Floral Design

Program Outline

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of eight Instruction Sets written to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. You can earn your Career Diploma in as little as six months. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our Web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Introduction to Floral Design and Flowers
History of floral design; professional opportunities; selling with unique designs; care and handling of cut flowers.

Instruction Set 2

Basics and Tools of Floral Design
Classification of flowers, plants, and foliage; materials and tools; choosing the right flowers.

Practical Exercise 1

Learning Aid: Bow Package

Supplement: Holland Cut Flower Book

Video: Introduction to Bow Tying

Instruction Set 3

Principles and Elements of Design
Elements of design: line, space, texture, form, and color; principles of design: composition, scale, and balance.

Introduction to Design Techniques
Descriptions of a variety of design techniques and styles.

Practical Exercise 2

Supplements:
• Floral Designer's Glossary
• Floral Designer's Pronunciation Guide (Booklet)

Learning Aid: Color Wheel

CD: Floral Designer's Pronunciation Guide

Instruction Set 4

Design Styles — Part 1
In-depth discussion of design styles: Ikebana, formal linear, western line, crescent, Mille de Fleur, Biedermeier, and parallel.

Design Styles — Part 2
In-depth discussion of vegetative, landscape, new convention, abstract, new wave, interpretive, waterfall, and hand-tied.

Practical Exercise 3

Supplement: Ikebana

Learning Aid: Floral Designer's Kit

Instruction Set 5

Weddings — Part 1
Conducting the bridal consultation; working within a wedding budget; coordinating fabrics with floral design; bridal bouquet design methods and styles; coordinating the attendants with the bride.

Weddings — Part 2
Wedding body flowers: corsages, wristlets, hair accessories, wreaths, lapel boutonnieres; decorating for the ceremony; floral arrangements for the reception; head, guest, and buffet tables; floral cake decorations.

Solemn Occasions
The funeral consultation; the variety of arrangements used; history and uses of carnations and roses.

Practical Exercise 4

Equipment:  Boutonniere and Corsage Kit

DVD: Wedding Arrangements

Instruction Set 6

Plants and Their Care
Selecting the right plant; caring for potted plants; designing commercial and home plant displays; diagnosing and treating common plant problems.

Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 1
Working with artificial flowers and plants; using dried flowers; creating dried flower displays and potpourri.

Artificial and Dried Flowers — Part 2
Advanced artificial and dried designs; working with dried, wax, and other artificial accessories.

Practical Exercise 5

Supplement: Making Your Own Potpourri

DVD: Artificial and Dried Flower Arrangements

Instruction Set 7

Christmas
Traditions; working with evergreens; creating wreaths; working with artificial Christmas materials; poinsettias and their care.

Major Holidays
Designs for major holidays: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, innovative party designs and gift baskets.

Theme Arrangements
Promoting and planning for minor holidays; creating holiday theme arrangements; accessory and theme ideas; arrangements for minor holidays: Secretaries’ Day, Father’s Day, Halloween.

Practical Exercise 6

Equipment: Christmas Wreath Kit

DVD: Holiday and Theme Arrangements

Instruction Set 8

Establishing a Business
Establishing your identity; examining the competition; securing funds; determining location, size, and shop layout; finding and keeping productive employees.

Managing a Business
The wholesale market; seasonal availability; purchasing nonfloral items; pricing strategy; security.

Marketing and Merchandising
Maintaining positive public relations; promoting your business; creating window displays; opening commercial accounts.

Practical Exercise 7

Final Exam Project
Final exam project critiqued by outside industry expert.

Work Experience Option

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.