Fundamental Floral Design is the first course in the series of three courses that will lead to the designation of one being a master floral designer. This course is the starting point in beginning floral design; and, as such it will encompass a variety of basic skills that any floral designer should have from the creation of  boutonnieres and corsages to the creation of table centerpieces and the creation of beautiful arrangements in basic traditional as well as modern styles. This first course in floral design consists of seven sessions that are each three hours long for a total of 21 hours of instruction.

This fundamental course will begin with a mini course, at the first class session, which will present a basic introduction to floral design. In this introduction, students will learn the criteria of the American Institute of Floral Designers used to judge floral designs and how to use these criteria. Through this introduction to floral design, students will learn to classify flowers and plant materials as to their basic types and the functions that they have and the role that they play in floral designs. Students will learn how these flower and plant types work together to create floral designs.

Following the introduction to floral design the students will begin putting that knowledge to use as they create their own floral designs in class while being taught the rudiments of basic floral design techniques including the proper use of floral foam, basic flower wiring, and flower placement. Students will learn how to effectively hide the mechanics used to create their flower arrangements and how to create designs in both opaque containers and clear glass vases. Personal attention will be provided to each student from the instructor as the students complete their floral designs to take home. Students are encouraged to grow in their design skills by giving and receiving constructive criticism of the designs created in class by themselves as well as other students. Students are highly encouraged to also bring a camera to each class to photograph their arrangements; as well as the arrangements of all others in the class.

Students must bring to each class, after the first class, their floral cutting tools, all other needed materials will be provided, including flowers and containers, and have been included in the materials fee for this course.

  The class outline is as follows:

• Class 1; Introduction to Floral Design - a mini course on basic floral tools, care and conditioning of flowers, flower and foliage types, elements and principles of design, selecting the right flowers and containers, and the criteria used in judging a floral design by the AIFD
  

• Class 2; Basic arrangement shapes, use of floral foam, greening of containers, arrangements with a back; Design projects 1 and 2
  

• Class 3; Market Bouquet from the grocery store, presentation arm bouquet, designing in glass vases; Design projects 3, 4, and 5
  

• Class 4; Personal flowers (flowers to wear), wiring; Design projects 6 and 7
  

• Class 5; Types of flower placement, round and oval arrangements; Design project 8
  

• Class 6; Basing techniques, parallel placement, parallel systems arrangements; Design project 9
  

• Class 7; Principles of design, single focus arrangements; Design project 10
  

Some students will take this course in floral design because they simply want to make the most of their personal flower arrangement skills at home. Some students will take this course as a way to make special gifts for friends. Some students will use this course to enhance their employment skill as a professional floral designer. Other students may even already be professional floral designers using the course as a refresher or review. No matter the reason for taking this course there will be something for everyone in it.

Fundamental Floral Design Course

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