This project was for the 50th wedding anniversary of Burl and Carmelita Jean. I did 22 centerpieces and a large buffet table arrangement. The fall colors were inspired by their invitations. The rustic flower pots were a great find that complimented the flowers well. I used traditional fall flowers; Sunflowers, Mums, but also brought in yellow Billy Buttons, Millet, and Hydrangea and Equisetum that I cut.

These arrangements were for

the funeral of a friend's father.

I especially liked the

arrangement with the stargazer lily and orchids with the bells of Ireland and foliage from a Chamaecyparis 'Mops' and Heavenly Bamboo.

I was asked to design an arrangement for a sign-in table and a cake table to celebrate a local high school's FFA chapter whose member was elected President at the state level. I used the FFA colors, yellow and blue. Although this picture didn't show it, I took a grapevine orb, cut it in half and used it to "nest" some smooth black stones that I had written some of the character qualities that FFA upholds.

I used bright pink peonies from my parents' house as the main flower in these arrangements created for a retirement celebration. I always love when I can utilize materials that I have grown. I ended up very pleased with the way the colors worked with one another in the larger arrangement, using the deep burgundy and pink flowers and green foliage. I love experimenting with color combinations.

It took me quite awhile to be able to write about these flowers and it is still emotional. I did these for the funeral of Rod Carter, a dear, close family friend. Rod died from cancer September 8, 2010. It was more than an honor to arrange his casket spray. I used yellow as the dominate color, because Rod was colorblind and yellow was really the only true color he saw correctly. It was one of a kind - just like him.

I look at funerals as an opportunity to create something truly unique to honor someone's life. It's also nice to have something to talk about when sometimes the right words are hard to find.

The three arrangements were grouped together to represent my sister and her family, my family, and my parents in the center. I curved the yellow callas to create an invisible line for the eye to follow through the arrangement. I love incorporating symbolism into different pieces.

I created this arrangement for a friend of Rod's and mine. I was asked to design something that incorporated a broken heart and streamers. After a lot of consideration and trial and error, I was more than happy with the outcome. I carved a heart out of floral foam and covered it with deep red mini gerberas, green Kermit mums, and then used the seeds from seeded eucalyptus to "break" the heart. I arched lily grass over the heart and then tucked the pieces in to let streamers come out. It was definitely a unique arrangement and a success.