2 comments about New Inspirations in Wedding Florals.

1. This is one of the best books I bought when I decided to do my own flowers for my wedding.
   This is not a book for a pro though. It works best for a beginner like me. It explains nicely step by step how to make the arrangements. It could give more information but even still, there is no better book. There is a first version that I bought and together I got some great ideas.



2. This book was fantastic! It helped beginners create beautiful bouquets, corsages and table arrangements. Great results! It saved us a great deal of money!

1 comments about Table Flowers: Innovative Floral Designs for Entertaining.

1. As always, Paula Pryke leads the way with inovative and beautiful floral creations. This book contains fantastic photos and instructions on how to create the same design or how to upgrade it. Whether you are a novice or season floral designer, this book is one you will want to have in your floral library. All of her books are real treasures and great value for the money.

5 comments about Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design.

1. This book is amazing! Detailed, gorgeous photos and instructions to create the best floral arrangements of your life. New ideas on every page, lots of suggestions for supplies and techniques.



2. I would never contest the beauty of this book, but I found the lessons section to be lacking in terms of specificity. After all, this book is meant to be instructive. The instructions were often much too general for someone actually trying to learn floral design. Sometimes the generality is along the lines of 'put the twigs in the vase, put the roses in the vase,' while at other times it is more specific. In essence, the real process of placement is sometimes excluded.
   
   Also, many of the arrangements are of a similar style, round and mouned, and though this is a particular style, I would have appreciated fewer examples of this type of bouquet, which I consider to be less complicated to make. As a florist, I would recommend this book to other florists looking for interesting ideas for using alternative floral materials such as food. I would also recommend this book for beginners needing very basic informatioin, such how to use greeneries and basic floral tools.
   
   I would not, however, recommend this book for beginners or florists hoping to make commercial sorts of arrangements. After all, her book is the "art" of floral design, not the "economics" of floral design. Many commercial floral arrangements make more economical use of stem length and amount of flowers. This is not universal, but it is something to keep in mind when deciding who to buy this book for.



3. This book is being used as a text book for an advanced floral design class I am taking. Very useful for the advanced or beginning floral designer. Pictures are very detailed.



4. Beautiful book on fresh flower arranging. Lots of information and lovely photographs. There is good technical information regarding the basics of arranging flowers in general. Her designs are beautiful but personally, not something I would want to reproduce. They are too edgy. She is obviously very talented. If you are looking for a book on silk flower arranging, try Decorating With Silk & Dried Flowers by The Home Decorating Institute. Even if you are more interested in silk flower arranging, there is still a lot of good information about color, line, texture, etc. in this one.



5. This was supposed to be a NEW book. All the pages were stuck together on the bottom of the book and when I got them apart you can see a huge water stain. This was the first time I had ordered from Amazon and I will never do it again!!!!!

3 comments about Simply Elegant Flowers With Michael George.

1. I really enjoyed this book. The photography is fabulous, and I learned so much about the different flowers. I bought it as a coffee-table book and put it out in the living room. Then I saw my 12-year-old daughter reading it, completely fascinated. We went to the Korean market to buy flowers and started to arrange a bouquet back home--which is actually something Michael George recommends doing with the family. Our simple arrangement of tulips is holding up and continues to make us smile when we pass by it. We're already planning on doing more. A very nice book, which isn't in the living room anymore!



2. My mother ordered this book after she and I went to see a Michael George lecture at a local museum. To begin with, we really liked Michael George as a person and that made ordering his book an easy decision. He has a great sense of humor and, despite having celebrity clientèle, is down to earth and without pretense.
   
   The book itself is stunning. Each glossy page features pictures full of color and life and the arrangements are truly inspiring. Michael's philosophy is to "keep things simple." He feels that, the more natural, the more beautiful and therefore one does not need to go crazy when arranging their flowers.
   
   The book is divided in the following manner:
   
   Foreword by Martha Stewart
   Introduction by Michael George (in which he explains his philosophy)
   
   PART 1: Floral Design
   Chapter 1: Flowers in Today's World
   Chapter 2: Tools & Tricks of the Trade
   Chapter 3: Signature Flower Arranging Techniques
   
   PART 2: Four Seasons
   Chapter 4: Spring
   Chapter 5: Summer
   Chapter 6: Autumn
   Chapter 7: Winter
   
   Index
   
   One of the best features of the book is Michael's explanation of his "Hybrid Tabletop" technique. He shows the reader how to do it (step-by-step) with classic and miniature calla lilies. The result is a gorgeous arrangement with stems that appear twisted (I'm not doing the way it looks justice with that explanation but I don't know how else to describe it). Michael uses all glass containers which really show-case the bright green stems. He gives instruction on stacking the flowers, before cutting, how to cut (and what tools to use), how to gently manipulate the stems of certain flowers to achieve varying looks, how to use clear rubber bands to hold your arrangements together, what temperature water to use in your arrangements and many other helpful hints.
   
