardens, support neighborhood programs, design and maintain free public gardens, and plant trees. This year's show began on Saturday, March 4, and it runs until Sunday, March 12, so there is still plenty of time to get there. If this is your first time I hope this encourages you to go.

The hours are:

March 4, 10, 11: open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

March 5 - 9: open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

March 12: open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Philadelphia Horticultural Society Photo: phsonline.org

Flower Show Themes Through the Years

Every year the Horticultural Society chooses a new theme. The 2023 theme is "The Garden Electric". Some creative themes through the years have been:

• 2022 In Full Bloom

• 2021 Habitat

• 2020 Riviera Holiday

• 2019 Flower Power

• 2018 Wonders of Water

• 2017 Holland: Flowering the World

• 2016 Explore America

• 2015 Celebrate the Movies

Flower Power Theme 2019 - Photo: PhillyVoice.com

The Flower Show Exhibitors

Floral designers and exhibitors are carefully chosen. You'll find professionals, nonprofessionals, universities such as my alma mater, The University of Delaware, and locals like Temple's Tyler School of Art and Architecture and Delaware Valley University all represented. And keep in mind it's not only about well-known floral studios and their gorgeous displays, you'll also see fascinating exhibits from The Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, The Pennsylvania Bonsai Society, and The Men's Garden Club of Philadelphia to name just a few. The full 2023 list of exhibitors can be found here.

Florastruck: The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show Entrance Garden

Find Your Favorite

My favorite exhibit this year has to be “The Cerebral Garden”: Look for a giant brain with electrical synapses emanating from a large white tree. Designed by Jennifer Designs, this full immersion experience is truly unique and one I did not expect while waiting in line. The designer invites visitors to step inside the lobes of the brain. There is an interactive feature explaining how electrical impulses shape our thoughts and perceptions. In my opinion, it's a great interpretation of this year's theme Garden Electric.

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

The Cerebral Garden Exhibit - Photo: Kim Bensing

Don’t Skip The Student Exhibitors

Do yourself a favor and keep your eyes open for the Pressed Plant Art exhibit, Bugging Out Over Color, in the Design Gallery portion of the show. These works were created by the 5th-12th grade students from Tredyffrin/Easttown School District under the supervision of the brilliant fine artist and my dear old friend Khara Flint. These little framed delights really exemplify the beauty that pressed flowers can and should provide. I wanted to buy one for my home. Thank you, Khara!

“Bugging out over color” -Pressed Paper Student Exhibition led by Artist, Khara Flint

Take Advantage of Some Special Events

Throughout the entire week, you'll find various events to keep you busy no matter what day you go.

On March 5-12, you can participate in an Early Morning Tour where you can buy a separate ticket for a two-hour tour with a longtime attendee ($110 fee). Early Morning Photography Tours are also available from March 6 to 10 ($130 fee). Both start at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.

Floral Tutus

When you first arrive, you'll walk right through Artisan Row. Here you can make candles, and botanical jewelry, create handbags and flower crowns, design succulent terrariums, and even participate in a dried flower bar. These events have an additional fee depending on the event you choose.

The Dry Flower Bar at the Philadelphia Flower Show

There is free live music at the flower show every day beginning at noon. Every year the show features a flower crown Bloom Bar ($33 fee). On March 5th you can enjoy Design & Dine: Create your own floral arrangements while sharing a meal ($40 fee). With the show's Potting Parties, you can learn the art of container gardening with flower designer Tu Bloom ($10 fee). There's even a dance party called Flowers After Hours on March 11 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. This year the theme is Garden Noir; participants will wear all-black attire and masks. Must be 21 and over with an ID ($75 fee).

Take Your Kids & Pets

There is a Kid's Cocoon featuring a play area for children to learn about pollinators, plant seeds, and take them home. On March 12, children can partake in face painting, giveaways, mascot visits, and more with Family Frolic. On March 10, they are offering Fido Friday where you can bring your furry friends to the Flower Show. Each day the Butterflies Live experience lets you enter a butterfly habitat, enjoy the experience and respectfully take pictures. ($5 fee).

Butterflies Live at The Philadelphia Flower Show - Photo: phsonline.org

Talk to a Few Vendors

I always look forward to the spark of joy I get when I visit the vendor section of the flower show. The show hosts many interesting vendors each year, so many that they take up almost half of the entire convention center. The full is can be found here.

I have a few vendors I always hunt for whenever I go. This year I stopped by booth #116 to visit my social media friend and vintage jewelry designer extraordinaire Jill Schwartz. I've been following Jill to the flower show for years and I own several of her designs. She studied design at Pratt and she just has such a warm, kind personality. She also has an exciting presence on Instagram if you indulge. Check out Elements Jill Schwartz.

Elements Jill Schwartz - Photo: Kim Bensing

My other go-to vendor is Glenda Gies (booth #809). Glenda is a local handbag designer from Philadelphia. I was first drawn to Glenda's designs a few years ago when I purchased my first bag at the flower show. Glenda uses the most exquisite tactile fabrics on her handbags which come in many stylish, vintage-inspired shapes. I met Glenda for the first time this year, and I own two of her fabulous handbags, which you can purchase at a discount only at the flower show. Check out Glenda Gies.

Glenda Gies Handbags - Photo: Kim Bensing

I was very happy to find Doylestown’s own Bluestem Botanicals among the vendors this year at The Flower Show. Bluestem is an herbal farm collective that connects people with plants for food, and medicine. I had the pleasure of participating in a tented potluck dinner and farm tour this past summer in Doylestown. Here at the show, founders Eric and Linda are serving guests a sample of a refreshing blueberry mocktail, spritzed with one of their herbal hydrosols. Check out their yummy “Drink Your Garden” farm-crafted, botanically-focused cocktail/mocktail kits when you visit them at the show.

Founders of Bluestem Botanicals, Eric Vander Hyde and Linda Shanahan Photo: Kim Bensing

How to Buy Tickets to The Flower Show

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society produces the show, so you must buy your tickets on their website provided here.

Adult tickets: $43.50

Student tickets: $30.00 (with a valid student id)

Child tickets (5-17): $20.00

Children under 5 are free

There are two packages: two adults and one child ($100) or two adults and two children ($120)

If you order online there is a small fee, but I recommend doing this in advance of your trip to avoid long lines, especially if you choose to go on a weekend.

If you become a member of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society online, you can get discounted tickets and Member’s Preview Day tickets are also an option. This preview takes place the Friday before the show opens. Everything is very well explained on their website above.

