Win a Françoise Weeks Workshop
UPDATE: Congratulations to Laurence Rich on winning the Francoise Weeks Botanical Couture Workshop!
Image: Suzanne Ofeldt
The “why” behind this giveaway
For years, Françoise Weeks has inspired us as designers and impacted our industry with her innovative European design, Botanical Haute Couture creations, and unique Woodland-inspired arrangements.
Way back in 2013, I teamed up with Françoise to give away a seat in one of her 3-day workshops. Guess who won it?! Susan McLeary aka Passionflower Sue…maybe you’ve heard of her? (wink wink)
Sue was on the front end of her career and was ecstatic for the chance to study with Françoise. Click here to see the blog post Sue wrote telling about her experience. (Note: You’ll see floral foam in one of the images which neither Françoise nor Sue use anymore as they value foam free sustainable floristry these days. A perfect example of the importance of pushing ourselves to grow and evolve.)
To celebrate all the years Françoise has remained wholeheartedly dedicated to her craft, serving others, and making an impact on our profession, Sue McLeary and I are teaming up this time to give a lucky designer the same opportunity Sue had in 2013!
Your opportunity to win
Win a seat in Françoise’s 2-day Botanical Couture Workshop (October 19-20, 2024) at her Portland Studio!
Fashion has long been inspired by nature. In this specialized workshop, natural materials and floral arrangements take their inspiration from Haute Couture. Create show stopping headpieces, dresses, and other wearables.
TO ENTER: All you have to do is leave a comment (one per person, please) at the end of this blog post by Monday (August 5th) at noon (Central). We’ll choose a winner by random drawing at that time and I’ll announce it on social media later that day.
Note: Winner is responsible for travel, lodging, and food expenses. The 2-day workshop is valued at $1250.00.
Botanical couture designs
In case you’re not familiar with the Botanical Couture work of Françoise Weeks, let us introduce you to her innovative designs below!
Image: Theresa Bear
Image: Ted Mishima
Image: Ted Mishima
What people are saying
Designers who attend Françoise’s workshops appreciate not only her passion and unique style, but also her kindness and humility while sharing her knowledge. Françoise loves teaching and it shows. She has a way of nurturing your creativity while instructing on mechanics and technique.
“I discovered Françoise’s work as I was thinking about making the jump into the floral design industry. The ethereal, whimsical, and intricate qualities of her creations really spoke to me. I was able to recently take a 2 day intensive with her and was really blown away at the techniques. The mechanics that are taught are tools that can be easily transferred to other designs in addition to her wonderful woodland design aesthetic. Additionally, Françoise challenged me to think of different ways to approach materials, tools, and designs, which really opened my mind! As I left the class, I was so inspired and ready to apply her techniques in different aspects of my business. I would highly recommend a class with Francoise!”
Margaret Ludwig / Giverny Design / New Orleans, Louisiana
Images: Theresa Bear
A past workshop winner shares her experience
“She guides with a quiet manner and gives great practical advice. I have been in the floral industry for many years and came away with so many time and money saving tips, and a renewed spirit of creativity.
The area where the studio is located in is very pleasant for a person travelling alone; lots of walkers and bicyclists out. I stayed at a B&B which is a 5 minute walk to her studio, and there are many casual eateries and coffee shops just a few minutes away too. From the airport, the light rail and bus was an economical and easy way to get to my lodging.
I can’t wait to walk up the driveway, through the gate, into that wonderful studio, to be inspired again by Françoise!”
Laurie Garza / Fleurie Flower Studio / Reedley, California
Image: Theresa Bear
Thank you for your impact on our profession, Françoise. xo
Best of luck to everyone! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you want to win a seat in the Botanical Couture Workshop.
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I have been a fan of Francoise’s work for many years. So innovative and stunningly beautiful. It would be a HUGE treat to attend her workshop. I am a solo part time florist but it is an obsession to continue learning and improving my craft.
I am huge admirer of Francoise AND Passionflower Sue! The photos are breathtaking-especially the botanical suit lapels. It would be a dream to study with Francoise. It’s on my bucket list.
I am new to floral design but would love the opportunity to learn more. I am currently taking dried blooms and making them into jewelry. The work you do is absolutely breathtaking!
Francoise is a legend in the industry. I would be grateful and honored to be able to take one of her classes.
Amazing work and very inspiring! It would be an honor to attend the workshop!
Incredible opportunity to learn from a beautiful artist! I am a designer & pressed flower artist that is new and looking to find more inspiration and learnings in the flower industry! I would love to grow and combine my love of fashion and flowers in this workshop, here in Portland. Cheers!
She’s so incredible! I love her work. Having grown up in the woods, her design aesthetic is so close to my heart! Her book is amazing. To meet and workshop with her would be incredible!!