   In conclusion, this book is perfect for a coffee table but it is also so much more, given that it offers loads of instruction. Do not hesitate to purchase this for yourself or as a gift for someone else (this would be a great Mother's Day gift for any mother who enjoys flowers).



3. Not what I expected. Just ok but not enough to hold my attention. I prefer really cutting edge arrangements and this was a little to pedestrian for me. I wanted latest, greatest, hottest. It was none of these things. Simply Elegant was too simple.

5 comments about 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. This book has found a permanent spot in my home, namely, on my desk, where I do all my hobbies. It has loads of great ideas that I've already used. Can't wait for the author's next book --apparantly its a sourcebook on animal designs.



2. I have a collection of books on designs and historical motifs. This is one of the most useful. I'm using it to create designs for decorating pottery.



3. I love this book for the quilting designs it inspires. If you're stuck for ideas, open McCallum's book and start drawing.



4. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 7 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Flower and Plant Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"



5. I'm an avid embroiderer, always looking for the perfect design to embellish a cardigan or pillowtop. McCallum's collection offers plenty of ideas and serves as a springboard for some of my own. I imagine this would be an equally essential tool for many other types of hobbyists. This one is nice just to leaf through, too -- it's very well arranged. I'm tempted to order his other books right away, but there's plenty to work with right here.

5 comments about Art of Floral Arranging, The : Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York.

1. This is a book, just as described in the other reviews, of step by step images and text for 7 arrangements. Only one of those involves fewer than a dozen (most are more than 2 dozen) stems. if you're looking for small arrangement help, there's probably a better choice (I am still looking for it).
   
   The book is pretty, though.



2. This book has pretty photographs but it was not what I was looking for. It shows designs by reknowned florists but has little in the way of substance. I don't want to make someone else's bouquets. I want to learn how to do it. I am also more interested in silk flowers, so that may be another reason that I am not a big fan. I want to learn the "Art of Flower Arranging" not how to copy someone else's designs that I don't much care for anyway.



3. I love the flower arrangements in this book they are so classy and simple. Very easy for anyone to make.



4. What little there is is very beautiful, but I somehow expected more. Pretty book though.



5. Honestly reading this book and seeing the designs I do better arrangements and I've never taken a class not impressed by the books pictures or arrangements very generic.

5 comments about Inspirations.

1. Excellent book for planning a lavish event. I would also recommend two other books by Preston Bailey. Check out Amazon for more info or go directly to his website and there will be a link to Amazon to purchase these items.



2. I'm an Interior Designer and this is a practical guide for clients visually. I'm not for copying works but inspiration to what we can do of endless possibilities.



3. I bought this book so I can find ideas for my wedding decoration, it has great and beautiful pictures, but obviously it's impossible to try to imitate Preston Bailey's ideas. I do recommend this book. You can use it afterwards for a coffee table book.



4. Although I think this book is well done, I much preferred his other books.



5. Garish and over the top almost to the point of vulgarity. Not my taste I prefer cleaner lines and less ostentatiousness.

5 comments about Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride.

1. As a professional special event florist who specializes in weddings, this is another book I keep in my consultation room for brides to browse and reference. I'm partial to design books that contain a lot of photos so this one earns high marks from me, but the drawbacks are it's size (small, which means the photos are also small) and that it's a paperback so it doesn't hold up to wear and repeat usage like a hardbound book. Most of the designs are current and contemporary, which is nice after seeing so many outdated wedding design books from the 80's and 90's still on bookstore shelves, but some of the designs lack "that certain something" that make the bouquets really stand out and personalized to the bride. As a designer I'm never super excited about anything cookie-cutter (see cover photo as an example) because it can easily become a crutch for clients who aren't confident making floral selections and also a crutch for florists who don't want to spend the quality time needed for a proper consultation. However, if used as an initial reference for size, shape, and to build designs from, the book will certainly provide that and a bit more. Based on what I've observed from brides browsing and using this book during consultations at my location, easy-to-please brides usually find a few styles in the book that they like, but fussier brides browse through the book quickly (rarely stopping on any one style) and move on to other books. It is a nice little book for the price though -- quality photography and an overall good value.



2. I love this little book! I am a Wedding & Event Florist and I use this book when I consult with clients. It's packed with great bouquet examples, beautiful crisp pictures, and it gives my clients the chance to observe colors in flower combinations that they never would have originally put together!



