The 2017 Whidbey Flower Workshop – A Recap

The place setting for our farewell feast, with a most lovely menu by Grey and Cake, and lovely linens from La Tavola.
The Whidbey Flower Workshop is a creative retreat for professional florists. It is an opportunity take time out to invest in yourself. It is a chance to grow your design skills while you follow your own heart, without having to follow mandates from clients. Build trust in your creativity, learn new skills, improve your portfolio, and make new friends! We accomplish all this in a relaxed, fun and pampered environment, around a central theme of “slow” and sustainable. We reject floral foam and rely heavily on locally grown flowers. Our meals are cooked with love and attention and lots of local ingredients; the wine we serve is “slow” wine (grown and made on Whidbey Island). We have views of the Puget Sound, tall trees, grapevines and cows while we work. All this combines for a pretty magical interlude. Here’s a peek into this spring’s session. Join us in April 2018!

We dined under this gorgeous foam-free installation. It was most magical!
The 2017 workshop welcomed Susan Mcleary, Debra Prinzing, and Kaleb James Willis as instructors. These three superstars shared loads of invaluable advice, instruction and insight. Students explored writing exercises designed to help them dig into the essence of their brand. They learned foam-free mechanics for construction of centerpieces, bridal bouquets and a large scale installation; were inspired with ideas to update their work and build on-trend designs that take inspiration from the season and the materials at hand. We created fashion-forward wearables. We learned tips for adding layers of interest and beauty to a tablescape, and how to style our work to get the most out of a photoshoot. We discussed pricing, marketing, branding, and honing one’s niche. We all came away with knock-out photos, thanks to the mad skills and patience of Sullivan & Sullivan Photography. And best of all, friendships were made and networks were connected.

I will admit that when I got the idea for this workshop, I really didn’t have a solid plan – I just wanted to figure out a way to get Passionflower Sue to my turf! I have been an avid stalker of her incredible work for several years. Once she said yes (and I finished by whooping and happy dancing), I just let things flow and followed my inspiration. Like “Man, Kaleb’s work is gorgeous. And I really want to play with his stuff! How cool would it be to have him come create a madly gorgeous tablescape with the centerpieces we make?” So I pursued him (and the great props from his inventory along with Cort Event Rentals, La Tavola, and Unique & Chic Rentals).
I wanted to pack as much value in as I could. I spent the winter struggling with a rebrand, trying to find my voice. So when I heard that Debra Prinzing teaches a “writing for your brand”, I knew that had to be included! And of course, great photography, models & HMU, because we all want to rock our portfolios! And it all would happen with no floral foam!
So yeah, I basically created my own dream workshop and hoped others would like it enough to come. And, they did! And they liked it! Everything started happening and I could not believe, nor have planned, the amazing chemistry between everyone. It was a magical, “more than the sum of the parts” kind of experience. Each student was (is!) so great, and talented, and open – I am honored to have been able to spend time working alongside such a great group of people.




For me, there were SO many highlights (really, the whole thing was a huge highlight of my year!). To summon one particular part – I loved watching people come to trust their ability to make something more lovely than they’d imagined. The look in the eyes of the florist when she put her creation into the hands of the model, and seeing the shift from insecure to amazed, “I can’t believe I made that”, was all the reward I needed for the hard work of the workshop production!


Amazing creations from the Whidbey Flower Workshop

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Fashion forward, of course. Kaleb Norman James

Whidbey Flower Workshop by sullivanandsullivan-whidbeyfloral-daytwo(46of78)
A gorgeous bouquet by the Mastress Herself, Passionflower Sue. Lovely gown by Frankie & Maude.

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Model Susan Yim visits the Comfort Winery Cows.

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

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Debra Prinzing, Tobey Nelson, Susan Mcleary, Kaleb James Willis

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Even our great models, Kendra Lyons & Susan Yim, had a great time!

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Bridal bouquet by Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Floral wearable by Sylvia Lukach, Cape Lily.

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Laurie Henderson, Fab Floral

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Such a sweet headband by Holly Price, Unique & Chic Event Rentals & Design

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Lovely Freidel in her Heuchera crown. Mimulo

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Floral wearables. Nancy Nesbitt, Elixer on the Willapa

Whidbey Flower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Beautiful spring headpiece by Darcy MacPherson, Silver Thread Gardens

Whidbey Flower workshop by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography
The farewell feast place setting, with a most lovely menu by Grey & Cake.

Whidbey Flower Workshop image by sullivanandsullivan
Bridal bouquet by Bergen Carey, Fire and Blooms

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Sarah Kistner, Stone Meadow Flowers.

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Flowers for a veil. Marje Cristol, Linnea Farm.

