How I became a floral designer.

My career as a floral designer began with Mother’s Day baskets with my 6th graders at Jackson Junior High School. In 2001, I began actually teaching floral design at Amador High School in Sutter Creek.  During that time, I also became a Certified California Florist. I built a popular program. We made bouquets, corsages and arrangements for Homecoming along with Proms and Graduation. At its peak we sold 90 Thanksgiving centerpieces. Custom Christmas wreaths were one of our specialties. We also did wedding work for school district employees. Local community organizations often hired us to make centerpieces for their events. Our earnings went back into the school program which paid for flowers for students to make and take home almost every week. Several of my students went on to get jobs in floral shops. 

I taught Art, Art History, and Ceramics at Argonaut High School, in Jackson during the remainder of my 35 year teaching career.

My volunteer experience includes many years of floral arranging for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Saint Katharine Drexel Church in Jackson, CA. There I design large arrangements, usually on site, inspired by spirituality and reflecting the liturgical colors. I have also taught many adult floral classes.

Since retiring from teaching in 2014, I have taken 5 years of Sogetsu Ikebana, with Soho Sakai, in Orinda, which has greatly influenced my style and creativity. I have designed decor for many weddings and special events over the years including art auctions and shows, fundraiser dinners, and large dinner parties. I look forward to keep growing and designing flowers and building my own freelance floral business.