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Episode 120: Francoise Weeks                                

The Francoise Weeks Workshop Experience (and a surprise)

Last July, Francoise Weeks and I teamed up to gift a seat in her Portland workshop to one lucky Botanical Brouhaha reader. Jaime won the opportunity to attend the workshop in Francoise’s personal studio and, then, kindly offered to tell us about her experience. Today, we welcome Jaime. Enjoy the post and look for a surprise at the end!

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Hello! My name is Jamie Spellerberg and I am an avid follower of the Botanical Brouhaha Blog. I live in Northern Wisconsin and I have been in the floral industry since I was sixteen when I worked front desk answering the phone at a local flower shop. Since then I have worked my way up to designer. Back in July I won the opportunity through Botanical Brouhaha to attend a workshop taught by none other than the very talented Francoise Weeks.

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I am so blessed to have been able to attend Francoise Weeks Botanical Couture Workshop. On the first day we learned the necessary mechanics to construct Francoise’s famous floral purses. After we learned the basics of the purse we were set loose to our own creative devices! Each designer used different materials and no two designs were alike. (purse pictured above by Jaime) That afternoon we learned how to create the botanical jewelry Francoise creates for many of her photo shoots.

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The next day we walked into the studio to find one of Francoise’s intricate floral headpieces, full of different floral textures. After showing us the basics of how to create the base structure we set to work choosing from the assortment of unique greens and flowers. That afternoon we finished up our headpieces and designed floral combs and more jewelry.

The last day Francoise brought us all to the Portland Flower market. As a newer designer looking to start my own business, Francoise took the time to introduce me to the different growers and wholesalers. This alone was one of the most valuable experiences for me. Getting to meet other professionals in the industry was such an experience! When we returned to the studio Francoise taught us how she creates works of art out of old thrift store high heels. This was my favorite day! I loved working with the different textured leaves and petals. This brought a close to our workshop but gave us all wonderful memories and new experiences!

Francoise is so generous with her knowledge of the floral industry and genuinely wants each and every one of her students to learn. This was an invaluable opportunity for me to learn new ways to use everyday elements. A HUGE thank you to Amy and Francoise for making this week possible for me, it is one I will not forget!

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Francoise teaching the mechanics of her designs

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Francoise’s bouquet front and back

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Purses made by workshop attendees Jennifer, Dena, and Jamie

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Botanical rings by Jamie, Jennifer, and Dena

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Jaime’s floral headpiece

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Jaime’s floral comb

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Jaime’s floral armband

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Jaime’s botanical shoe

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Jennifer’s botanical shoe

…………………………………………………………….

Thank you, Jaime! We appreciate you documenting your experience and sharing it with us. And now…

OUR SURPRISE!

Francoise Weeks is again offering to gift a Botanical Brouhaha reader with a seat in her Botanical Couture workshop! The 2-day workshop will be held in Newnan, Georgia (about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta) at Vinewood Plantation on April 21-22, 2015. Sherry Donnelly of Gertie Mae’s in hosting the workshop. Topics will include: headpieces, jewelry, purses & shoes. For additional information on the workshop: click here.

To enter for a chance to win the seat in Francoise’s workshop, simply leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen by random drawing on Friday, January 9, 2015 at noon (CST). The winner will be announced on Botanical Brouhaha later that afternoon.

A very special thank you to Francoise for her continued generosity and inspiration and to Sherry for hosting the workshop. Two amazing women…you’ll love them!

Good luck!

(Note: The winner is responsible for travel and lodging expenses. The 2-day workshop is valued at $1185.00.)

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  1. This is so exciting!! I would love to attend this workshop!!

  2. My daughter Adeline and I love to read stories about Tinkerbell and her friends’ escapades in Pixie Hollow. One of our favorite characters is Rosetta who is a garden/plant fairy who makes beautiful dresses, adornments and accessories for her fairy friends. She reminds me of Francoise with her skills and craftsmanship with plants as well as her kind, generous and humble nature.