Garden Electric…

Ice Cream Cone Man

How to Travel to The Flower Show
I happen to live in a Philadelphia suburb, approximately 20 miles from downtown Philadelphia, so each year I hop on the regional rail (SEPTA) just a few blocks from my home and it takes me to Jefferson Suburban Station which conveniently is underneath the PA Convention Center. The train ride is easy and stress-free because I do not have to find parking, walk in the city at all or even wear a coat as the outdoor regional stations have heating lamps. And Jefferson Suburban Station is one of the main hubs in center city, Philadelphia, so if you have rail service where you live, download the SEPTA app and find your best route. In addition, I found this handy guide in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I hope it helps.

Bike: 19 minutes from South Philly, 30 from North or West Philadelphia.

Buses: Take lines 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 33, 34, 36, 38, 42, 47, and 48.

Subway: On the Market-Frankford line, the 11th Street Station leaves you within a three-minute walk from the Convention Center. On the Broad Street Line, the Race-Vine Station will leave you a minute away from the venue.

Regional Rail: Get off at Jefferson or Suburban Station.

If you choose to drive into the city, the address is below. There are plenty of city parking garages nearby so the Convention Center should only be a short walk.

PA Convention Center
1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Giant Paper Flowers from Ukraine

Peace Doves

How to Eat at The Flower Show

In years past there were various local establishments like Philly's iconic Di Bruno Brothers sprinkled throughout the convention center for easy eats. This year Aramark Hospitality took over that function. The Convention Center's Overlook Cafe is another option if you prefer to stay inside. But if you want to experience the local flavors Philly has to offer check out Philly's famous Reading Terminal Market located just across the street or walk over to Chinatown, another nearby option.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Please leave comments below if you’ve experienced The Flower Show firsthand and if it’s still on your list, I hope this inspires you to go this week. If you live far away, consider a trip to Philadelphia next March. The Show certainly prepares you for the beauty that is spring! You can subscribe to this blog here. Thank you. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

Hellebore Detail - Photo Kim Bensing

Let's Save The Bees

The Good of the Hive Mural @ St. James Parish- Scout Bee

Introducing my favorite environmentally-conscious mural artist, Matt Willey.

After one little encounter with a small honey bee, Matt has lovingly begun a global art project: The Good of the Hive. His commitment to this project is to hand-paint 50,000 honey bees – the number in a healthy, thriving hive – in murals around the world. Matt's mission is to ignite radical curiosity and active engagement around planetary health issues through art, bees, and storytelling. I invite you to learn more….

The Western Honey Bee

Honey bees are not a native North American species. European honey bees (Apis mellifera) were originally imported for honey production in the 17th century, 1622 to be exact. Interestingly the Native Americans dubbed them "the white man's fly." I'll bet you didn't realize that a honey bee can fly up to 15 miles per hour and that a honey bee worker only makes an average of 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime and that to make just a pound of honey there need to be 2 million flower visits! -so please savor your honey, this is not an easy task for our little friends.

The Good of the Hive Mural @ Carrboro Fire Station, Carrboro, NC

“Bees never forget that they are part of something bigger than themselves… their hive is a part of them. What if we embodied this idea? What if we got curious about the world and each other again instead of intimidated by it? This is why I turn walls into windows – to remember that we are all connected… that separation is an illusion.” -Artist, Matt Willey

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Honey Bee Colonies

A honey bee colony typically consists of three kinds of adult bees: workers, drones, and a queen.

• The job of the queen: Lay eggs

• The job of the drones: Mate with the queen

• The jobs of the worker bees: Gather nectar, Guard the hive and honey, Care for the queen and larvae, Keep the hive clean, and Produce honey.

As you can see honey bees are social insects. They live together in well-organized groups called colonies. Individual bees cannot survive without the support of the colony. To learn more read this comprehensive article published by the University of Delaware.

The Good of the Hive Mural @ North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC

the health of our planet

Through Matt’s mural art, he is able to inspire education about our planetary health. He believes that human and planetary health is collective, and the global hive he is painting is a metaphor for the connectedness of all things. Six years into an estimated 20-year project, Matt has created 35 murals and installations with over 8600 hand-painted bees. He has reached hundreds of thousands of people and created large-scale works at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington DC, and at Burt’s Bees Global Headquarters. He has collaborated with the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations (WCPUN) and NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks Public Art Program. He has painted in a Tony-Winning Broadway star’s dressing room and his bees are on display at the American Embassy in Beijing, China.

The Good of the Hive Mural @ Harold P. Curtis Honey Co. Labelle, FL

Bees mean Business

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, honey bees pollinate $15 billion worth of crops in the United States each year, including more than 130 types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. 2.70 million bee colonies in the United States, alone, produced 126 million pounds of honey in 2021. That year, the value of honey production in the United States was $321 million according to USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

The Good of the Hive Mural

The Importance of Bees

A study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, has shown that honey bees are the world's most important pollinators in natural ecosystems across the globe. Did you know, that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one-third of our diet comes from insect-pollinated plants, and the honey bee is responsible for 80% of that pollination? In a single year, one honey bee colony can gather about 40 pounds of pollen and 265 pounds of nectar.

“The Art Starts Creating You” - Matt Willey

Worker Bee, Matt Willey - The Good of the Hive Mural Artist

The Importance of Matt

Follow Matt @thegoodofthehive as he visits schools and communities around the world educating our collective whole about the importance of our bees. In 2023 Matt will continue to move forward in the creation of The Good of the Hive's first documentary film. See the short film trailer by clicking here. Matt could really use some love on this project to keep it moving forward. Plus you can receive rewards and possibly have your name in the credits! 

Apiarist: Beekeeper

The scientific name for the honey bee is Apis mellifera, therefore an apiarist is a person who is commonly referred to as a beekeeper and makes a living keeping honey bees. Likewise, an apiary is a location where the hives of honey bees are kept. Apiaries come in many sizes and can be rural or urban depending on the honey production operation. 

Here on our farm, Windy Hill, we've enlisted the help of local Apiarist, Mark Antunes. Mark cares for our bees, extracts all honey, and because of our northern weather patterns, he even transports them to more temperate climates each winter. This has proven to be a good thing for their continued survival. Mark is always seeking host farms in this local area for his honey bee hives. If you would like to contact Mark, reach out to me in the comments below and I will get you in touch. I've also included a list of expert websites for your convenience.

