Product Description

A guide to creating contemporary flower designs, which features around 150 projects ranging from simple to elaborate, and using both fresh and dried flowers. Photographs by Debbie Patterson.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2115932 in Books
• Published on: 1996-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
From simple pomanders and nosegays to more elaborate mantlepiece arrangements, Barnett, a preeminent British floral decorator, and co-writer Egerick list materials plus clear, step-by-step directions for readers to create these and other decorations. The text begins with considerations of color, balance, scale and proportion, flower care, equipment, wiring, and containers to help the novice designer. Moving beyond basic flowers in a vase, it encourages use of fresh as well as dried fruits, vegetables, and flowers, along with twigs, herbs, bulbs, and autumn leaves in innovative combinations for wreaths, napkin decorations, corsages, and other designs. British terms such as "cellophane" are translated to "plastic wrap" and metric measurements are converted; however, the flower availability chart doesn't translate as readily since the Dutch market blooms tend to appear later in the season than those in the United States. Nonetheless, this book provides worthwhile lessons in achievable natural decoration for all occasions. Recommended for public libraries.?Cathy Sabol, Northern Virginia Community Coll., Manassas
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Fiona Barnett is one of the most innovative young floral decorators in the UK. She runs her own thriving business, Manic Botanic, which deals with all aspects of flower design. Among her notable clients are many of the major fashion and interior design magazines, her work has featured in many books.

Customer Reviews

not so contemporary and poorly printed
I was attracted to the book by the reviews I read on the Amazon. Then I received the book and was confused to see a completely different cover than the on the picture (is it a different edition?). That could explain why I found poor quality printing instead of great pictures. The colors are poor and differ between pictures of the same composition in different stages of the project.
As to the title, de gustibus non est disputandum, but for me word "contemporary" means something different, and adding lots of raffia does not make a flower arrangement look contemporary.
The last thing, refers to the author rather than to this very book. Together with "A New Flower..." I ordered "The Complete Book of Garlands..." by the same author. The quality of the print is better but lots of projects are copied from "A New Flower...". That is disappointing, taking into consideration the fact that the garlands book was created 4 years after the New Arranger, what seems a long time to come up with new ideas (especially for someone who is described as "one of the most innovative young floral designers" - from the back flap).

This covers traditional and contemporary designs
This is one of best books out! I am a professional floral designer and this covers everything from traditional to contemporary plus identifies plant materials.Has ideas for holidays, silks, dried arrangements and other general ocassions. I wanted to have my students, since I also teach florist and design workshops buy it. I have a large collection and this is my favorite. It's great.

Step-by-step floral design for the novice
This book is wonderfully written with clear instructions on making beautiful arrangements with dried and fresh flowers. It lists everything needed and explains the tricks and tools of the trade. The photography is also quite exquisite and it is a book that one should have in their library. Excellent!