3. Each section of this book is categorized by colors, starting with white, ivory and cream, then yellow, then peach and orange, then red, then pink, then lilac and purple, and finally mixed and unusual. I knew my colors right off the bat but I still was inspired by every page. It's only real flaw is it's size, which once you get it and look through it, doesn't create that much of an issue. Not only does it give you flower ideas but also a variety of ways to create a handle and tie the bouquet. A good book for a bride who is doing all the arranging, like I am, or just brainstorming ideas with her florist.



4. This book has such wonderful colored pictures and each picture is close up so you can see all the beautiful details... This is a must have for anyone having a wedding or even a florist to let their bride look through for ideas...



5. A good building block for the bride and florist to get ideas of colour schemes and styles the bride might like. I took my copy into to Tafe(Technical and Further Education) and ended up ordering another three copys for fellow students.

5 comments about Country French Florals & Interiors (Home Reference).

1. Not as great as I thought - a bit disappointing - decor a bit stuffy and
   outdated.



2. I can't get enough of Charles Faudree......I have his other two books & this one is a wonderful addition to the continuing process of his being ahead of the curve.
   
   I travel often & his decor accents are all globally purchased...has to be since I only see them in the exotic countries I travel to. I am impressed that he decorated a gorgeous Spanish Mansion & wish I could afford to hire him for my plantation.
   
   Happy Reading & Be Inspired!



3. Another wonderful book by Charles his taste is a inspiration to home owners. I was very pleased to see that he kept the wonderful Tole Figures in his own home, that he purchased from me. Ted



4. I have been a Charles Faudree fan for years and eagerly awaited the publication of his first book, then second and now third. Every time I go to Tulsa, I make it a point to go to his shop and try to absorb some of the class and style that is such an inherent part of his design philosophy...and I have managed to purchase a bauble or two to add to my own decor. This trip we were fortunate enough to meet Toni Garner at her shop. She's friendly, helpful and her shop smelled like heaven. She was in the midst of a move to a new location and was obviously trying to get a very large order out the door, but she graciously took time to chat about the book with us.
   
   The interiors shown in this book probably don't show us much new about French Country design, but the main theme of this book isn't necessarily the interior design, but it serves as a showcase in the use of incredibly beautiful flowers to enhance the overall beauty of these rooms. If a book makes me yearn to step through the pages and take up residence in the houses it chronicles, then it's a winner for me.



5. I bought this book expecting so much more and I was very disappointed. The pictures are lovely but I've seen them before and the text is nothing new. This is a book formed out of all the stuff that was on the cuttingroom floor from the last books. Save your money and buy gas for your car.

5 comments about Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining.

1. This book is so innovative! Not only is it beautiful to look at and interesting to read, the idea of combining recipes with decorative arrangements is a practical idea. It gave me so many ideas for party themes that I want to start scheduling events right now. A must buy for the entertainer and it's a great gift, too.



2. I received Fabulous Parties as a gift, and can't put it down. There are so many wonderful ideas! The pictures are pretty enough to frame, and having so many recipes is a bonus! I'm teaching my grand daughter to cook and bake, and want to share it with her. Wonderful book!
   
   Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining



3. So many people ask me why I don't use several different vendors. Here is the reason why...Just look through this book! Mark and Richard have spoiled me and my clients with the most beautiful, chic, creative flowers and decor possible. Peggy's menu's are always unique, presented with love and style and honestly beyond delicious (is that possible?). Together with the flowers and food my events are a hit!!! They put up with my crazy ideas and are willing to try every and anything they can so our clients and guests leave with memories that will last a lifetime. We have worked together for several years and I owe much of my success to them...Buy the book and get to experience what I do every weekend. Mindy Weiss



4. I took a look at this book and it took me back to the overindulgences of the early eighties.
   
   A few fresh ideas are buried in here among recipes for a baked potato bar(uh....bowls of toppings with a baked potato), a cobb salad bar (you can see where this is heading), a candy bar (yes, assorted candy), a dessert coffee bar, caviar bar, tostada bar, another salad bar, and (yes- one more...) a cupcake bar.
   
   The photos and style have that dated feeling of a Time-Life book series on entertaining.
   
   Just not my style I guess.
   
   This should appeal to the elderly or pretentious set.



5. Its not just that this book is filled with beautiful photos of fantastical floral scenes and delectable foods, but there are many elegant and unique ideas that it helps you to recreate, the full experience of which cannot be fully captured in photos. Additionally, I've been through a lot of recipe books, and there are many exceptional, party-appropriate recipes in this book that I have not seen anywhere else. If you buy only one party book this decade, make it this one!