Floral art lessons: Advice for beginners

Floral art, an ancient yet constantly evolving practice, is attracting more and more enthusiasts. If you're a beginner and the idea of creating floral arrangements intrigues you, this article will guide you through your first steps in this colourful and fragrant world. Discover floral art at Bouvard Fleurs, where creativity and expertise meet to transform ordinary flowers into extraordinary works of art. For more information about our courses, visit our page dedicated to floral art courses.

Floral art doesn't require advanced skills from the outset. Start with simple arrangements, such as bouquets of wild flowers or flowers from your garden, to add a poetic touch to your home. However, make sure you pick early in the morning to keep your arrangements fresh and long-lasting.

To learn the basics, such as how to select and arrange flowers, enrol on a floral art course. These courses often cover a variety of themes and seasonal compositions, making it easier to learn floral combinations and styles.

Our practical advice for floral art beginners

Approach the fascinating world of floral art with confidence and creativity. Here are some key tips to guide your first steps and help your talent blossom :

1. Select your flowers wisely 

Take your first steps in floral art by choosing flowers that are suitable for beginners. Peonies, roses, dahlias, lilies and alstroemeria are ideal for beginners, thanks to their variety of colours and ease of handling. These flowers will enable you to create attractive arrangements while learning the rudiments of floral art. Sweet peas, for example, should be avoided when starting out, as they are extremely fragile and their stems are short, making them harder to handle. 

2. Put together your basic floral tool kit 

To get off to a good start, it's essential to be properly equipped. Your starter kit should include at least a pruning shears for precise cuts, a knife or an opinel, various pliers and florist's twine. 

3. Adopt safe and hygienic practices 

Adopt safe and hygienic practices in your floral workshop. Make sure you clean your hands and equipment thoroughly after each use to prevent skin irritation and potential allergies. Store sharp tools such as pruning shears carefully in a safe place to avoid accidents. This constant concern for cleanliness and safety creates a pleasant and safe working environment, essential for a carefree and fully fulfilling floral practice.

4. Daring colours and textures for unique floral creations 

Go for bold creations by playing with a range of vibrant colours and textures. This bold choice of hues and materials can transform a simple floral arrangement into a captivating work of art. Don't hesitate to experiment with different types of foliage, exotic flowers and original accessories to explore and refine your personal style. Mixing unexpected elements can reveal surprising and beautiful combinations, reflecting your unique artistic touch in each composition.

5. Develop your personal artistic imprint in floristry

Floral art is a personal adventure where each composition reflects a part of your creative universe. To bring captivating bouquets to life, boldly mix sizes, shapes and types of flowers, creating a fascinating visual balance. Vary the heights and textures to add dynamism and movement. Each arrangement tells a story, and it's in this diversity that harmony lies. Let your creative instincts guide you, experiment with different combinations of colours and textures, and find the style that suits you. Inspiration often comes from nature itself, so incorporate your favourite plants and flowers to create floral arrangements that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also deeply personal.

6. Master the care and maintenance of your floral arrangements 

Master the essential care of your flowers and prolong their radiance. Use clean pruning shears to make clean, bevelled cuts, so that your flowers absorb water better and last longer. Change the water in your vases daily to prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. This regular care, although simple, plays a decisive role in preserving the beauty and vitality of your floral arrangements.

Discover floral art at Bouvard Fleurs

Enter the enchanting world of floral art with Bouvard Fleurs, where every class is a creative adventure and a discovery.

At Bouvard Fleurs, our floral art workshops are designed to awaken and nurture your passion for flowers. In a warm and inspiring setting, Emma and Aurore guide you through the nuances of floral creation, from the basics to advanced techniques. Each workshop is a unique opportunity to learn, explore and grow in the art of composing with flowers.

FAQ Floral art lessons

For beginners, we recommend starting with flowers that are robust and easy to handle, such as roses, peonies, dahlias and chrysanthemums. These flowers offer a wide variety of colours and shapes, and are hardy enough to experiment with different styles of composition.

The time needed to learn the basics of floral art varies from person to person. With a structured course, it is possible to acquire the basic skills in just a few sessions. However, as with any art, continued practice and experimentation are essential to improve and refine your skills.

Although a knowledge of botany can be useful, it is not essential for starting out in floral art. The most important skills are creativity, the ability to work with different textures and colours, and a basic understanding of how flowers interact with the environment and water.

No previous experience is required to join our floral art classes. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have some experience, our workshops are designed to suit all levels. We simply encourage our participants to come with their enthusiasm and desire to learn. At Bouvard Fleurs, we provide all the necessary materials, including fresh flowers and tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative experience.

Our courses cover a wide range of techniques, from traditional arrangements to modern, avant-garde compositions. You'll learn how to handle different types of flowers, play with colours, shapes and textures, use supports and many other creative methods. Our workshops are also an opportunity to explore current trends and innovative styles in floral art.