My friend and I officially started our floral design. Business in February of this year! We have been soaking in every opportunity to learn different techniques and designs. One of the first things I bought in my floral journey was Passionflower Sue’s Book; The Art of Wearable Flowers. I wanted to learn how to create her floral tattoos and headpieces. I’m sitting at the edge of my seat knowing there is an opportunity to learn from the
artist who taught Passionflower Sue. Françoise’s designs are stunning and so deeply creative and artistic. It would be an honor to learn from her.
I am incredibly inspired by the botanical artistry of Françoise Weeks. Her unique techniques and creative vision have always captivated me, and attending her workshop would be a dream come true. This opportunity would not only allow me to refine my skills but also provide fresh insights and inspiration in the world of floral design. It would be an invaluable experience to learn from such a talented artist and incorporate her innovative approach into my own work.
So inspired by francoise’ work but also inspired by the spirit of community here; the sharing of knowledge and supporting each other that I see. It sets a standard and I can feel it in my floral community here.
I am so in love with wearable florals and would love to attend this workshop!
Oh my, what an opportunity! Winning this seat at her workshop would be such a treat… I came up in the traditional floral style of foam, foam, and more foam. I’m working hard at becoming more sustainable and foam free, so learning from a legend like Francois would be incredible. Best of luck to all the entrants!!
It would be such an amazing Opportunity to be able to create with such a talented floral legend! I love that you can forage for floral treasures in nature! At the moment I’m located in Las Vegas, so it’s impossible to be able to forage for the flowers that last.
Growing up on the west coast we were able to forage for jasmine and other beautiful flowers. I hope to win so I can experience that foraging dream once again. Can’t wait to create more, I’m so inspired!
After over 20 years in the industry I know to never stop learning. I’d love the opportunity to learn from Franciose, she’s a legend!
Francoise’ woodland creations connect people with the wonders of nature—inspiring the need to tend it thoughtfully and share with awe-inspiring natural beauty!
I’m not real sure what to say to be honest…. of course this opportunity would be a life formative experience but what I really want to say most is thank you for embodying the spirit of community and love and sharing the gift of you with the world. It’s a delight to experience what you are sharing with us all everyday. Good day to you. May abundance be with you always.
This is an experience that would definitely challenge me, but it is what I seek in every workshop I try to attend. I am a beginner florist and I think sometimes I want to think and be challenged beyond what is sold currently in my city. This would be a blessing for me and my business.
This is awesome! Sue and Françoise are my virtual mentors and I’ve learned so much from both of them. I love incorporating the tools and techniques they so generously share in my art practice. Seriously life changing! Thanks for offering this chance at an in-person workshop. I would love that opportunity!
What an honor it would be to attend Francoise Weeks’ workshop! Her design aesthetic is off the charts!
It would be an absolute dream come true to be mentored by one of the best in our industry!!!
What an amazing opportunity this would be to learn! We don’t have many workshop opportunities where I am from!
Posting a comment here because I have been a long time fan of the BB blog since the very beginning. My shop manager is such a huge fan of wearables and this would be so fun for her to learn new and exciting ways to design with!
I love the dress with the pansies! It would be such a wonderful opportunity to learn how to design and create these amazing floral wearables!
I’d be absolutely thrilled to study with Francoise!❤️
To be able to attend this master class and learn to create botanical couture from Françoise Weeks would be a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to focus especially on the art of the dress and how Françoise selects her materials for these pieces. And I’ve always wanted to visit Portland!!!
Susan McLeary has been one of the most influential teachers in my life thus far and I can only imagine how amazing it would be to learn from one of HER most influential teachers! I have been following Francoise since I started my journey in floral design and would be so honored to be considered for this! Thank you and Sue for doing this for one lucky designer!
Thank you for the magic you create and opportunities you share with others, so more people can contribute to making our World a beautiful place.
I’ve been binging Sue’s fantastic tutorials lately – what a gift it would be to learn from one of her fabulous mentors, too! And on a October weekend with no weddings!
It would be such an honor to learn from one of the pioneers in the field of Botanical Wearables. She creates such beautiful art that is a feast for the eyes!
Slay me now! This giveaway is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of my heros! Being a floral entrepreneur and artist has its challenges and joys, and the greatest among us focus on the joy and beauty.
Sending gratitude to the team initiating this giveaway as it’s and amazing opportunity. ♥️
What a dream that would be to create at her studio. Her work is amazing and always blows my mind. The details and materials she puts together always creates a stunning piece of art
Flowers are big passion my mother and i share. Living in different continents, I grasp at any chance to feel closer to her. I would love to attend this workshop and share all I learn with her 🙂
I’d love the chance to attend Françoise Weeks’ workshop. As a florist passionate about innovative design, learning from Françoise would be an amazing opportunity to boost my skills and creativity.
I’m always looking to push the boundaries in floral artistry and share new ideas with my community. This workshop would be a perfect way to bring fresh inspiration back to my fellow florists.
Thanks for considering my entry!
The honour and pleasure of attending a workshop hosted by Françoise, would be absolutely amazing! I am in need of inspiration and I can’t think of a better place to draw from.
Good luck to all participants!