Florets - Floral Quote - # 130 - by Jane Packer

"You don't need tons of flowers to dress a kitchen, and you certainly don't need showstopping arrangements. Instead, fill the kitchen with simple, unpretentious flowers that you can enjoy every day. The best thing about flowers in the kitchen is that they can be relaxed and informal; this is not a traditional spot for floral displays, so no-one has any expectations. This gives you lots of leeway to play with fruit and berries as well as flowers - think rosehips and chilli peppers, or a huge bowl of artichokes with their intriguing furry textures. You don't need to buy flowers - if you have a garden, bring in flowers, foliage or blossom-strewn boughs. Trailing lengths of ivy can be used to decorate a long table, while branches of apple blossom look striking in a tall vase."

~ Jane Packer ~

[Jane Packer: (1959-2011) British florist and founder of Jane Packer Flowers and flower school and author of thirteen books.]

[Quote from: At Home with Flowers by Jane Packer (2011).]

[Plants: Trailing ivy from my garden in London, picked in the month of November and pinecones.]

[Container: Vintage pressed glass compote bowl.]

[Styling and Photography © Ingrid Henningsson/Of Spring and Summer.]

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

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back tomorrow Monday with another 'Floral Media'. 

Ingrid 

~ xoxo ~

[Styling and photography © 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.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Creative with Flowers - # 26 - Blue Hyacinths and Purple Anemones

This week on Creative with Flowers - I'm featuring a mixed bunch of Hyacinths and Anemones. An interesting and colourful combination of flowers.

This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in 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!

Sometimes on some hyacinths you can find little short offshoots - mini flowers growing in among the leaves. I always try to use as much of the flowers as possible - so in this case I made a side arrangement using the small flowers.

I put them in a silver plated jug. One of my finds from one of the many London antique markets. By now most of the silver is worn off - but I kind of like it that way - full of patina. 

I removed all the leaves on the Hyacinths and used a clear glass container as a vase. The Anemones has a ruff of leaves around the stems just below the flower. If it's in good condition it adds a lot of texture and some greenery. 

The Hyacinths has a lovely scent and lasts for approx 7- 10 days - so very much good value for money.

The Anemones on the other hand do not last for that long, maybe 5-7 days. They are also much more delicate - both petals and stems are very easy to damage while handling the flowers.

The two flowers complement each other in both colour and texture and gives a lot of visual variation. I have also added some darker props that picks up the black in the centre of the Anemones.

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'll see you 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 and an email will come right into your inbox.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 90 - Pink Hydrangea II

In this week's A Bunch for the Weekend I'm using the same Hydrangea flowers as in last Wednesday's blog post.

Only this time using a different vase and I'm also using a lot of dark and moody colours.

 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, 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 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.

I'm using the same stunningly beautiful pink and light blue Hydrangea blossoms as in my last blog post. I wanted to do something different but using the same flowers so instead of using matching colours, clear glass and keeping the feeling light and fresh. 

This time I have gone dark, very dark by using a lot of black. I wanted to create a dark and moody feel to the whole arrangement.

The only things that are not black are the flowers, the foliage and the big vase. 

As a background I have used a large cushion with a textured black fabric and leaning against is is a vintage small black picture frame. 

The fabric I have used as a tablecloth is black ikat fabric from Mexico.

The big white vase is from a local charity store - a frequent source for many of my vases and containers. When I need a change I often donate them back to the charity stores in my neighbourhood.  

The black metal plate with the funny curved knife is a present from my mother-in-law. Scattered on the plate and to the side is a selection of vintage buttons, beads and belt buckles.

The black little cup/vase with white lines is by a wonderful Swedish potter called Lotta Zerrander who lives and works in an area called Österlen, a beautiful part of Sweden. 

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 with another Florets a floral quote by someone passionate about flowers. 

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.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Creative with Flowers - # 20 - Bright Red Dahlias for the Hall

I love having a bunch of fresh flowers in my hallway. It makes me happy to see some colourful blooms when I arrive home and the bigger the better!

This series of blog posts - called 'Creative with Flowers' - are about using flowers in 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!