• The Bucks County Beekeepers

• Bucks County Bee Company

• American Beekeeping Federation

rural and urban beekeeping

Rural Beekeeping is really just using a patch of land in more of a rural area used to raise bees. (it does not have to be a farm). Apiarists position one or more honey bee hives in this natural environment to support more pollination. The bees go to work quickly providing their services to enhance the growth of wild flowers, clover, vegetables, and more. If you are thinking about providing your own natural habitat for bees in the future, keep in mind a host farm requires plenty of food sources, water, and a healthy environment with plenty of natural resources such as grass, trees, and plants, and of course, it's important for there to be no pesticide use whatsoever. For your convenience, I've included a short list of supplies you may want to consider at the end of this blog.

Urban Beekeeping is just what it sounds like, an organic method for a city or town to diversify its ecosystem. If you are considering becoming an urban beekeeper, you must first do some research. Be sure to make sure it's legal to keep bees in your town or city. Next, be sure your bees will have enough space and the necessary food and water in order to thrive. Then, be sure to check with your neighbors, because although honeybees are generally not aggressive, if threatened they will sting and it’s very important to always see the advice of a skilled beekeeper before trying this at home.

Honey jars from the honey bees at Windy Hill Farm, PA

Keep some bees

Bee-Keeping Supplies
Beekeeping Suit for men
Beekeeping Suit for women
Beehive
Beehive Smoker
Beehive Smoker Pellets

Honey Serving Supplies
Small Honey jars with cork lids
Small Jar Labels
Honey dipper sticks

The Artist Matt Willey - The Good of the Hive

What is Colony Collapse Disorder

Honey bee health is something we humans have been struggling with in recent years as our honey bee populations have been dwindling. To help you understand, Colony Collapse Disorder is the phenomenon that occurs when the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear and leave behind a queen, a plentiful food supply, and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees. There is often a combination of environmental factors and other stresses to consider when determining what has a significant effect on bee declines, including humanity's negative impacts.

Honey bee stressors and a link to learn more.

• Use of pesticides

• Stress due to management practices

• Varroa destructor mites

• Israeli Acute Paralysis virus and the Nosema parasite

• Climate change and habitat loss

• Not enough food or poor nutrition

If you enjoyed this blog please feel free to comment below. I read every inspiration that comes my way. Subscribe if you like this blog. Thank you. - Kim

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Pink Dahlia with honey bee

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10 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Event or Wedding

Boutonniere design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Karmapants

There is so much that goes into planning any event large or small, and remembering to keep things simple and reduce your carbon footprint may be your most difficult challenge. Did you know that the average wedding produces a massive 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of CO2? It's not surprising to me, having worked in the industry for over 25 years, but it is disappointing.

The good news is that there are many eco-friendly ideas you can implement when planning your next event if you don’t want to contribute to that excessive waste. Whether it's your wedding day, or just a big day celebration, always considering your environment and your carbon footprint is very important.

First, try breaking your event down into manageable bites by making two lists: "must-haves" and "can live without". You'll quickly find that it's not as difficult as you may have thought and sorting now helps to simplify everything later. Here are ten things to closely consider when planning your day.

1. Consider a Micro event

When creating your guest list, remember it's quality, not quantity that matters. Good news, some of the most special events are very intimate affairs. Although the word micro doesn't only have to describe your guest list, there are plenty of ways to "Go Micro" for the environment, and still have a sizable guest list.

2. Hire an event Planner

At first, an event planner, 'day of', or coordinator might seem like an extravagance that you can't afford, but hiring an event or wedding planner may prove to be your best decision overall, and here's why. Planners plan all day, every day. They know the venues, the entertainment, and all of the little idiosyncracies that might trip you up along the way. They can save you a lot of time, wedding waste, aggravation, money, and especially all that running around. So don't rule them out before you begin. Consider your location, time availability, and energy level. Where are your efforts best allocated?

Venue Hotel Du Village. Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Cultivating Joy Flowers. Photography by Elle Studios

3. find A Beautiful Venue

When hunting for a venue, it's a good idea to open your eyes wide and focus on everything, not just capacity and catering options. Look in every corner of the interior, entryways, hallways, bathrooms, and outside in the gardens, parking lots, and all around the grounds where your guests may wander. Take it all in, because this is one area you can really save a bundle.

We all know what it can cost to decorate an empty social hall, school, or ill-styled restaurant. Sure, the price may be fine and they may provide you with tables and chairs, but is that enough? Chances are you'll need to provide all of your own linens, centerpieces, flower embellishments, arches, favors, candles, and sometimes even food. The list can go on forever. But some more inclusive venues provide most of those things and provide you with the proper ambiance that wipes all of the other items off of your list.

Take this gorgeous barn, for instance. It belongs to a good friend of mine and requires minimal embellishment to make it really pop for a small-medium event.

A micro-event at Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm.

Beautiful venues really focus on visual impact. When touring, take a good look around outside because so many venues have beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens that need no embellishment at all. The decore is built-in. In fact, adding decor can actually take away from the natural beauty that is already there. In some cases, you can host your entire event in a garden space and not need to purchase anything to enhance the event. The flowers and greenery are already all around you! And be inquisitive, many venues today offer a room full of rentable decor, candle votives, large flower planters, and other items for your tables Some even offer these items to customers free of charge. Always ask the venue coordinator, you may be surprised by what they already have and are willing to provide. This is always a better option than buying everything new if you are only intending on using it for one day.

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Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

Here is a peek into Cassia & Justin's green wedding on a beautiful farm property in East Greenville, PA. The wedding took place during covid and the couple did a wonderful job creating a micro event that mimicked an old country wedding. After a couple’s photo session next to the barn and in the fields, everyone walked from the outdoor ceremony up the small hill to the reception which was inside a glass-enclosed mini barn. Most guests stayed overnight on the property at the Inn, just a few steps away. The reception decor was simple and consisted of buckets of fresh flowers and herbs which the bride and maids placed onto three unique micro cakes and into small glass bottles. Photography courtesy of Littlewing Studios.

Herbs grown by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

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4. beg, borrow or thrift

If your event is repeated and let's say you host annually, then I'd suggest just purchasing the linens and other necessary items once, and using them as much as possible, but if renting or borrowing is available to you and that makes more sense, then do it.

Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

When searching for vases, candle holders, or other tableware, I suggest always starting at consignment or thrift shops. Antiques are always nicer than new and giving these items a second look is commendable and very green.