    I live in a place surrounded by Pixie Hollow forests and would love to hone my knowledge of mechanics and materials in woodland and botanical couture designs from Francoise~

  3. Hello Francoise and Botamical Brouhaha! I have been dreaming to attend one of Francoise’s workshops. This would be an amazing opportunity to enhance my skills! 🙂 I hope I can win as it will be a wonderful early gift for my birthday (1/16).
    Mariana

  4. Jennifer May says:

    ooooo! this would be such a wonderful experience!
    I would love to attend!

  5. To design and learn from the master of woodland for a whole workshop would be a dream come true!!!!!!!!!

  6. Shanna Moore says:

    Beautiful creations! I would love to be part of this next workshop!

  7. Leslie says:

    Oh wow! I would LOVE to be able to attend this!!

  8. Laura Boucher says:

    Francoise is an amazing ambassador in today’s floral industry!

  9. Thanks for you sharing your experience Jamie! I adore Francoise and her artistry! Attending a 2 day workshop under her direction would be such a treat!!

  10. Jessica Backus says:

    Beautiful! Would love to be a part of this workshop and bring the creative designs to our brides!

  11. geo says:

    I really love Francoise’s creations, I would be grateful to learn from her. 🙂

  12. Jessie says:

    I would absolutely LOVE the chance to learn from Francoise and to spend some time with Sherry!!!

  13. This is such a wonderful opportunity! Thank you! Rebecca Raymond

  14. Briana Frank says:

    Thank you for offering your time and talents- it would be an honor!

  15. What a fabulous opportunity to spend time with both of these superstars.

  16. Judy Morreale-Billotti says:

    So inspired by the work I see posted form this workshop and my love of all that is natural and organic, has truly got my creative juices flowing. I would be honored to attend one of Francoise Weeks’ workshops. Thanks for always posting such beautiful floral art.

    Judy

  17. I would LOVE to learn from Francoise & just hug Sherry’s neck!

  18. Elise says:

    I would love to attend!

  19. Oh please pick me! You are such an inspiration.

  20. JoAnn Jones says:

    you are an amazing designer who will expand and broaden my horizons!!!!

  21. Jeanette McKittrick says:

    What a privilege it would be to learn directly from Francoise Weeks! Thank you so much for the chance!

  22. I would love to attend!!

  23. Christina Fisher says:

    What a wonderful opportunity!

  24. Shannon Kirshner says:

    I’m in my third year of flower obsession and am really excited to see a workshop within driving distance! I would actually gift this to my sister who created a dress with cuttings from her tree and put it on wire dress form to greet guests at Christmas. It was impressive! And she deserves a creative escape!

  25. Jackie Johns says:

    I must say I have attended one of Francoise’s classes and I so much enjoyed it. I would love to win this because I want to learn
    more from Francoise, especially her jewelry and shoes. I know you would prefer someone who hasn’t already attended but I would love the opportunity to attend again. Thank you

  26. I would love to attend one of Francoise’s workshops! She is amazing! Thanks for offering this chance.

  27. Bridget Habetler says:

    What an amazing opportunity! Thank you so much, Botanical Brouhaha, for giving someone the chance to learn first-hand from the amazing Francoise Weeks! She is so inspiring, from her floral beginnings to her wonderful textured and intricate work. You will be making someone very happy!!

    Bridget

  28. Entering in for this fantastic workshop!

  29. Dreaming of this…..

  30. My floral friends love all that Francoise has taught them! I’d love the opportunity to be taught her secrets!!! Fingers crossed!

  31. Corinne says:

    Franciose is a flower master! She has so much to teach! I would love to attend one of her workshop someday.

  32. lisa says:

    oh! to win a seat in a francoise workshop!

  33. Anna Rushing says:

    I love the BB blog and Francoise Weeks!

  34. Kris says:

    This would be a dream come true! I especially love those headpieces!

  35. Susie andersen says:

    I’ve tried to save for months to attend a workshop … I know it will be well worth it. I’m from portland and follow you closely at the market

  36. Katie Pollard says:

    Oh my! How exciting!

