How to Design a Flower Arrangement
In Episode 4 of Discovering Black-Owned Beauty, I met Itika Gimble, a florist from Los Angeles and owner of Old Vine Florals. She showed me how to design a flower arrangement inspired by her company’s fragrance and candle collection.
When I make my floral arrangements, I look at my vessel, first thing’s first. I [get] an idea of the type and style of arrangement that I’m going to make. When I use this clear 4×6 inch cylinder, I know I’m going to make something that feels a little wild, loose, and organic. So, I’m thinking about what to put in first to go with that whimsical feel. I started with this camomille because it’s wispy and it’s not so structured, which is part of the beauty of this arrangement.
Itika Gimble, florist
The freshest flowers are located at the Southern California Flower Market, an elaborate bazaar steps away from skid row in Los Angeles. There, she visits her favorite vendors to attain the best flowers. Her client’s favorite colors and any theme of the event are inspiration.
Though many flowers are available year-round, she looks for special flowers that are in season. For example, flowers like peonies and poppies are only available during the late winter and early spring months. During fall, she looks for the red orchids that aren’t available during any time during the year. During the holidays, she looks for frosted, silvers and golds. Cherry blossoms and branches are also coveted.
She cleans the stems, which have to be removed in order to keep the water clean. Dirty water impacts the life of the flower.
She also thinks about how the arrangement will be seen, for example from the front or on all sides. This impacts the choice and ratio of flowers.
This arrangement was based on the candle Find Your Zen, which has a subtle sent with cider and pine accents, represented by the curly willow. Fresh camomille and lavender represent the sweet notes. The other arrangement was based on the fragrance Medal Bloom, which features notes of freesia, water lily, and vanilla orchid.
She adds, Ruscus is a wonderful way to fill out an arrangement. Italian Ruscus ve smaller leaves while Israeli muscus can last for as long as a month.