FA 101 and FA 201
A couple of weeks ago, Connie Wissing and I attended the Zone V Floral Arranging Workshops FD 101 and FD 201 in Bryn Mawr, PA. Carroll Eaton joined us on the second day for FD 201. The workshops were a lot of fun and I feel we all learned quite a bit. A number of our GCW members have taken the workshops in years past and they, too, enjoyed the experience.
The workshops were led by several GCA judges. One of the judges did a demo in the morning and then we worked at tables to create our own arrangements, using flowers, containers and materials supplied for us. The judges were on hand to assist us and make suggestions as we worked. They were very helpful and incredibly supportive. After our arrangements were finished, we put them up on the table in the front for discussion, which was probably the most educational part of the workshop. It was so interesting to see about 18 different interpretations of a specific design style – using the same containers and the same flowers! After lunch, the same format was repeated, introducing another design style.
Each day there was a snack bar set up including hot and cold drinks. We were spoiled by the delicious lunch we were served each day. We met members from other garden clubs – everyone was learning together and there was wonderful camaraderie and support – no pressure whatsoever!
In FA 101 we learned “Modern Mass Arrangement” and “Line Arrangement”. In FA 201 we studied “Horizontal Arrangements” and then we learned how to do an arrangement “under water”. At the end of the day our instructors mentioned that they could do an FA 301 at some point and we all voted yes!
The drive to Bryn Mawr took about 40 minutes and going together made it fun. If you’re at all interested, I would highly recommend going next year. Connie, Carroll or I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Lynne Swartz
Flower Show Committee Chair