The hallway can easily become cluttered with coats, shoes, bags, keys and all kind of other things dumped on the floor as soon as you come inside the door. 

If you are lucky enough to have a hall with room for a table - a container with an arrangement of daffodils and tulips at springtime. Big bunches of pretty summer flowers during the summer months.

Sunflowers, Chrysanthemums, or like here, Dahlias are perfect in the hall during the late summer and autumn. Why not try some branches with crabapples or other colourful berries during the winter.  

A folded piece of fabric that picks up the colour in the flowers is a quick and easy way to create a temporary tablecloth. The one I've used, even has a pattern with trees in autumn colours.

Work with what's available each season and your hallway will be transformed and a colourful and beautiful arrangement will greet you when you arrive home.  

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 some more floral delights. Hope to see you 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.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 84 - Blue Hydrangea and Delphiniums with Purple Trachelium

This week on 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - I'm working with some gorgeous blue Hydrangea, a very delicate light blue Delphinium and a dark and moody Trachelium.

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, 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 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.

I love the contrast between the pale blue hydrangea and delphiniums against the very dark Trachelium.

As a background I have used some old vintage blue and white china drainers that almost exactly matches the blue flowers.

As vases I have used various vintage silver plated items - a coffeepot, some jugs and two sugar bowls.

Some of the containers and drainers rest on a small painted foot stool and I've added a linen table runner, some light blue labels, two beautiful vintage buttons also the same blue colour and a blue cup from Sweden.

The hydrangea last for ages and you can later dry it. The Trachelium lasts for about 7 - 10 days and the Delphiniums for approximately 5 - 7 days.

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

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

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.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

Tiny Blooms - # 37 - Two Pompon Dahlias

Dahlias comes in many different shapes, sizes and colours. Today we are taking a look at some pompon dahlias in two different colours. 

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

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!

I love dahlias - they were out of fashion for a long time but are now back in favour and they are more popular than ever. 

At this time of year my two nearest farmers markets are now selling dahlias in every colour of the rainbow.

I find it very hard to resist the temptation to buy a bunch of every colour. Well, that is never a good idea! Some dahlias only last for a few days but most last for about 5-7 days.   

Enjoy the dahlias while they are around, mix a few colours or just use one colour on it's own. Leave a bit of foliage at the top to bring in some green between the big flower heads. Also keep the flower buds as a contrast and added texture - even though they might never open up if they are closed tightly.

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

Thank you for visiting 'Of Spring and Summer' - I will be back later in the week with some more floral delights. 

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.

For more floral inspiration you can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofspringandsummer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.henningsson

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 21 - Zinnia

This week on 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - I'm featuring Zinnias.

I'm in love with these Zinnias - they are just such a riot of colours and who can be in a bad mood with flowers like this around.

Zinnias are a native of Mexico and some other South American countries. They come in a wide range of colours, including white, yellow, orange, red, purple and lilac. They are loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. A lot of gardeners find them a bit tricky to grow due to a tendency to develop mould, they also hate having their roots disturbed and it's important not to sow too early - as they like it warm. 

You'll need :

- about 25 stems of Zinnias
- a medium sized container with a large opening - I have used an old vintage zinc milk pail

As always - condition the flowers by removing any leaves that would end up below the water line in the vase - cut the stems at an angle - to increase water absorption. Put in a clean container with tepid water and leave in a cool place over night or at least a few hours before making the final arrangement.

In the final arrangement cut the stems so that the outer flowers rest on the edge of the container - then cut the rest a bit longer to create a nice dome-shaped arrangement. I removed almost all of the leaves as I wanted just a mass of colour with no foliage showing.

I also chose a neutral container for a vase - in this case a vintage zinc milk pail from my grandmothers house in Sweden. 

There are a few different types of Zinnias - but this particular one has quilled or rolled petals and they reminded me a bit of paper flowers.  

So just for fun I added a few craft things - some colourful rolled up card, some pink tissue paper, a bead necklace, some greeting cards and a few ribbons. 

The ribbons are all from Jane Means' ribbon collection. I'm one of Jane Means Ribbon Bloggers - and we feature her ribbons in some of our blog posts.  