  37. Sheryl King says:

    I vowed 2015 would be a year of new adventures and new beginnings. This workshop sounds like a wonderful and exciting opportunity and I would be honored to be chosen!

  38. Kei says:

    Wowzer! What an amazing prize! I’ve been fascinated by Francoise’ s work since I began my “flower journey”. It would be an inspiration to learn from her at a 2 day (!!!) workshop. I’m crossing my fingers! Thanks so much to both of you for offering the opportunity!

  39. Deb Bulloch says:

    “Inspired By Nature”, My motto and daily intention for living. I am so inspired by and grateful for Francoise Weeks incredible gift that she has and shares! Thank you Nicole P and Gail C for sharing this site and YOUR gifts!

  40. Would love to attend this workshop! What an amazing opportunity!

  41. oh yes, please. she is one of my top muses and mentors.
    thank you both for your generosity.

  42. Raechel Schwarze says:

    How generous!! What an opportunity!! Thank you!

  43. Jenna says:

    Crossing my fingers like many of the other commenters! Thanks for the opportunity Botanical Brouhaha!

  44. Tina Knoll says:

    I would love to attend! I was so excited to see that it is within driving distance.

  45. Mary B. Hayes says:

    That would really be a thrill, would so love to take part in Francoise Weeks workshop. Wow, wow and wow. Wonderful of BB to offer this!

  46. Keith Stanley says:

    This is the class I want to experience. Winning would be a great start for 2015!!!

  47. Chelsee Tysoe says:

    I would love to win this workshop! What a treat that would be 😉

  48. WOW how amazing would a workshop with Francoise be!! I would have to organise some other sights to see but I’d travel from Australia for an opportunity to learn and work with some of the best!! 2 days of inspiration for a lifetime.

  49. Ann Cogburn says:

    Would love to attend this 2-day workshop— what a great opportunity to learn from a floral designer whose work I admire so much!

  50. Abigail says:

    I know one day I will attend one of Francoise’s workshops. I adore her work and as such would love to learn some technique! Thank you for offering the opportunity to win something so wonderful!

  51. Shannon demuth says:

    I would just DIE if I had this opportunity. But I would wait to die until after the workshop because, you know, otherwise it would be kind of a waste.

  52. Jen Brant says:

    Thank you for sharing your experience Jamie! Your designs are stunning. Francoise’s work is some of my favorite to stalk on Instagram. I would love the opportunity to take a class.

  53. i would love to attend this workshop! She’s amazing!

  54. What an amazing opportunity!!!! Fingers crossed!!!

  55. Kseniya Khromina says:

    I’d loooove to attend this workshop!!

  56. Gail Corliss says:

    I would probably love nothing more than to attend this class .ive been in the floral industry for 20 years and have an incredible love of the natural & organic style that you Francois
    Design with. I’ve watched my self transform from in the beginning learning floral names and just taking a floral order to now having found my style and my passion in what i am as a designer! I see in your work the appreciation for every leaf and it’s beauty as to where you place it on your intricate design. I too want to see your world. So happy that I’ve found you on fb & can continue to see your inspiration! ~ Gail

  57. Looking forward to seeing Francoise’s presentation at Fl. State… and attending her workshop!!! And hoping I have half the patience to do it :-/

  58. Kristi says:

    I’m still just getting started on trying to launch my own floral design business, focusing on natural & environmentally conscious elements. I’d love to be a part of this workshop to enhance my knowledge & skills, thank you!

  59. I can only imagine what I could learn from such a talented lady! This would be an experience and a lesson in design unlike any other design class I have experienced! Such a unique design style.

  60. Thank you everyone for your comments! It will be fun to find out today who won the seat!

  61. Rhona says:

    me, me, me,, please, please, please.

  62. I would love to learn Francoise’ techniques. Her work is stunning. Thanks Jaime for your story and fabulous photos.

  63. Eden Frei says:

    what an amazing opportunity! I would love to attend!

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