Betty's Confetti

Making your own confetti is a lovely idea not only for you but also as a gift for your guests on your wedding day or even to decorate your house.

How to make your own confetti:

Buy some flowers from any local super market or florist (ask the florist for flowers that are ‘on their way out’ (you will need a few). You can choose different colours, sizes and shapes.

If the flowers are good quality and not wilted too much, you can display them in your home for a week or so until they start to wilt.

Once they have started to dry up remove all the petals from the stem from the base of the flower and lay them evenly on a baking tray covered in grease proof paper. Place them in the oven on a low heat and keep a close eye on them. It won’t take too long until they are perfectly dried.

I haven’t given a specific time for the petals to go in the oven as it will depend on the type of flowers you are using and how dry they already are so keep watching them regularly.

Once your petals are dried store them in an air tight container until the day before you need to use them. I often put mine in large glass jars and decorated with a piece of ribbon.

You can also buy pretty bags and personalised stickers from Ebay, Etsy or confetti.com and hand them out as favours. Alternatively you could leave them on friends and families chairs at your ceremony to throw at you (nicely) when you leave the church or venue.

Great Work

I love finding inspirational quotes and I find so many that I can relate to most parts of my life. 

One that I have recently read is from the wonderful Steve Jobs:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

I have been extremely lucky in my life that I have done work I love. Yes, I am a florist and have been for years and that is my main passion but I have also been lucky to experience other creative paths such as styling which has brought me to my latest project. I am privileged to be styling the stand for Welligogs at Chelsea Flower Show in a few weeks. It has been a busy few weeks but I am starting to get extremely excited as all the props are arriving and they look amazing! Keep posted for my full story and pictures once the event is in full swing. 

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve."

Mary Kay Ash

I love learning new things and expanding my knowledge. I tend to have a go at most things and love a challenge. From June I will be running workshops and open evenings in my new workshop. I am hoping I can pass on some of my knowledge of floristry to others who want to learn. You don't have to be someone that wants to become a florist but perhaps you want to make your own seasonal garlands or just fancy learning a new skill! I will be posting more information soon, so stay tuned! 

A May Day Wedding

May Bank Holiday is always busy with lots of weddings all over the country. 

I have had great fun helping four wonderful brides this weekend all over the country! One of which was all the way in Leeds! 

Claudette and Peter got married in Leeds today and what a stunning day it is! I met the lovely couple at Knebworth and the Bride Magazine's wedding fair in January this year. We had a great chat about what ideas they both had for their big day and Claudette booked in to see me a few weeks later. 

I didn't travel to Leeds with the flowers but Claudette and Peter collected them on their way past. They had an intimate day with close family and friends. 

I created a 4 fish bowls for the centre pieces full of colour and elegance and a stunning hand tied for the bride.

I hope they both had a wonderful day and wish them many years of happiness.