I also always encourage my clients to borrow. It’s likely a friend or family member has just the thing you are looking for. Over the years I’ve created many centerpiece arrangements using cherished family heirlooms as the vessel. Delicate teacups, a vintage bottle collection, you name it. Added bonus: there’s often a sentimental story attached to these pieces and guests enjoy hearing it.

5. Host an event At Home

Don't underestimate the space you have right under your nose. This idea always scares people, but using your own home is an easy way to reduce your costs tremendously if cost is a concern. You do not need large furniture or vast spaces to entertain at home. Honestly, I've hosted many events here on our farm both outside in the yard, and inside in our four small lower-level rooms. Our home is not big because it's 172 years old and the rooms were designed to keep people warm and close. But because we always knew we loved to entertain, we made a few good renovation choices over the years and they have helped us achieve this goal successfully.

Many of us have incorporated a patio or deck into our outdoor landscapes. These areas are always great choices for hosting a warm-weather event. I've hosted many events on our very small deck with a round iron table that only seats 4! Truth be told I bought that table at a yard sale, 23 years ago. No matter, because it still works great and when I need more seating, I just add smaller cafe tables, benches, and bars made from old barn doors (all purchased on the Facebook marketplace) to accommodate guests. Miscellaneous ensembles can make our deck look like an eclectic cafe and I'm okay with that vibe.

As for the lawn space, I try to use most of that too. If our event is larger and I need lots more seating, I just rent long tables and chairs from our local rental store. They rent for the entire weekend so I can sometimes squeeze two parties out of one rental. It's relatively inexpensive to rent and very easy because I do not have to worry about storing anything.

6. Stay Local

Choose your event space or wedding venue wisely. The environment is always impacted by where you chose to host. If you want your guests to fly to a destination wedding, for instance, this will undoubtedly affect the sustainability of your event. But driving long distances may as well. There are creative ways you can keep everyone local so they almost don't need to travel at all.

Source: The Knot

Take for example the New Orleans Second Line Wedding Parade, a brass band processional tradition that predates the Civil War. Modern couples incorporate this historic custom into their wedding to give homage to their New Orleans roots. In this tradition, the brass band leads guests on foot from the wedding venue to the reception venue. Now, you'd need for your venues to be near enough, but even if you don't hire an escort band, you could incorporate an eco-friendly l between-venue walk, also popular with rural weddings long ago. And if you have a family member with limited mobility, come up with a cherished way to honor them in your foot parade.

7. eco-conscious sourcing

Casual Biodegrading

If your event calls for more casual, disposable serving products like plates, utensils, and napkins it's best to always choose biodegradable materials instead of plastic. Not only will you have less waste, but you won't contribute to the pounds of trash that most events do.

But don't worry going green does not mean you are not limited to paper goods. There are so many sustainable options today. Below I’ve compiled a list of natural sources with links to compostable dinnerware you can order for your next event. I hope you find a sustainable alternative that fits your style.

• Palm Leaves

• Compostable Wheat

• Bamboo

• Sugarcane

Photo courtesy of Maggpie Rentals

Glamorous Renting
Consider renting fancy dishware and glassware instead of buying everything. This opens up the door to an extra level of glam, while still impacting the environment in a positive way.

And did you know you can easily rent almost anything you need? For instance, the seating ensemble above, and many others can be rented from Maggpie in Boyertown, PA. If you have an empty space to fill or just need an interesting backdrop, shop the exact look you want and rent it! Here is a list of other beautiful and off-beat rental options you may not have known about.

• Love and a Truck Co.

• Fox and Finch

• Lovebirds Vintage Rentals

Design by Studio Sprig. Handmade Paper Porridge Papers. Eco-Conscious Printer Bucks Digital. Twig from backyard.

Sustainable Stationery

When considering your event stationery needs, it's best to always use recycled or handmade paper and nontoxic inks - or search for sustainable or eco-friendly graphic designers and printers like Bucks Digital, in your area if you are not the DIY type. And if you love to DIY, a great paper source is Greenfield Paper Co. from California. They have reinvented the age-old tradition of creating fine paper without cutting down trees. Green Field Paper Company offers three lines of recycled papers that integrate post-consumer pulp with non-traditional additives such as seeds, hemp, coffee chaff, denim, junk mail, and garlic skins! All of their products are made in the USA and they do not use any dyes or bleach. Earth pigments are used to color the papers and all of their seed paper contains non-GMO non-invasive seeds. Or Porridge Papers, my source in the design above, whose owner Christopher once produced a single custom sheet that was sent to Martha Stewart and another order of  2.2 million pieces embedded with lettuce seeds for Kraft Foods. Using seeded and plantable paper is really cool, good for the environment, and a way to save the “memory” of your event.

8. Stay in Season

Flowers

If you choose to incorporate beautiful flowers or plants into your event design, always try to stay in season. Seasonal blooms have always been the goal of Studio Sprig for many reasons. First of all, they are much fresher and much more beautiful, in my opinion. Many times they are harvested one or maybe only two days before your event. This means they not only look their best, but they will hold up longer if you want to repurpose them afterward. Staying in season is so good for the environment because you are using what nature is already providing instead of forcing growth in greenhouses far away in climates more suitable. Here is a nice guide for choosing flowers by season.

Food & Drink

Building your menu around the seasons is such a smart idea. Tomatoes always taste better in summer. We all know this. Staying in season and trying to use local farms eliminates the need to transport food long distances at great cost. Most chefs would jump at the chance to create a menu with only seasonal ingredients, and if you are preparing the food and drink yourself, here are two helpful books.

9. Grow Your Own flowers

When it comes to your event or wedding flowers, there are plenty of sustainable flower farmers you can choose from. Some of them have designers on the premises while others contract the service.

Another good option might be to plan ahead and grow your own. This is much easier if you're planning a micro event or a larger event with less need for custom flowers and greens. But if you or someone you know is an avid gardener, this endeavor could be very rewarding. If you do decide to do this, however, I’d recommend a backup plan just in case. Weather and pests are obstacles to be aware of. This book by Floret’s Erin Benzakein is a well-organized guide to growing your own.

Ann Hayes of Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm gives a tour of her dahlia fields.

And did you know you can also hire local farmers to grow flowers for you? I work with several growers willing to do this if they have enough lead time and can grow what the event requires in the correct season. And when local farmers grow your flowers you have the peace of mind that the job will get done right and if they do run into a problem on your special day, they are most likely to have a surplus of other varieties for you to choose from and/or the connections to get what you need.

Cool idea: Hosting a tour of the flower farm growing your event flowers is a unique way to bring a small group from your event together. It’s a fabulous setting for an outdoor bridal shower or with this tour you can create an educational precursor for an eco-friendly fundraising event.

