Main Entry Image (click to enlarge)

Sustainability Statement

‘Celebrations are back! Adapting design systems that become building blocks to artfully create events efficiently is very appealing. This allows for easy set-up and take downs making event work more inviting to create and profitable. This mindset aligns with our ongoing mission to make sustainability our footprint.

Here’s the design system:

LUSH PLANTS - Money Tree ( Pachira aquatica), in my submission, in a solid container is the foundation that allows us to add decorative elements and create the visual impact we want in event work. Plants are sustainable, easy to maintain and can be repurposed multiple times. A case in point, the three echeverias were repurposed from the earlier FREESIA Plant Challenge. This means reducing our spending on supplies and cutting down our design time. If we invest in genetically sturdy plants that easily propagate, it helps to sustain future stock.

Supplement the plant design with FRESH FLOWERS - supported with clear glassware to allow a water source. The flowers add the delicious citrus colors - Dahlia-Daisy Duke, Dahlia-Brown Sugar, Dahlia-Apricot Desire supported with Dahlia-Bright Pink and Dahlia-Arabian Night. Craspedia adds to the playfulness and hanging Amaranthus caudatus gives the dramatic drape in the back. Glassware is sustainable and buying quality glassware will help prevent breakage and longevity of use. Purchase different heights and sizes of glass containers to accommodate different spaces within the design.

Flourish with new STRUCTURE(S) made from sturdy materials - bind wire and heavy 18+ gauge wire help to add another layer of intrigue. The structure was made with a weaving technique. It’s easily manipulated to support the stems of the expressive Dahlia and also create the dancing lines in the design.

A REPURPOSED STRUCTURE from a previous project (the “fan”, made from a bamboo window blind) was added for its artful aesthetic. It’s secured to the base of the plant with long bamboo skewers and tied into place with hemp twine. Repurposing structures is a versatile and viable option for future event work.

To give stature to the design, she rests on an open framed hemlock pillar with a removable platform that sits on the open end. The platform is created with a high-density particle board etched in a grid pattern. This geometric pattern is a great contrast to the flowing lines. The pillar (with or without the platform) provides many options for future use configured vertically, horizontally or in a series of one or more.

Event work can be very labor intensive. Having design systems in place, allows us to work more efficiently making it less taxing on our bodies and minds. If we maintain a healthy stock of design staples - plants, glassware, structures, that are reusable and repurposed, we reduce wasting time, energy, supplies and product. Ultimately, this practice allows us to produce beautiful events and keep sustainability a priority.’

Additional Entry Images (click to enlarge)

List of Botanicals & Supplies Used

Bind Wire - heavy gauge
Bind Wire - regular gauge
18 gauge all purpose wire
Midollino sticks
Aluminum wire
Spool Wire
Long Bamboo Skewers
Hemp Twine
Repurposed Structure - orchid wire, newspaper, twine
Repurposed Structure - bamboo blind, felt, glue
Glass dishes - rectangular and round
Glass vase

Botanical:
Money Tree - Pachira aquatica
Dahlia - Daisy Duke
Dahlia - Brown Sugar
Dahlia - Apricot Desire
Dahlia - Bright Pink
Dahlia - Arabian Night
Craspedia
Hanging Amaranthus - Amaranthus caudatus
Echeverias