From the Archives - January 2016 - Pink Spring Flowers

This post is part of a new blog series called 'From the Archives'. It will be previously posted blog posts that I feel are still relevant for some reason or another. 

It will always be a post from the same calendar month as we are in or it could be some of my favourite flowers from the same season - that still lifts my spirit. 

Flowers are so ephemeral - but their beauty caught on camera never fades.........!!

It's a very pink bunch for the weekend this week - a bunch of pale pink tulips, some small pink gerbera, a bunch of bright pink ranunculus and some beautiful and very pink hyacinths.

As a vase I used a small vintage pickling jar - this one has a funny little strawberry and some lettering in the glass. It has tall straight sides and I also needed something that had a wide opening but that would hold the flowers in a compact shape.

I was also looking for something that would raise the arrangement off the table and I thought a pail of books would do the trick. On my bookshelves I found six books that all had pink spines to match the pink flowers.  

I also added a piece of chevron pink and white fabric, a small pink vase and a large vintage pink and green floral patterned bowl in the background.

  

 I have chosen flowers within a very tight colour palette - but the flowers are very different in size, shape and texture to still give a varied and interesting arrangement. 

It's such a pleasure and privilege to be able to have access to beautiful flowers at this time of year. A time of year when the weather is still dark, grey, cold and rainy even snow outside our windows - so what a treat to have flowers to arrange, style and photograph!

I hope this might have inspired you to find some flowers in a monochrome colour scheme and make an arrangement for the weekend.

Have a lovely floral weekend! 

xoxo Ingrid

Creative with Flowers - # 41 - A Flower in a Bottle

This week in this short and sweet 'Creative with Flowers' - I'm featuring just one single pink Ranunculus in a bottle with lots of "white" props around it.

This is a little "statement" that I add to the post - briefly explaining my thinking behind the posts:

"This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in new and creative ways. It could be about how the flowers are combined - maybe in a little bit of an unusual way. It might be the choice of vase - maybe not a vase at all but a container that could be anything from jugs, bottles, jars, tins or teapots - vintage or new it doesn't matter. 

As always my arrangements will be quick and easy - and there will always be lots and lots of colour!"

Putting one single flower in its own vessel - you make it look special and almost precious.

I have combined a ravishingly beautiful Ranunculus with a very humble vintage glass bottle. The two, still closed, buds also adds charm and movement. 

The contrast of a simple bottle and a drop-dead gorgeous flower is almost irresistible. 

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral Wednesday!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend'. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you here then - a new post - new flowers - bright and early first thing in the morning.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A pink Ranunculus - from my favourite local street flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: A vintage pale green glass bottle - from one of the many London antique markets. 

[Other props: A vintage white apothecary jar, a vintage small painted stepping stool, a vintage cushion cover made from reused French linen with a large embroidered E, folded linen fabrics, two apothecary bowls and an clear glass Iittala Kastehelmi votive candle holder - all from stylists own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and shows how to arrange them. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

Creative with Flowers - # 40 - Pink Ranunculus with Black Props

This week on 'Creative with Flowers' I'm featuring a mixed bunch of Ranunculus in two different pink colours.

This is a little "statement" that I add to the post - briefly explaining my thinking behind the posts:

"This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in new and creative ways. It could be about how the flowers are combined - maybe in a little bit of an unusual way. It might be the choice of vase - maybe not a vase at all but a container that could be anything from jugs, bottles, jars, tins or teapots - vintage or new it doesn't matter. 

As always my arrangements will be quick and easy - and there will always be lots and lots of colour!"

I've used a quite large vintage, straight sided, white apothecary container. It once had a lid, now lost or broken. It comes from my uncle's pharmacy back in Sweden. 

Now a perfect vase for flowers...... and part of my collection of props.  

The props that I have used this time are all black - well almost. The fabric is mostly white but it has this funny little pattern of black parallel lines and in between swirls. It's a piece of fabric that I often use as a tablecloth and bought many years ago back in Sweden. 

The black metal plate, I use this one a lot, very good to use as a contrast to bright colours and for layering while styling. The very small black pottery vase is from Turkey. Both the plate and the vase are gifts from my mother-in-law.      

The black props are great contrast to the bright pink flower heads.

