Floral Art: Learning a new technique

Islamabad

This month’s programme of the Floral Art Society (FAS) featured a demonstration cum workshop titled ‘Free standing Construction’ conducted by expert, Asma Ansari. The meeting was held at a hotel and well attended, with a special guest, the wife of the ambassador of China, Diana Bao also present.   

After a period of ‘meet and greet’ and to allow late comers to arrive, the session began with Secretary General Saewat Aslam welcoming members and their guests and president FAS, Waqar Boolani reminding about the fundraiser for TCF to be held in September; the World Floral Art Show in Barbados next year and the trip to the Northern Areas arranged by the society. 

Asma had decided to teach a new technique, popular in floristry, which is characterized by the fact that the design is not positioned or secured to the container, rather, it is placed on a flat plate like surface. She used all local materials so that members could procure them easily in the local market - Satay sticks, corrugated paper, cork sheet, material used to make ‘chiks,’ cane, wires and so on. The demonstration included instructions on how to make free standing arrangements in different design and styles, using a variety of creepers and flowers and fixing the material by glue. Later she placed the flowers and foliage in a water filled glass holder which was placed strategically in the construction so as not to be visible. It was emphasized that the basic container may be reused by changing the plant material.  Material for the workshop was provided by the club and those who participated only brought along their toolbox. Members then tried out their hand in making their own arrangements to see how much they had learned from the demonstration and there were complimentary remarks about how well Asma had disseminated her knowledge about this technique. 

Diana Bao also appreciated the demonstration and exchanged views with the members, later presenting cards and flowers to members who had birthdays recently.