10. Donate whenever possible

Food
One great way to avoid a lot of food waste after your catered event is to donate your leftover food to a local church, animal shelter, food bank, or homeless shelter. You'd need to follow food safety guidelines of course and ask your caterer if they have a process in place for this already, but if they do not here are some links that may help you find what you are looking for.

• Feeding America: Looking for a Food Bank near you

• Great Nonprofits: Looking for a Homeless Shelter near you

• Humane Society: Looking for an Animal Shelter near you

Decor & Flowers
Donations of decor are also appreciated greatly. Perhaps you know you'll never use 200 votive candle holders again or you just don't have space for the 25 vases you accumulated. There's probably a bride out there somewhere who would love to recycle your glass jars for you. Or maybe some local hospitals could use a few fresh floral arrangements for their lobby this week. One of the easiest ways to resell your lightly used decor is on the Facebook marketplace.

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Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Detweiler Homestead. Photography by Taylor Cotilla

Enjoy this glimpse of Lindsay & Jordan's late summer wedding. Lindsay requested a pure white, sustainable bridal bouquet so I chose to work with one of my local favorites, white lisianthus. These focal flowers were grown on the reputable Detweiler Homestead Farm originally in Telford, PA, and they were accented with greens harvested from Bloom Flower Farm, originally from Hilltown, PA. A bridal, one bridesmaid bouquet, several boutonnieres, and cake flowers were the complete floral order for this beautiful, micro event.

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This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact  Kim@kimbensingdesign.com. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

A Great Way to Help Kids with Cancer (PENN STATE)

The Four Diamond hand symbol is seen a lot at THON.

WHAT IS THON™ & FOUR DIAMONDS?

THON™ is a student-run dance marathon philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. This unique fundraising event is a great opportunity for all Penn State students to interact with local businesses, local restaurants, and other community members. THON™ raises money all year and its culmination is a February weekend dance marathon at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center in State College, PA. The proceeds are distributed to The Four Diamonds Organization.

Four Diamonds is an organization founded by Charles and Irma Millard. Its mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.

Charles Millard, found of Penn State’s THON.

Why Was The Four Diamonds Created?

Christopher Millard, son of Charles and Irma Millard, was 11 years old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. Shortly before he lost his three-year battle with cancer, he wrote a story about a great knight who sought out the Four Diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength, in order to be released from the grips of an evil sorceress. These four diamonds symbolized the attributes that Christopher’s family believed were necessary to overcome cancer. The Millards formed this organization to honor their son and to help many other kids diagnosed with cancer.

Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families and supported a diverse platform of childhood cancer research at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine, seeking improved treatments and cures to benefit kids around the world. Please read more about Christopher and the history of THON™ that I sourced from their website.

FTK (For the kids)

When at THON™ there is a good cause catchphrase you’ll want to remember: FTK or For the Kids. It’s written everywhere, on t-shirts, and signs, and it’s even painted on many faces. I just love this simple phrase because it says it all. 

Each Organization participating in THON creates their own grand signage for the arena. My own Sigma Kappa sisters teaming up with Fiji above. (PROUD SIGMA)

The Thon organizations

Every greek organization, as well as many other notable organizations at Penn State participate in the weekend and raise money all year for THON™. Club Ultimate Frisbee and Science Lion Pride are just two of the organizations available to students so they can get involved. There are three pages of organizations to be exact and here is a link if you’d like to explore what organization jives with you. Thon Organizations. 

Navigators, a Penn State Christian Organization hosting a fashion show FOR THE KIDS with cancer at THON. Photo courtesy: Thon Blog

THE BEST WAYS TO INSPIRE WITH CREATIVE SIGNAGE

One way to inspire a friend who is dancing or working at THON™ is through your gift of creative signage. When you stand anywhere in the arena you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the unique and beautiful signs, shirts, hats, and costumes created by all the participating student organizations and committees. They really are something. Some focus on their sponsored kids, while others light up their grand letters. 

The faces of THON children sponsored by this particular Org.

Signage can be powerful as seen throughout the arena during THON.

Pale blue lights enhance the THON Lionette sign.

A GREAT OPTION, JOIN A COMMITTEE

If you’re a student at Penn State I bet you’re wondering how you can join a committee. I want to join a committee and I’m not and never was a student at Penn State. Go here to join a committee, applications are available to all current students. My oldest daughter served on both the Merchandise and the Rules and Regulations committees, My son participates each year with his fraternity Phi Kappa Tau and for the organization OHANA, while my youngest daughter served on the THON Technology Committee and this year is excited to volunteer with Dancer Relations. That’s a great committee because Dancer Relations writes and choreographs the THON-specific dance song played every hour. The students in the stands and all the marathon dancers follow the on-stage Dancer Relations Line Dance Captains as they dance to a song that is set to motivational chants and annual current events. The new and unique choreography is taught by the students on stage in the first hours of THON™, until the final hours when everyone has it committed to memory. The dance is performed every hour on the hour as a way of waking up the dancers and garnering active participation & loud cheers from the audience.

2022 Line Dance Leader Jess Romito. Source: Onward State Blog

PRO TIP: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GO

If you decide to take a day trip or spend the entire weekend in State College experiencing THON™ for yourself you will have a great time. THON™ begins at 4 pm on Friday. But I would recommend arriving by mid-afternoon so that you can see the Parade of Dancers walking to the arena. We had special behind-the-scenes knowledge that this was a must-see and I am so glad we did. The line stretched way beyond my photo above and the roar from the Nittany Lion student cheers was incredible. The Dancers are in white, walking through the middle. Talk about school spirit - this was the BEST.

THON’s 2022 Parade of Dancers lining up outside the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University.

THON™ is free to the public and when inside, you will be instructed to stand all weekend. There is no sitting inside the arena out of respect for the Dancers and of course, For The Kids. So prepare for that, it’s not easy but compare that to their battle with cancer and you get through it. The good news is that you will be entertained for 3 whole days and 2 nights. You’ll hear motivational speakers and see more than one live event. They usually bring in a big-name band in the middle of Saturday night in order to keep the dancers awake. It draws the cheering section students out of bed and keeps everyone pumped with energy! You can come and go as you please, but there may be times throughout the weekend when admittance is limited due to space. One of those times is Sunday afternoon for the Family Hour (when the THON™ families come out on stage and tell their stories) which is such a great idea. This gets everyone emotionally involved. It's followed by the big $$$ reveal. This is where the students come out on stage and reveal the amount of money raised over the course of the entire year. So be sure to get in there earlier in the day because these are not to be missed.