Here is a close-up of the little vase - an example of perfection in shape and proportions.

I love mixing old with new, matching colours or like here using contrasts in colour. Adding interesting textures and using different materials - fabrics, metal, pottery, china and having a painted wood panel as a background.

It all becomes part of working with flowers and styling images before taking my photographs.    

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral Wednesday!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend'. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you here then - a new post - new flowers - bright and early first thing in the morning.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: Two bunches of mixed pink Ranunculus. All flowers from my favourite local flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: A vintage white china apothecary jar from Sweden - it has always been missing it's lid - still a great container for flowers. 

[Other props: Black and white fabric with an interesting pattern, a black mini vase and a black metal plate - all from stylists own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and shows how to arrange them. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

Tiny Blooms - # 42 - Think Pink This Spring!

This time on 'Tiny Blooms' - It's an all pink feature. Pink is a big trend this spring - not that I tend to follow trends all the time - but sometimes they can make you look at things with fresh eyes.  

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explaining my thinking behind these particular posts:

"This series of blog posts - called 'Tiny Blooms' - are about small flower arrangements. Small - might be the size of the flower or the amount of stems I'm using; or it could be the size of the container. 

It can also be that the arrangement is minimal both in presentation and that it's simple, quick and easy to do. Apart from that there are no other strict rules - I'm allowing myself a lot of creative freedom!"

Sticking to one colour can sometimes make life easy - nothing clashing, no harsh contrasts - and you can be pretty certain that it will all turn out harmonious and easy on the eye.

This time I have not included anything from my vintage prop collection. Instead it's all current contemporary stuff - such as the pink tote bag, the pink and white striped fabric, the pink and white baker's twine and not forgetting the great little pink vase with such an interesting textured surface. 

They all have a slightly different pink colour - but that's absolutely fine and makes it more interesting. 

Pink might not be for everyone. We think of plastic Barbie dolls and Legally Blond. 

Instead think pink garden roses, cherry blossoms, tulips or like here ranunculus.

I happen to love pink - so following this spring big trend of pink is quite easy for me........!

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral Monday!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I look forward to seeing later in the week - when I'll be back with more floral delights.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: Pink and white Ranunculus - from my favourite local farmers' market flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: Small pink vase with textured surface - bought in Sweden.]

[Other props: Pink tote bag, pink and white fabric and pink and white baker's twine - from stylists own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

*****

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and shows how to arrange them. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest:   https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

Creative with Flowers - # 38 - Soft Pink Ranunculus in a Bag

This week on 'Creative with Flowers' - I'm featuring a bunch of beautifully soft pink and white Ranunculus.

This is a little "statement" that I add to the post - briefly explaining my thinking behind the posts:

"This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in new and creative ways. It could be about how the flowers are combined - maybe in a little bit of an unusual way. It might be the choice of vase - maybe not a vase at all but a container that could be anything from jugs, bottles, jars, tins or teapots - vintage or new it doesn't matter. 

As always my arrangements will be quick and easy - and there will always be lots and lots of colour!"

I want to tell you a short little story about a bunch of flowers that I bought at a London street flower stall. The stall is at the bottom of Fitzjohn's Avenue - a wide tree-lined street leading up to Hampstead Village.

I always buy whatever catches my eye and on this day it was these gorgeous soft pink and white Ranunculus.

As soon as I get home I conditioned the flowers by removing the foliage, I trim the ends and put the flowers in water to give them a drink.

Whatever flowers I buy I always photograph them, I use different props, fabrics, tabletops and backgrounds. My inspiration comes from the flowers - the colour, the shape and the texture of the flowers.

I always have a little story in my head about the flowers, it can be about the season, the colours or how I want the flowers to look in the vase or the container.

Here is the end result this time......but every time it's different......!

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral Wednesday!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Friday with another 'A Bunch for the Weekend'. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you here then - a new post - new flowers - bright and early first thing in the morning.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Flowers: A big bunch of soft pink Ranunculus. All flowers from my favourite local flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: Vintage white apothecary jar.]

[Other props: Vintage French linen fabrics, hats, vintage chair, vintage plant stand, secateurs and bag from stylist own prop collection.]

