Monday, May 30, 2011

Flower Club!


Interested in getting a weekly bouquet of locally grown flowers?
Sign up for the flower club by calling us today! 614.266.1618

Sign up now and have an arrangement delivered to a location of your choice! Each week we will make a beautiful arrangement and exchange it for the one we delivered the week prior!
Arrangements start at just $10.00 per week!
Delivery is FREE inside 270 and only $1.00 outside 270!
Sign up for 5, 10 or 20 weeks at a time!


Arrangements can be in a vase, or just a bouquet! Have them delivered to your sweetheart, or treat yourself!
Call us today to get details!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Saturday, May 28, 2011

tips for green events!

Going Green for your event

Tip #1

Think Simply.  The less design elements you use, the easier it is to make the event green/organic or sustainable.  Now, simple doesn’t necessarily mean sparse or even cheap for that matter (although if you have a budget in mind, simple can make it easier to save money).  But simple and less complicated usually means less travel for all the materials and more control over where they came from, how they were grown or made, etc.  By using 10 dozen organic roses grown in CA for example, it is easier to control the green idea than if we chose 10 different kinds of flowers.  Some of these flowers could be organic, others may or may not be and others may be grown outside of the US.
Simple can also help prevent headaches.



Tip #2

Use what you love.  This means follow your heart when you design your event.  What’s most important to you?  If what is most important to you is that there are candles in every corner and on every table, then that’s where you can focus your green time.  How can you make candles sustainable?  What are the least wasteful or least toxic varieties?  How can they be incorporated into your design so they really show up?  What do you do with all those leftover candle holders or votives once you are done?  Not only will it make your event more green, but it will make you happy when you are done, because you’re looking forward to how beautiful it will all look once it’s put together.

Tip #3

Look on Craigslist.  Or, your local goodwill or salvation army store.  There are many finds to be had that have already been used and loved by other people.  Reusing items is probably the most sustainable thing we can do in our world today.  It’s way better than making new organic stuff and breaking down and re-processing old scrap stuff like plastic and metals.  I know: that 70′s inspired dress may not be what you imagined for a bridesmaid dress, but there are some things that we actually like vintage.  Vintage vases, plates, shoes, hats, fabrics, chandeliers, tea cans, napkins, etc.  For more modern items used for weddings and decor, you can find other brides or grooms who are selling it or giving it away on craigslist, which is a great alternative to buying it brand new.
Now, this may all take a little more time than you have.  So it’s best to start early.  Or, find a local wedding planner or event designer who has time to find these things.  Some of us also collect items like this especially to rent out for events.

Tip #4

Stay close to home.  Yes, it’s actually easier to plan an event that is in your own back yard.  It’s easier to find locally sourced food, local artesans, locally grown flowers, etc.  It’s also better for the air and that global warming business.  Who knew.  If you do have to travel, avoid taking your whole extended family, less is more when it comes to driving and flying.  And, take a look at carbon offsets and tree planting programs.  Although it’s sort of like blowing carcinogens and carbon smoke into the air and then growing a tree to clear it up, it’s better than nothing.

Tip #5

Use what we already have.  One of the best ways to stay simple, green and even stay on a budget is to use and reuse what is already surrounding us.  Why not create a lovely arrangement using photos from your family collection.  Or ask friends to bring a token of your relationship to the ceremony to help decorate the altar.  Maybe you decide to do a photo booth, so ask your friends and family to bring weird hats, scarves, boas and masks or cheese heads they may have to the reception so others can use them as costume.  Too often we go out and purchase unnecessary stuff, and it could be just as easy to just ask around and it may be even more fun!   Plus, when it’s something of a homework assignment, many guests will be inspired and enjoy helping out in the fun.

Tip #6

Stay at one place.  This day and age more and more people are opting to have their events in one location.  This is great because if you do it right, you can use decorations that will make one location festive, and so reducing the amount of decor that needs to be used for a separate venue for your ceremony.  You are also inviting guests to come and stay at one place, so they don’t have to drive to two different places, often driving around looking for parking at both, which reduces the carbon footprint and saves your guest’s a little stress.  For a bride and groom, staying at one location can also mean less stress for you, so you don’t have to worry about driving around and getting to the reception on time. It also means more time for pictures!


re-posted from gorgeous and green
EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Thursday, May 26, 2011

new flower garden

I live in the city of Columbus, so I never thought I could actually grow the flowers that I use for my arrangements. I have a fairly large yard and sure every once in a while I take a clipping, but I just thought my space was too small to harvest from. But this spring, motivated by my neighbors, I decided to start planting. My space is limited, but it has wonderful dirt and plenty of sun! It will be so lovely to go out in the morning and cut what I am going to use that day!

 yay! Ladybugs!!

 Its nothing much right now, but someday....



EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Monday, May 23, 2011

This Awesome Urn Will Turn You into a Tree After You Die

Bios3
You don't find many designers working in the funeral business thinking about more creative ways for you to leave this world (and maybe they should be). However, Spanish designer Martin Azua has combined the romantic notion of life after death with an eco solution to the dirty business of the actual, you know, transition.
His Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed of a tree. Once your remains have been placed into the urn, it can be planted and then the seed germinates and begins to grow. You even have the choice to pick the type of plant you would like to become, depending on what kind of planting space you prefer. 

bios2



I, personally, would much rather leave behind a tree than a tombstone. "

Jessica sent me this link, it's from bigthink.com. This is such a good idea! If I don't go with the pinebox, I'm definately going with the Willow Tree Urn!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Friday, May 20, 2011

Vintage jewelry for your wedding party

These are a few AWESOME creations from my Eco-Chic Craftaular neighbor, The Dark at Heart.

Couldn't you see your bridesmaids wearing these??
(obviously they wouldn't be exactly the same, but still So charming.)







Some vintage pieces may have signs of wear...this adds charm and history...please continue to tell their story. I hope you will be able to enjoy these pieces as much as whomever else wore them did!
Soon to come are some super cute Bow ties from Peat and Repeat!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Flower cooler


Is this the coolest cooler you've seen or what?




image 0



I found it on craigslist in detroit. If I only had a space...

image 1
image 2
EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

new website!

Hey all, we are going to be changing the website in the next few days! If you log on to www.ecofloradesign.com and it looks TOTALLY different, don't panic, it is still the EcoFlora you know and love!
We should have it up and running my May 19th!

Monday, May 16, 2011

DIY Recycled Jar Wedding Favors

These little match jars are way, way too adorable, and just imagine all the puns you can play with! 

An important note before you begin: The most crucial detail about this project is that you absolutely MUST use “strike anywhere” matches. Matches that say “strike on box” on them will not work and will make you cry tears of bitter frustration before tossing back a whiskey and everyone knows you don’t even like whiskey. I found mine at Ace Hardware, and I believe you can also find them at Target.

DIY Striking Match Jars
For this project, you’ll need:
-glass spice jars (or any small reusable jar with a lid)
-black fine grit sandpaper (I used 220-b)
-”strike anywhere” wooden matches
-glue (I used a silicone adhesive, but you could use craft glue)
-mailing labels or whatever you
want to use as a label
-an old pair of scissors
-toothpick

DIY Striking Match Jars
Instructions:
1. Remove the plastic sprinkle top from your jar—use a knife to pry out if necessary.

DIY Striking Match Jars
2. Use the plastic top to trace a circle on the back of your sandpaper sheet—or, trace around the lid. You want a circle that’s slightly smaller than the lid on your spice jar. When you’ve got one, cut it out with an old pair of scissors.
DIY Striking Match Jars
3. I used a silicone adhesive to glue the sandpaper to the lid– you could probably use another type of glue (maybe superglue?), but I like the adhesive because it bonds really well and spreads nicely.
DIY Striking Match Jars
4. Using a toothpick, spread your adhesive evenly over the back of the sandpaper circle—don’t overdo it, you don’t want excess glue squeezing out. If it does, just wipe it on to the next sandpaper circle.
DIY Striking Match Jars
5. Center on top of the lid and press down firmly.
6. While that’s drying, you can work on your label. I used a simple mailing label that I printed off with a typewriter font. For something extra fancy, you could use a small scrap of vintage paper to add a cute background before affixing your label. Add some matches and you’re done!
DIY Striking Match Jars

as see on ruffled blog

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Eco Chic Craftacular!

This weekend was the third annual Eco Chic Craftacular! We
had a wonderful time hanging out with great crafters like 
Peat and Repeat and The Dark at Heart. We will absolutely be
back next year! Thank you all so much for coming out to our booth! (Especially those who braved the rain on Sunday!)



There's Justin! He spent the whole weekend supporting me. He even skipped dirt biking and the invite of kayaking. What a great partner!


Here are a few of our succulents.




EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Friday, May 13, 2011

DIY Garden Lanterns

Easy to make DIY wedding lanterns!


I made these little lanterns out of recycled jam glasses & a bit of steel wire. It's really easy, takes no time, costs almost nothing & best of all - the lanterns look fabulous!
What you need to make a lantern:
1: Recycled glass jar
2: Steel wire (1 piece to make the lantern handle & 1 piece to make loop that goes around top of lantern – measure is needed)
3: Beach sand
4: One small candle or tea light

DIY wedding lanterns - tutorial on how to!
Image 1:First measure out the length of the steel wire you need for the loop, add an extra 3-4 inches and cut off your first bit of wire.

