Design Solutions
Pare Back Material Choices and Focus on Design Principles
Abundant material variety can be a distraction from the work of applying design principles.
Design Solutions strips away the distraction, helping us focus on using the elements and principles to solve design problems.
We complete four design challenges - an arrangement, a bridal design, an overlapping design and a wreath - all using just two main botanicals.
Along the way we learn to solve design problems by reaching for design principles instead of materials.
A rustic arrangement of Banksia and Willow in an earthy ceramic container, incorporating an elliptical structure made using the paper covered wire and the binding technique.
Banksia baxteri, Salix alba
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Posy style bridal design created on a base of wire spokes, decorated with whole and segmented Banksia, Banksia leaves and sections of Willow stems.
Banksia baxteri, Salix alba
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Banksia and Willow stems are organised in an overlapping system, elevated on stub wires anchored into a wooden base using the hammering technique.
Banksia baxteri, Salix alba
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A contemporary wreath design layered on a flat, paper- covered base, utilising Banksia heads, cores and leaves and lengths of Willow.
Banksia baxteri, Salix alba
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A classic dome of Carnation heads is finished with a single Syngonium leaf, and a draping trail of Carnation stem pieces joined together with the garlanding technique.
Dianthus, Syngonium
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A contemporary wired bridal posy, incorporating a structure using the handmade chicken wire technique and paper raffia.
Dianthus, Syngonium
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A wooden panel and stub wires are the base foundation to support the elevated Carnation stems and Syngonium leaves in this overlapping design.
Dianthus, Syngonium
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A grouped wreath of Carnation heads and variegated Syngonium leaves, finished with a layer of overlapping Carnation stems.
Dianthus, Syngonium
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Asymmetrical fan design of overlapping stems in twin containers. The removal of the lower foliage on both the Chrysanthemum and the fern makes the crossing stems more of a design feature.
Nephrolepis, Chrysanthemum
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Asymmetrical bridal bouquet of trailing Fern topped with a cluster of Disbud Chrysanthemum and their own foliage.
Nephrolepis, Chrysanthemum
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Contemporary bridal posy of blooms and petals, and the leaflets and stems of Sword Fern - created on a shallow dome structure of thin round core cane and decorative wire crafted using the Tatami technique.
Nephrolepis, Chrysanthemum
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A vertical design with very shallow depth. The foliage has been stripped from most stems, allowing the eye to see the overlapping system that is used to arrange them.
Nephrolepis, Chrysanthemum
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Classically inspired, hemispherical arrangement of massed Privet Berries, with a rosette of Privet leaves. The lower perimeter is threaded with miniature Craspedia.
Ligustrum/Privet, Craspedia
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Trailing bridal bouquet, designed to sit in the palm of the hand, slip through the fingers and hand gracefully below.
Ligustrum/Privet, Craspedia
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Freestanding design on wire legs, created using the hammering technique. A strong upper area of interest is created with some covered spheres that repeat the colour of the Craspedia, and the shape of both the Craspedia and Privet berries.
Ligustrum/Privet, Craspedia
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A low horizontal design created around a decorative panel. The panel is made from cardboard, wrapped in paper and then wrapped in layers of various fibres.
Ligustrum/Privet, Craspedia
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
A classically inspired design of Spanish Moss and Black Willow. Some Moss has been bound to a circular form with bullion wire and wool to create an area of visual interest in the upper section.
Tillandsia usneoides, Salix
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Hanging bridal design with layers of Spanish Moss and textured wool strands. The upper structure is a triangular box shape, made of short willow stems and decorated with a medallion of wrapped, metallic wool.
Tillandsia usneoides, Salix
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Wreath design built on a base of wire rings that has Spanish Moss layered between lines of wire. It’s finished with overlapping stems of Black Willow, metallic wool medallions and some free hanging trails of Moss.
Tillandsia usneoides, Salix
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Overlapping design on a metal stand, incorporating rectangular shapes wrapped in paper and fibres which add areas of solidity that contrast against the transparency of the Moss and network of fine Willow stems.
Tillandsia usneoides, Salix
Design – Mark Pampling
Photography – Mark Pampling
Featured Galleries
Develops more deliberate design habits by working with a constrained material palette and giving more attention to design principles.
A group of floral designers, artists and arrangers will respond to a competition-style schedule with the theme Uncommon Threads.
At Flower Thinking Connections '26, Gregor Lersch focused on the creative process, sources of creativity and his theory of Linking, a system for innovating new ideas.
An opportunity to experiment with visual balance and to push the boundaries of asymmetry by working away from the container.
A collection by Mark Pampling, characterised by refined, form-focused compositions defined by structural precision, advanced craftsmanship and linear artistry.
David has been engaged in every facet of the floral industry for over 30 years and has represented Australia in the Interflora World Cup on four occasions, gaining two Silver medals overall as wellas five Gold medals in individual sections. He is a highly sought after teacher and demonstrator.
A masterful approach to colour and texture results in designs with strong visual and emotional impact. This exhibition is a showcase of Frédéric’s approach across a range of design forms and styles.
Keenly balanced linear movement, bold forms and groupings, and striking proportions draw the eye with both strength and subtlety. Sophisticated craftsmanship supports the botanicals and allow them to speak with purpose and clarity.
Explorations into the unity of floral concepts, inspired by the works of the masters. Each work is an attempt to bring together elements from different categories within the design scheme in the pursuit of a harmonious design aesthetic.
Gregor thoughtfully interprets three overarching concepts: displaced focal areas, sustainability and personal style.
A cohort of floral designers, floral artists, flower arrangers and florists respond to a competition-style schedule with the theme Glass & Grass.
A celebration of the natural world through graceful, flowing lines with dynamic, rhythmic qualities. Irene’s profound respect for plant materials is exemplified by the meticulous workmanship, technique and attention to detail of this collection.
Sketching is a versatile tool for communicating your ideas and thoughts to other designers, clients and collaborators.
Structural botanical design is Keith Stanley's passion. In addition to creating large scale displays and conducting demonstrations and workshops, Keith is also an International Master Florist and a certified teacher of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.
Annita's work is characterised by bold structures balanced with careful placements. Twice champion of the Interflora Australia Cup competitions. In addition to running a successful retail florist, she is well regarded as a teacher and demonstrator of floral design.
Explores different ways of directing proportions, using the unique constraints of each design style as a starting point.
A cohort of floral designers, floral artists, flower arrangers and florists interpret the themes Christmas Crescent and Layered Luxury.
Floral designers, artists, flower arrangers and florists create festive designs inspired by the ebooks Christmas Crescent and Layered Luxury.