Design of the Month Gallery

A monthly selection of what's inspiring us

October 2024

A subtle colour scheme and contrasting strong forms highlight the textures in this composition.

Design – Frédéric Dupré
Photography – Mike Boerma

September 2024

Example design created for Designing to Win - Classically Inclined

Cymbidium, Craspedia, Hedera, Cocus nucifera

Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling

August 2024

Created as part of Flower Thinking's Displacement day with Gregor Lersch

Zantedeschia aethiopica, Strelitzia reginae, Dianthus, Bambusa, Howea forsteriana, Philodendron, Xylomelum

Design – Bart Hassam
Photography – Mark Pampling

July 2024

Garden style composition with a loose silhouette and free-flowing, organic material placement.

Created for the 2024 International Teachers Seminar at the Boerma Instituut in The Netherlands.

Design – Gregor Lersch

June 2024

Phalaenopsis Orchids sit high in this design. Flowing dramatically below the Orchids are thin bundles of Love Grass (Eragrostis sp.), suspended from wire mechanics attached to an earthenware vase, atop a pedestal. Created for a submission in Advanced Directions. A few heads of Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus exaltatus) are used to transit the eye around the design.

Phalaenopsis, Eragrostis sp., Ptilotus exaltatus

Design – Annita Bokobli
Photography – Annita Bokobli

May 2024

Dogwood, attached to a log base, places the focal flowers away from the point of origin.

Protea cynaroides, Cymbidium, Cornus, Hakea, Anigozanthos, Jasminum, Anthurium clarinervium, Panicum

Design – Gregor Lersch
Photography – Kai Ridley

April 2024

A wreath is the base for the anthuriums. Medallions of dried beans give a focal point. Wire is inserted into the snake beans to allow for manipulation to enhance the curved nature of the stems.

Anthurium, Snake Beans
Design – David Berger
Photography – David Berger

March 2024

This interpretation of the theme Uncommon Threads is organised around a carefully crafted disc of Pussy Willow (Salix) using the Tatami technique. A considered design playing with density and transparency, and an interplay of radial and overlapping line systems.

Design – Trish Nishikawa CFD AIFD

Photography – Trish Nishikawa CFD AIFD

February 2024

An eclectic collection of materials in this low design from Design Directions is unified by being strictly organised in two parallel systems.

Design – Mark Pampling

Photography – Mark Pampling

January 2024

Created by Sydney Designer Duc Thuan Bui for a Designing to Win class, both designs were made to the same theme Glass and Grass. After review and feedback on the first design (left) Duc evolved the concept into the second, even more cohesive submission. An inspiring example of taking a good design and making it even better.

Design - Duc Thuan Bui

Photography - Duc Thuan Bui

Customer Reviews

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David B

One Container, Five Elements expanded my design processes and choices. Analysing the container and looking for a link to each of the five elements. Focusing on one element was a disciplined journey, one that became more complex the further I travelled along the path, albeit a rewarding journey. On reflection it allowed me to consider my choices and to give each element of design a voice in my arrangements. I likened it to a choir where one voice may lead but if the supporting harmonies are not in pitch the whole auditory experience is not quite right. I found myself falling to my favourite elements and constantly self-evaluating to see what was often needed, often editing rather than adding. During the group feedback sessions, I gained new eyes not only on my own work but that of my peers. Such a rewarding experience.

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Kath.a.shaw

This course is totally fabulous, taking one container and working with that in totally different ways with the focus on each of the Elements of design really make you think. Using the container as a starting point for inspiration but then pushing it on alternative ways is most refreshing. Mark's feedback and guidance throughout is so clear and well thought out and is delivered both verbally and in writing. This course is a great opportunity to learn from a master... But it is also self lead in that you choose your own design and work to stretch yourself in what ever way you like. So good I am considering a second round using different container.

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Sharon M
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I was extremely fortunate to be gifted the opportunity to partake in one of Marks courses. While I found the course challenging, I have learnt enormously from those challenges. The One Container, Five Elements course certainly gave me a new awareness of all the elements of designs and to consider them all when designing. I would unreservedly recommend this course if you have a passion for ongoing learning in your floral design.

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Michael C.

Having completed the one container five elements course I would highly recommend this type of online learning to others. I really enjoyed the assignments and it was great to have something specific to work on. Each assignment was clearly defined and the feedback provided on everyone's work was clear with exciting suggestions made by Mark on how to improve the design or how it could be developed to become a showstopper. Everyone was encouraged to work freely on their own design ideas and supported through the process. Having access to both written feedback and the recording of the call ensures that everyone can connect and learn. I can't wait to work out which course I should join next.

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Deb

One Container - Five Ways - what a way to get me interested and what a way to really understand all the elements and how by focusing on each you can create such different designs! Thank you Mark - learning little and big things every time.