Image 2:
½ inch in on your wire you make the first small loop. This is one of the two loops the loop the handle will go through later. To get a perfectly round loop I use a pen or something similar to shape my loop with. This way I can get two identical loops for my lantern.

Image 3:
Now place the loop on one side of your jar and pull the excess wire half way around the jar so it end exactly opposite your first loop. Make a reference point (bend the wire) as this is where you need to make your second loop for the handle.
Image 4:Now make you second loop like you made the first loop (see image 2)


Image 5:Place the wire around the glass jar and secure the two wire ends by twisting them around each other. Cut off excess wire.Image 6:Cut off your last piece of wire to the length you want your handle to be in. Shape it as shown on the picture and pull each end of your “handle” through the loops.

Your lantern is ready and you can now decorate it with ribbon or stickers or something else or you can leave it as it is. To avoid the candles moving around inside the lanterns it’s a good idea to put a little bit of sand at the bottom of the jars.


This little DIY wedding project becomes easier and easier the more lanterns you make.

I hope you enjoy making your lanterns.
as seen on www.diywedding.org


 

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Thursday, May 12, 2011

HOW TO get your share of EcoFlora's gorgeous, sustainable flowers!

Heres HOW TO get your share of our gorgeous arrangements!

1. go to the Bexley Natural Market or The Raisin Rack in Westeville. We deliver a group of arrangements every Tuesday (the last few weeks it has been Wednesday because we have been busy!)

 2. Call us! 614.266.1618 We are always availible to take your order! If you do not get an answer, leave a message or call back in a few minutes- we’re probably on the other line or talking to a customer.

3. Email! ecofloradesign@gmail.com If you have an event coming up or just an everyday inquiry drop us a line and we’ll get right back to you!



EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Monday, May 9, 2011

Summer Wedding: Emily & Scott - Swans Trail Farms, WA

Emily and Scott did a lot of DIY projects for their beautiful country-style wedding. With blue, orange and brown colors the couple perfectly managed to match the quaint country surroundings.
A gorgeous DIY summer wedding
Sweet DIY wedding ceremony at Emily and Scott's wedding
Do it yourself wedding centerpieces and ideas by Emily the bride.
DIY wedding program by Emily with a brilliant entertaining touch.

The Bride: Emily Enders, Graphic DesignerThe Groom: Scott Bruton, Police Officer
The Date: 08-21-2010
Type of Wedding:
Chic rustic country weddingLocation: Swans Trail Farms, WA 
Photographer: Jennifer Matsuda
Emily chose orange Mums for her DIY wedding bouquet and added pretty light blue ribbons to her bridesmaid dresses for a more personal look. The tables were decorated with red & orange flowers in simple glass jars, gorgeous DIY table cards and Emily’s own hand sown burlap table runners with matching ribbons.
For the wedding ceremony Emily had the aisle and altar decorated with ribbons and orange & blue paper lanterns. Using her graphic designer skills she created her own very personal & charming wedding programs. On the back of the programs, Emily added a little surprise for her guests; a fun guide of creative ways to fold the program should the need arise for a hat to protect from rain or sunshine.

Photos by: Red Fish Blue Fish Photography
Website: www.redfishphoto.com

as seen on diywedding.org

 

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grow flowers
614.266.1618

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Wedding 5.7.2011


One finished arrangement!





 These little daisy arrangements were made for the rehearsal dinner and RE-used for the pre-reception cocktail party!



 These little evergreens were give to each guest as a wedding favor! Here's a fun fact: it's the only evergreen native to Ohio!



EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grow flowers
614.266.1618

Friday, May 6, 2011

Recycled Jars As Vases For Your Bridal Shower

diy eco couture flower vase ideas

What was used:
- Recycled Jars, Tubs, Cans
- Wrapping Paper
- Wax Paper
- White Floral Mesh
- Left over twine
- Left over ribbon
- Scotch Tape
- Scissors
- Hydrangeas, Amaryllis Belladonna, & Lambs Ear



hydrangeas flowers LA flower mart


diy wedding vase ideas
as see on ruffled blog
This is a wonderful way to save on cost for your bridal shower as well as reduce your wedding's carbon footprint. After the shower send the bouquets home with your guest. The jars can be continuous reused and the flowers added to the compost!


EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grow flowers
614.266.1618

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Weekend of colorful flowers


This weekend we made three presentation bouquets for the Columbus Women's Chorus. We used ranunculus and lilac that we purchased from a local organic flower farm, Sunny Meadows. The theme for the performance was textile, so we went to the locally owned fabric store, Sew-to-Speak and purchased some fabric to wrap around the bouquets. It was so nice to work with Molly, and we can't wait to meet again!






These are a few arrangements we did for customers this week! I just LOVE this time of year! everything is so bright! If we could just get the rain to tone it down it would be a perfect spring!


EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grow flowers
614.266.1618