Club Cheer performs at THON 2022. My daughter Kate is the far right flyer in midair. (PROUDMOM)

You’ll see funny skits and live performances by Penn State's sports teams and clubs and be brought to tears by heartwarming family stories. My daughter Kate performed for many years with her PSU Club Cheerleading Team. Her performances were usually at 3:00 am and yes, we left our warm hotel on those cold Pennsylvania, February nights to see her perform because that’s what parents do. She’s the mid-air flyer on the right in this photo above. We are very proud that she raised money and entertained the dancers for so many years at Penn State. The acts and performances run continuously, 24/7 for all 3 days to encourage the dancers and the dance motivators to keep going. An interesting note: each dancer is assigned several dance motivators to help them all weekend. A detail that I just love.

Dancer, Caitlin Geaman, my daughter’s roommate, dances in 2022 despite a severe leg injury for which she received periodic Physical Therapy all weekend. FTK

Alex’s miracle Story

Alex Miller, on the far right of the photo below, is my dear friend, Jackie’s only son. The two of them have been attending THON™ for over 23 years, ever since Alex was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 1999. At that time he and his entire family were taken in and sponsored by the Phi Gamma Nu service fraternity at Penn State. For Alex’s entire time battling cancer, the THON™ Penn State students from Phi Gamma Nu visited Jackie’s home bringing snacks, gifts, and entertainment for Alex. Four Diamonds provided them with a social worker at the hospital and paid all of Alex’s medical bills not covered by insurance. They also provided gas and food vouchers while Alex was in treatment so that Jackie could leave work and help him. Four Diamonds created a child’s playroom outfitted with toys, books, and games for families staying at the Hershey Medical Center. Jackie remembers there was an activity planned each day for the kids like music therapy, bingo, and even visits from local sports heroes.

I’m happy to report that Alex won his fight with cancer and made a promise to his mom that he’d pay it forward one day by attending Penn State's main campus and joining Phi Gamma Nu. During his time at Penn State, Alex held several leadership roles within the fraternity and even went on to represent them as their THON™ Dancer when he was a senior in 2020. Beautiful.

Ping Pong at Cedar Crest Middle School’s Mini-THON.

SPRING FUNDRAISER IDEAS FOR YOUNGER KIDS

A Four Diamonds Mini-THON® is an effective way for middle and high school students to round out their school year with some unique fundraising activities. Mini-THON® gives students K-12 and their family members, as well as the local community, an easy way to be empowered in the fight to raise much-needed funds to conquer childhood cancer. Getting involved with their school community promotes teamwork, creativity, and school spirit and can raise a lot of money For the Kids. This is a perfect opportunity for students to learn how to manage large groups, recruit volunteers, run a silent auction, design an obstacle course, charge admission, sell raffle tickets, and come up with new creative ideas to raise additional funds with their own custom fundraising campaign - all on school grounds. And it can turn into a wonderful community event.

My very own nephew, Noah Bensing, lead his spring season Mini-THON® at Cedar Crest Middle School in Lebanon, PA last year. Noah was responsible for planning all of the games which students play in the gym after school until 8 pm. He was determined to raise the most money the school had ever raised. There was a small entry fee of $40 per student which they raised on their own through sponsorships, extracurricular activities, as well as the classic way, going door to door. Local vendors pitched in providing refreshments for the hard-working kids.

Last year, when Noah attended THON™ at State College for the first time he was emotionally moved far beyond words. Nothing could prepare him for seeing the huge Bryce Jordan Center filled to capacity with dancing, singing, and cheering undergrads all weekend. Noah learned from Penn State's social media pages, took lots of his own photos and purchased memorabilia on his visit, and created a presentation full of new ideas for his peers in hopes of inspiring a winning team of students who would join him in creating a viable fundraising goal. Visiting THON™ was a good idea because last year Cedar Crest Middle School's fundraising efforts resulted in $46,000 and since they first began mini-thoning they’ve raised over $302,825! FTK

the last lovely hours

Sunday morning drags itself in after a very long and grueling Saturday night. Remember everyone in this arena has not been able to sit down since Friday afternoon. This is true for all of the dedicated dancers but also for the arena full of working students, and families assisting them with loud cheers of positivity, shoulders for learning, and endless sprinkles of inspiration. It’s best to get to the arena by midday Sunday because you won’t want to miss the Family Hour and the Big Reveal at the very end. It’s powerful. And if you can’t make it to State College for this great cause, don’t worry because all of THON™ is available via stream at thon.org

THON 2023

This year THON™ is scheduled for Feb 17, 18, and 19, so this is the perfect time to get involved. I booked my hotel room months ago. It’s probably the most moving weekend I’ve ever experienced in my life and of course, all of my own kids work THON all weekend so I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I feel so honored that my friend Jackie introduced me to this in 2019. I’ve been coming up ever since.

Last year we invited extended family and friends and because of what he witnessed my nephew Nick, a high school junior decided that Penn State was definitely for him - pretty much on the spot. There really is nothing like the profound love, generosity, and joy you feel at a THON™ weekend. If this blog moved you, and if you are able, please make a small donation here: Donate To learn about the families who benefit from THON read this: THON family stories. If you or someone you know is battling childhood cancer and might benefit from becoming a THON™ family, check out this link. If getting involved with a non-THON™ weekend event is more your speed, check out this link. It shares ideas like 5k runs, and other things happening all year long. If you own a business and want to contribute financially here’s the link for you. And if you are one of the 750,000+ Penn State Alumni, here are some ways you can contribute. FTK

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How to Create a Pretty Mini Bar with Items You Already Own

Do you find it difficult to turn away pretty decanters, cast-off crystal, or pewter candlesticks? Whether you relish rummaging thrift shops every once in a while, or you inherited your grandmother’s formal dining room and you don’t have the heart to give it all away, rest assured, you can create something fashionable and functional that will be a big hit the next time you entertain.

A few years back I hosted Christmas Eve for my extended family which, at the time, consisted of 9 very light drinkers and 10 teens and pre-teens. I needed to create a semi-dry mini bar but I wanted it to be spectacular and not just a kitchen counter filled with soda, iced tea, and fruit-infused sparkling water.

First, find a Bar

Everyone today seems to be buying stylish, rolling mini-bars. While I like the look of them, I could never seem to find space to store one in our farmhouse. And their mid-century modern style never really fit with my antiques anyway. That being said, I don’t own one, nor do I have a traditional, custom bar anywhere in this home, so when I wanted to create a holiday mini-bar, I needed to find my own way.