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Bridal bouquet, Tobey Nelson Events and Designs

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Lovely wearables. Kirby Rogic, The Flowerhouse

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Make up by Marquis Artistry

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Bergen Carey Fire and Blooms image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (5)
Centerpiece by Bergen Carey of Fire and Blooms

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Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Amy of Laughing Goat Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (21)
Bridal bouquet by Amy of Laughing Goat Farm

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Freidel of Mimulo image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (34)
Our own NY Florist Rockstars, Chani & Freidl from Mimulo

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Amy of Laughing Goat Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (17)
Wearable flower creations by Amy of Laughing Goat Farm

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Killing Frost Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (2)
Beautiful movement in centerpiece by Carly of Killing Frost Farm

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Killing Frost Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (1)
Lichen wearables by Carly of Killing Frost Farm

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Debby Mittelman MiViva Design image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (9)

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Debby Mittelman MiViva Design image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (10)

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Sweet Luck Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (2)
Lovely spring explosion with flowers grown and arranged by Elise from Sweet Luck Farm

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Sweet Luck Farm image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (13)
Shoulder corsage by student of Whidbey Flower Workshop

Whidbey FLower Workshop photo by sullivanandsullivan
Leaf crown. Freidel Heckt-Frankel, Mimulo.

Whidbey Flower Workshop student Place setting design by Kirby Rogic Its the Flowerhouse Menu by Grey and Cake image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography
Love this table design by Kirby of Its the Flowerhouse with china from Unique & Chic Event Rentals and Menu by Grey & Cake

Whidbey Flower Workshop studen work by Holly of Unique and Chic Rentals image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (13)
Lovely spring floral headband by Holly of Unique & Chic Events and Rentals

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Kirby Rogic Its the Flowerhouse image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (13)
Wrist corsage by Kirby Rogic from Its the Flowerhouse

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Laura Wiltse-Tibbets of West Wind Florals image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (11)
Beautiful bridal suite by Laura from West Wind Florals

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Student work from Whidbey Flower Workshop by Laurie Henderson of Fab Florals image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (15)
Bridal bouquet by Laurie Henderson of Fab Floral

Student work from Whidbey Flower Workshop by Laurie Henderson of Fab Florals image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (13)
Floral headpiece by Laurie from Fab Floral

Whidbey Island Student work by Marje Cristol of Linnea Flower Farm image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (10)
Bridal Bouquet by Marje of Linnea Farm Design

Whidbey Flower Workshop floral design work by Nancy Nesbitt of Rhodesia Flower image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (14)
Bridal bouquet by Nancy of Rhodesia Flower. Gown by Frankie & Maude.

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Kitty Witch Botanicals image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (9)
Tablescape by Rayne Grace Hoke of KittyWitch Botanicals

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Kitty Witch Botanicals image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (4)

Whidbey Flower Workshop studen work by Sara Davies of Wild Child Flower Company image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (16)
Botanical wearables by Sara from Wild Child Flower Company

Whidbey Flower Workshop studen work by Sara Davies of Wild Child Flower Company image by Sullivan & Sullivan Photography (2)
Tablescape by Sarah of Stone Meadow Flowers

Whidbey Flower Workshop student work by Sylvia Lukach of CapeLily image by Sullivan and Sullivan Photography (9)
Bridal bouquet by Sylvia from Cape Lily
Thanks and credit to all the students/designers who came –
There would have been no magic without you! Congratulations on all your amazing work. Be proud of your talents!

The best group of people a workshop producer could ever have asked for! Thanks to all these great souls who make my 2017 launch a tremendous success.
Amy Brown, Laughing Goat Flower Farm | |
Bergen Carey, Fire and Blooms | |
Carly Jenkins, Killing Frost Farm | |
Chana Hecht/Frankel, Mimulo | |
Darcy Macpherson, Silver Thread Gardens | |
Debbie Mittelman, MiViva Designs | |
Elise Luck, Sweet Luck Farm | |
Freidel Levin, Mimulo | |
Holly Price, Unique & Chic Event Rentals | |
Kirby Rogic, The Flowerhouse | |
Nancy Nesbit, Rhodesia Flower | |
Laura Wiltse-Tibbets, West Wind Florals | |
Laurie Henderson, Fab Floral | |
Marje Cristol, Linnaea Farm | |
Rayne Grace Hoke, KittyWitch Botanicals | |
Sara Davies, Wild Child Flower Co | |
Sarah Kistner, Stone Meadow Flowers | |
Sylvia Lukach, Cape Lily |


And ENORMOUS thanks to my workshop sponsors and contributors
I could never have pulled that workshop off without the generosity, help and patience of so many people, all of whom deserve so much more credit than this, so here goes. Give these businesses your support, as their hearts are totally in the right place!
Seattle Wholesale Growers Market
Honeysilks Ribbon Co
Kendra Lyons, model