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and shows how to arrange them. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 104 - Pon-Pon and Cappuccino Ranunculus

This week on 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - I'm featuring a fabulous bunch of mixed Pon-Pon and Cappuccino Ranunculus - absolutely gorgeous in both shape and colour.

Here is a little "statement" that I add - to briefly explaining my thinking behind these particular posts:

"It's always a pleasure and lots of fun to buy a bunch of flowers for the weekend and this series of blog posts, called 'A Bunch for the Weekend, I will show you how you can make quick and easy flower arrangements for your home. 

Buy the flowers where it's convenient and easy for you whether that is from a flower stall, farmers' market, the supermarket or a florist. 

Always try to buy seasonal flowers - they will last longer and they will be a lot cheaper.

Make sure you condition the flowers as soon as you get home. Remove any foliage that will end up below the waterline in the vase. Trim the ends of the stems at an angle and put in fresh water as soon as possible."

Sometimes I find flowers at my local flower stall that makes me go weak at the knees and I instantly fall in love with them. 

These two Ranunculus are really quite special - the pon-pon one has ruffled petals and the colouring on the petals vary from flower to flower.

The Cappuccino style has very distinct bands of stronger colours on the edges of the petals.  

A few delicious cherries in a little dish. The colour echos the dark pink in the flowers.

I have not used a lot of colourful props apart from the cherries and the pink stripe on the jug. I wanted nothing that would make the eye leave the flowers.

Just a softly folded unbleached linen runner and a few clear glass containers in the back - just visible.

This is the kind of flowers that doesn't need any other flowers or foliage. They are a statement just by themselves - nothing else is needed.

I have varied the height of the stems to give the arrangement some added texture and movement.

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral weekend!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back on Sunday morning with another 'Florets - a new floral quote by someone passionate about flowers. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

[Flowers: Pon-Pon and Cappuccino Ranunculus. Flowers from my local flower stall in North West London.]

[Vase/Container: A vintage off-white jug with a wide pink stripe - bought at a 'loppis' in Sweden.]

[Other props: From stylist's own prop collection.]

*****

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I now have just over 12 000 followers and around 200 boards all relating to flowers, flower styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and boards showing how to arrange flowers. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/

Flowers of the Month - February 2017

It's the last day of February and it's time for another round-up of what I have been up to this last month. 

In 'Flowers of the Month' I feature all the different flowers and floral arrangements that I styled, photographed and posted exclusively on my blog 'Of Spring and Summer'.

It has been a very busy month so there are a lot of images to look back on.

The title of the post under the image - is also a link to the post - if you would like to see it again or you missed it.

1 February - Creative with Flowers - In the Pink Zone!

3 February - A Bunch for the Weekend - Dark and Moody Tulips

5 February - Florets - Floral Quote by Hans Blomquist

8 February - Creative with Flowers - Romantic Tulips

10 February - A Bunch for the Weekend - From the Archives

12 February - Florets - Floral Quote by Paula Pryke

13 February - Tiny Blooms - Snowdrops

14 February - Happy Valentine's Day!

15 February - Creative with Flowers - Pink Ranunculus

17 February - A Bunch for the Weekend - Pink Tulips in Zinc Vase

19 February - Florets - Floral Quote by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo

20 February - Tiny Blooms - Pink Limonium in Pink Mini Bud Vase

22 February - Creative with Flowers - Double Multi-Coloured Tulips

24 February - A Bunch for the Weekend - Rustic Country

26 February - Florets - Floral Quote by Vic Brotherson

Enjoy your flower arranging and have a fabulous and floral Tuesday!

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer - I will be back here tomorrow morning - Wednesday - with some more flower arranging tips. Look out for the next instalment of 'Arrange Your Flowers! I'll be featuring my top three cutting tools for flower arranging. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you back here then.

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Styling, photography and text © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

P. S. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive a notification via email whenever I have a new blog post. Just fill in your email address at the top of my blog on the right.

P. S. If you are looking for more floral inspiration you can go over and have a look at my Pinterest boards. I have 12 000 followers and I have just over 200 boards all relating to flowers, floral styling and flower arranging. There are boards on individual flowers and shows how to arrange them. Other boards show different ways of using vases and containers. Simply click on the link below and it will take you straight there.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ofspringsummer/