Tucked in a corner of my dining room is this antique dresser or bureau that I acquired from my paternal grandmother’s home. For many years I used it in an obvious space, a bedroom, but eventually, I grew tired of using it in a traditional way. So I had my son and husband move it down to the dining room where it happily lives today. I actually really like it here because its many drawers are very useful. I now have a practical space to store my vintage tablecloth collection and the many cloth napkins I keep pressed and ready for pop-up entertaining. I decided to use this as my bar. But you can virtually use anything, an existing sideboard, a built-in bookshelf (which I’ve also used), anything. I even converted an outdated corner TV hutch into a mini-bar after I saw the same thing in Pottery Barn for over 3K- but that is in another room so I’ll save that for another blog.

Look around and use your imagination instead of your wallet. You’ll find something cool at home and when you do be sure to photograph it and post it in the comment section for our idea bank.

The Embellishments

Next, I’d like to encourage you to always use what you already have around your home to create this very pretty mini bar worthy of conversation. There is no need to buy anything except maybe an inexpensive knock-out crystal piece - but if you do, be sure to get that from a thrift shop. Upcycling is better for the environment and giving a piece a “second chance” just makes the heart warmer.

So take a walk around your home. Go to your attic, basement, or anywhere you stashed all the items from your long-lost relatives that you didn’t quite know what to do with, and just couldn’t throw away. Open every hutch and sideboard, every cupboard and buffet, and see what pieces you’ve forgotten about. A few glass or pewter candlesticks? Grab them. Some mismatched crystal wine glasses? Snag them. In fact the more eclectic the pieces, the better. There is no need for a full set of anything here. You are creating the bar of misfit toys.

Fancy Decanters

If you haven’t already inherited a few of these little gems, then I suggest taking a trip to your local thrift/consignment shop. There you will find a treasure trove. Visit their glass or china section and basque in the glow of unwanted decanters.

Decanters were very popular mid-century but aren’t used very much these days. Unless you come to my home on Christmas Eve. I think it’s a shame because they are elegant and in my opinion, they display liquid beverages best.

Far back in antiquity, decanters were used to transport beverages like wine and spirits that could have lingering sediments. Decanting liquids gives the liquids room to breathe which enhances aroma and flavor. Wine and some spirits continue to be decanted to this day.

Remember, when you find your perfect-for-you decanters, be sure to give them a good cleaning. Here is a great resource for that. The decanters I am sharing are just a few that I inherited. I have some that came to me without stoppers, and I don’t let that stop me from using them. I love them just the same. But I do really embrace the ones with fancy stops.

pretty Pitchers

And as you’re probably suspecting, I also have a small collection of vintage glass pitchers. I think I only purchased one on the Facebook marketplace. All the others were entrusted to me by relatives who knew I would actually use them.

It’s true, I use them all the time because I just think they are so beautiful. For me, the glass works well because as you’ll see later I embellish my mini-bar with loads of candles, and I love the reflections in the mirror, but for you maybe pottery pitchers are more your style. That’s great. Use whatever you have that speaks to you.

Is it an Ice Bucket?

Who knows. I inherited this glass bucket from my parents who probably used it for their Swanky Sixties Soirees. I’m not sure it was an ice bucket, but I love it and use it as such. I can easily see when the ice melts and it has a handy silver handle for quick refills. Everyone has something like this around their kitchen. Any pretty glass bowl will do. And DO NOT BE AFRAID to pull out your vintage punch bowl either. I use mine all the time to actually serve punch. It’s only outdated if you care that it is. It happens to be a very pretty and effective way to serve teenagers something fancy.

toggling Tags

It’s important your guests know what they are drinking so I like to use labels.

For this occasion, I served two fancy lemonade pitchers whose content originally came in bottles from Trader Joe’s. Nothing too complicated here. I just added a little ice, a lime, and then poured in the bottles. Voila…pretty pitchers full of cheer for the kids to enjoy.

To label the pitchers and decanters, I like to sometimes make interesting theme-appropriate tags to match the occasion or you can also just keep all-occasion brown kraft tags and twine in your mini-bar drawer, as I do, so they're ready to swing whenever you are.

Add some sparkle

And to top it all off I try to keep tall and short mercury, pewter & glass candle holders around so that I can just bling up the mini-bar on demand. You can find silver or gold or even pink mercury votives here. I think having a few of each allows you to easily change your mini-bar for interest if entertaining the same friends over and over. I always have a stash of votive candles and dripless tapers in one of these drawers and I hunt for sales on pillar candles wherever I go. But the cool thing about making your own mini-bar is that you can change it up with every whim, season, or holiday. For instance, you can use black votive candles at Halloween to accent your ghoulish punch bowl or red candles on the fourth of July next to small galvanized buckets full of blue jello shots.

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Thank you for reading this blog. I hope it inspired you to carve out a little unsuspecting portion of your home to create a festive corner for refreshment. I’d love to hear your ideas below.

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Learn: Why do they call it mercury glass? The reason it is sometimes called Mercury Glass is that in the early days the internal coating was sometimes mercury or a mercury product. However, mercury proved unsuitable and dangerous, and today silver nitrate is used instead.

Create: Here is a lovely Virgin Blueberry Lime Cocktail recipe created by my friend Rose. Please let both of us know what you think.

Inspire: The holidays are right around the corner. While visiting family or friends, show up with a vintage decanter or fancy glass pitcher Be sure to attach a little tag and “gift them” your beverage of choice. Cheers!

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

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Virgin Blueberry Lime Cocktail

Lunch and Dinner -Studio Sprig Style Micro Blog

Lunch: My Very Simple Open-faced Plantwich

This is what I eat almost every day for lunch. I think it’s absolutely delicious. If you love veggies like me and you’d like to make one for yourself, here’s how I do it.

First, I toast a broccoli or cauliflower Outer Aisle Sandwich Thin to use as my base. This step is why this meal feels so much more substantial than a salad, and why I don’t get hungry after eating it. So if you haven’t tried broccoli & cauliflower thins yet, I suggest you get on it right away. A friend shared Outer Aisle with me and I am so glad she did. I love these things. Sandwich thins and pizza crusts- all made with plants. I order mine off their website and they arrive frozen which is perfect for me. You’ll love their variety packs. I am not sponsored by this company, I just want everyone to know about them.

