As a friend and long-time admirer of Françoise Weeks, I've always been captivated by her unique approach of marrying botanical art and floral design. Her latest book is not just a testament to her incredible talent, but also a window into her creative soul. Each page is filled with her signature style—intricate, whimsical, and profoundly fascinating. Reading through it feels like sharing a moment with Françoise in her enchanting studio or on a walk in the woods, where flowers, foliage, and natural elements come together in perfect harmony. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves the art of floristry & botanicals and appreciates the magic that Françoise brings to her work.
Who is Françoise Weeks?
I grew up in Belgium and always have been influenced by European design. In 1996 I started my business in Portland,OR designing weddings and events. For many years woodland design and botanical couture have been the focus of my work. Since 2003 I have been teaching workshops and classes out of my home studio and I started to teach nationwide and abroad in 2013.I also offer online tutorials.
You have a very unique style, how did you find your niche and stay true to your style?
Curiosity and perseverance have been my best allies over the years. Mother Nature has always offered the best inspiration for any woodland designs.My collection of foraged pieces of wood and bark, lichens and seedpods are inspiring to try out new projects.I never have been interested in trends, but like to explore new concepts and ideas. It has been fun the last 3 years to collaborate with a friend who is a welder. it has offered the opportunities to design more often vertically.
What inspired you to write this book on floral design?
In October 2020 I received a message from Leslie Jonath (Connecteddotsmedia.com) asking if I was working on a book – the answer was no. Leslie became my coach and agent for “Wonder of the Woodlands – The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature”.which was published in April 2024.
I was very fortunate to work on this extensive project with a dream team – as it takes a village to write a book.
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new arrangement?
When creating woodlands, the main ingredients for any designs are: wood, bark and branches, moss, mushrooms, lichen seed pods and ferns. I always start with a piece of bark or wood; after adding moss, I build these detailed sculptures adding a plethora of the above mentioned textures. I never have an idea in mind what the end product will look like. It is an intuitive process that is quite time consuming.
How do you balance color and texture in your botanical designs?
The color palate for the woodlands is not very extensive. Any hues of greens and browns are the maiintay of any design. Sometime I choose to use a few color accents.
But texture reigns!. I personally think that there never can be an excess of textures in any design.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
When I started to do woodlands, I felt like I got new eyes. I started to notice so many gifts of Mother Nature that I hardly had noticed in the past: ferns growing in trees, lichen and moss covered branches, interesting seed pods that litter the sidewalks and the forest in the fall, different kinds of bark, amazing pieces of driftwood,… I started to pay more attention to foliage in the garden and buds and seed pods and discovered so much more beauty and varieties that I could use in design.
I hope that readers will get new eyes too and start noticing these exquisite treasures that will enhance their designs. I hope that they will appreciate the beauty in found natural elements as well as forage sustainably.
Can you share a memorable story or experience from your work with flowers?
In 2019 I had the opportunity to participate in two internationally renowned flower events in Belgium:
FlowerTime: every 2 years designers from all over the world participate in this magnificent event to decorate the exquisite rooms in city hall (built in the 15th century) in Brussels. With the help of my friend Sheryl Tynes, we created woodland botanical couture. for this 4 day event
Fleuramour for 25 years,this brilliant 4 day flower event took place at the castle in Alden Biesen. I was part of a team that created a botanical fashion show.
Thank you to my amazing friend, Françoise, for joining us here on Flirty Fleurs blog and sharing about this incredible project. The book is beautiful and inspiring. Françoise has been inspiring me for the past 10+ years, I hope she will be an inspiration to all of you, as well!
Book Details:
Wonder of the Woodlands
The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature
Author: Françoise Weeks
Photographer: Theresa Bear
Stylists: Jennifer Rich & Gwen Severson
website for Francoise:
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Floral Couture with Françoise Weeks
WORKSHOP – FUSION | FLOWERS + ART – FLORAL DESIGN WORKSHOP IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Floral Design Workshop with Françoise Weeks & Alicia Schwede
Catching up with Françoise Weeks
Visiting with Francoise Weeks, Portland, Oregon