Have a Wonderful Floral Friday!

~ xoxo ~ 

Ingrid

[Styling and photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer.]

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 5 - White and Green Flowers

The bunch for this weekend is a mixed arrangement of white Ranunculus, white and green 'Spring Green' tulips and green Guelder roses. 

For vases I have used some green vintage ink bottles. Mixed in are some vintage green and white hand towels, green buttons, a broach and two kinds of ivy washi tape on brown wrapping paper. 

Have a lovely Floral Friday and a Creative Weekend!

I'll be back on Sunday with another floral quote from another flower lover!

xoxo Ingrid

A Bunch for the Weekend - # 3 - Primulas

The bunch for this weekend are some dark blue Primulas planted in a vintage terracotta pot.

Have a Lovely Floral Friday and a Happy and Creative Weekend!

See you back here on Sunday with another Floral Quote from a flower lover.

xoxo Ingrid

[Styling and photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer.]

Vases, Vessels and Vintage - # 3 - Pink & Red Vases

I have a confession to make - I have a lot of vases!

I have a large collection of all kinds of vases and containers - but I don't feel guilty about it. I use them in my daily work - while styling and photographing flowers.

Vases, vessels or containers - call them what you like - can be so much fun when you arrange flowers. Here is a small part of my collection - the pink and red one.

I have some very old antique vases, I have a lot of vintage and retro containers and I also have a lot of new ones. 

Some are inherited, others are bought at antique fairs, some are from car boot sales and flea markets and a lot are from charity stores. I have never spent a lot of money as you don't have to because vases are often cheep. 

This, my small red and pink vase collection, range from a Victorian scent bottle, a fairy light candle holder, a two-toned 1920's glass vase, a pink 1940's retro ceramic vase to some new mini bud vases and a small candle holder.

 Here are some images of a few of the pink and red vases. 

I have used five different tulips in a range of different pinks - it's a mix of parrot, fringed and double tulips - all gorgeous.  

What is interesting about tulips is that they continue to grow in the vase, the petals also open up and they often change colour - they are almost the most beautiful just before the petals drop. 

The last image is similar to the first one. It's the same flowers in the same vases - just a few days later. You can clearly see the change in the tulips. I think even more beautiful!

  

Have a Creative Floral Day!

See you on Friday with another FLOWERS by ingrid and titti and this time it's about something a little bit different!

xoxo Ingrid

[Styling and photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer.]

Floral Media - # 24 - My Feature in Gatherings Magazine - Florals + Fabrics

This is my feature in Gatherings Magazine's spring Issue 2014 called - Artists + Artisans. 

All the contributors chose an artist or artisan as inspiration and mine was the textile designer Sarah Hardaker.

* * *

The weighty linens printed with the most beautiful pastel colours by designer Sarah Hardaker were the perfect inspiration. They created a natural relationship to my floral styling and blended flawlessly with my vintage collection of little ink bottles and jugs.

* * *

All the beautiful fabrics that I have used are by the English textile designer Sarah Hardaker. She designs her own range of bespoke fabrics and wallpaper and all her fabrics are printed in England using linen woven in Scotland by small family owned manufacturing companies.

Sarah also makes handmade cushions, bags and small gift items using her fabrics and she will often personalise them with names and initials.

A lot of Sarah’s designs are inspired by nature and she uses the flowers in her garden for design and colour inspiration.

Sarah says “You can’t beat nature for this, the beauty of a dark pink Gertrude Jekyll rose with lime green Alchemilla mollis – perfection.”

Using Sarah’s fabrics along with my flower arrangements I have created inspirational floral moodboards in two different colours - pink and green.

The flowers I have picked are a mixture of tulips, hyacinths and Ranunculus as well as little snowdrops. In both moodboards I have used a lot of different vintage jugs and small ink bottles instead of traditional vases.

Mixed in with the flowers and fabrics are also an assortment of ribbons - by Jane Means, washi tape, painted clothes pegs, colouring pencils and old postcards.

Have a Wonderful Floral Day!

See you soon!

xoxo Ingrid