Floral Design

Become a Floral Designer with at-home training from Penn Foster Workforce Development.

If you want to design floral arrangements, consult with wedding planners, work in a florist shop or even start your own business, the Floral Design Program from Penn Foster Career School is for you. You'll learn:

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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

Learning Aids:
• Bow Package 2
• Wedding Order Forms
• Boutonniere and Corsage Kit

Video: 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

Video: 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

Learning Aid: Christmas Wreath Kit

Video: 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

 

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

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Contact Penn Foster at 1-800-233-0259

Ordering Process

Organizations may order by telephone, mail, fax, or telex. For federal government clients, GSA discount terms are applied. Please click here for more information!


 

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