After the “Thin” is toasted I place it on the plate as my base. Then, I just go about piling on the “planty” goodness. I start with thinly sliced cucumbers, a handful of fresh spinach or watercress, broccoli slaw, shredded carrots, avocado (if I have one), alfalfa or broccoli sprouts & my homemade pickled onions. And to top it all off I sprinkle on a little Zen Basil ( for better gut health ) and sunflower seeds, oregano ( an antioxidant ), cayenne pepper ( boosts metabolism ), garlic powder ( lowers cholesterol ), and turmeric ( a powerful anti-inflammatory ). I use Good Seasons Zesty Italian as my dressing, but you can use plain olive oil and vinegar too.

Here is a list of the ingredients I use:

Outer Aisle Sandwich Thin
Cucumber
Spinach or Watercress
Broccoli slaw
Shredded carrots
Avocado
Alfalfa or broccoli sprouts
Pickled onions (I make my own)
Zen Basil
Sunflower seeds
Oregano
Cayenne pepper
Garlic powder
Turmeric
Dressing

Dinner: My Very Simple Bean & Rice Bowl

This bowl is the simplest dinner to make if you’re in a rush. And the great thing is that you can just make little bowls all week because you have all the ingredients pre-prepared and close at hand.

I start by steaming some rice (be sure to make extra for later in the week). I then quickly warm the beans and place them on top. I add a few pickled onions, homemade fresh salsa, a dollop of yogurt, and a few tortilla chips. That’s it. This mighty little bowl is packed with nutrition and tastes great.

I hope you enjoyed this Studio Sprig Micro Blog. Please comment below. Thank you.

Here is a list of the ingredients I use:

Rice (made in my Rice Cooker below)
Black-Eye Peas (or bean of choice)
Fresh tomato or mango salsa (store-bought is okay but make sure it’s FRESH, not in a jar)
Pickled Onions (I make my own)
Plain Yogurt (I prefer Fage)
Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (Trader Joe's)
Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. -Kim

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. - Kim - If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

Buy on Amazon

A Family Tree Inspired Wedding Invitation

Kelly and Peter Jerrom.

A Family tree & a Twig

Today I’d like to share this hand-crafted invitation that I created for a couple of cute tree huggers that I know.

The invitation suite entitled Love Tree consists of an 8-page book-style invitation which was hand-bound with handmade paper, raffia, and a small twig, a custom logo, a program, escort cards for the calligrapher, response, and directional cards, and a logo-stamped copper foil label to seal the beautiful, yet subtle, fern leaf inner envelope by Envelopments.

Love Tree Wedding Invitation Book and Suite. Concept and Design by Kim Bensing Design

make it “more” special

When Peter and Kelly approached me to design for their wedding, they brought with them an entire Love Story. Kelly and Peter were childhood friends and their parents were friends as well. They expressed how important it was to them that I somehow incorporate their family into their wedding day, but not just in the typical way with photos and a devotional, they wanted more.

You see, Peter Jerrom, my friend, my arborist, my design client, and the groom-to-be owns the boutique landscape business Peter A. Jerrom Landscapes Inc. in Bucks County, PA. Peter’s unique profession and business are the inspiration behind this entire wedding invitation suite.

Logo Designed by Kim Bensing Design

the creative challenge

The concept of a “Family Tree” Inspired Invite came to me pretty quickly as Peter was my arborist and both he and Kelly wanted to include family into the design somehow. But I had to figure out how to incorporate this concept into an entire wedding invitation suite.

So, first I designed the logo that incidentally not only graced their invitation, and envelope enclosure label but lived on to serve as the main design element the entire wedding day. Their last initial “J” for Jerrom lent itself nicely to a very simple solution. I plopped an elegant leaf on top of the elegant J. The logo was embossed onto bronze labels and they were used to enclose the inner envelope which held all the suite pieces together. It was also used in strategic places throughout the suite ensemble, as you can see in the photo above.

Love Tree Wedding Invitation Suite. Photography by Richard Quindry.

How to make an invitation into a mini book

Next, I designed the soft green invitation book cover. The cover features the quote “Life without Love is like a Tree without blossoms or fruit.” and the words Love and Tree are enlarged and carefully stacked to serve as the book’s title.

The pages of the book showcase the family tree-style dates of marriage in Kelly & Peter's families. I decided to use watercolor tree illustrations as the focal art so I commissioned a friend and well-known Bucks County watercolor artist, Jane Ramsey to create the three trees inside the book. As you can see, on the first spread, the tree is small and its four branches sprout only the couple’s four grandparent groups and their wedding dates.

Spread one. Love Tree Custom Invitation Suite.

But on spread 2, as the tree grows, the couple's parents are added to either side of the tree.

Spread two. Love Tree Custom Invitation Suite.

Until finally on spread 3, you see Kelly and Peter-names only, but no date. This detail allowed me to dedicate the last page of the book to the actual wedding invitation, completing the tree.

After all the pages and covers were printed, handmade paper, raffia, and lots of small twigs were gathered, I had the help of 2 moms and several bridesmaids to assemble the 100+ invite books which made their creation a lot of fun.

Spread three. Love Tree Custom Invitation Suite.

Facts about this Wedding Invitation Suite

This Custom Invitation Suite, I’m honored to say, won a PHILLYGOLD at the Art Directors Club of Philadelphia, as well as A GOLD ADDY from the Advertising Club of Philadelphia. The logo and concept lived on throughout the wedding day on the cake, and aisle runner and even showed up again later in a cool birth announcement I created for Kelly & Peter’s first child. This announcement featured a tree with one long branch from which we hung a dangling swing. It’s really nice when creative concepts can travel and incorporate themselves throughout a long and happy life.

Love Tree Wedding Invitation Suite. Invitation book, program, response card, escort cards, label. Photography by Richard Quindry.

Love Tree Wedding Invitation Program Designed by Kim Bensing Design

The hidden life of trees

Below I have included the link to a really interesting book about how trees communicate. It really will make you think about trees, flowers, fungi, and all plants differently. Trust me.

Hand-painted Love Tree Aisle Runner.

Learn more about why trees are so fantastic

Learn: Read this cool book entitled "The Hidden Life of Trees —What They Feel, How They Communicate”
Create: The next time you host an event, be sure to create a concept-centered invitation that inspires creative fun.
Inspire: Please comment and share ways you’ve developed a concept for an event that was original and inspired others.

Simple “J” Logo & Ivy Love Tree Cake Decor.

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. - Kim
If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

Kim Bensing Design Photography by Jeff Reeder