Floral Design - Michael Merritt, AIFD

Transition to Facebook

2010-06-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

After careful consideration, I am transitioning my writings and posts to a Facebook page that we have created for Twigery - Michael Merritt Floral Art. I appreciate your readership over this last year or so, but believe that the Facebook platform allows much more flexibility in reaching out and being a bit more creative.

Please visit us on the Facebook page - and sign up there!

Michael

Twigery's Deux Chaveau in a catalog!

2010-05-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our "two horses" (the Twigery Citroen Deux Chevaux) and a beautiful lady will be featured in the upcoming Norm Thompson catalog.

Last week models and photographers from Norm Thompson catalog were in Carmel-by-the-Sea shooting photos for an upcoming catalog. Our Citroen 2CV lured them to the Twigery to be featured in their catalog.

Look for the Charleston in a catalog coming your way.

The Three T's in Floral Design Class - May 21

2010-05-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

THE THREE T’s IN FLORAL DESIGN

Michael Merritt, AIFD, CFD, offers a one-on-one floral design class in the Twigery Gardens, May 21, 2010 at 9:30am.

Bring your creativity, knife and shears to learn floral design using natural materials. Class size limited so make your reservations early. $150 per person, includes flowers and container and a beautiful floral arrangement.

Class lasts approximately two hours - refreshments served.

Call Twigery at 831-626-TWIG (8944) to reserve your place.

Twigery in the Garden

2010-04-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Spring has arrived! Thank goodness.

I am so tired of the rain. It is great to have some warm sunshine for a change. I know, I know that we need the rain, but enough already.

Finally, the garden has been changed to depict the beginning which spring reflects.

Classes will be starting in the next month. So if you are so inclined to want to take a class in floral design, send an email to info@twigery.com, and you will be notified when the classes will be held. Also, if you are interested in learning a certain aspect of floral design, let me know.

If nothing else, just stop by to say hello when you are in Carmel.

It's a dog's life

2010-02-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

Carmel is a haven for dogs. It seems everyone has a dog, and the town caters to all the tourists’ dogs.

This article - Dog town: Carmel redefines dog-friendly vacations - appeared in the San Jose Mercury over the weekend and gives a feel for the receptiveness that Carmel has for these four-legged pets.

I am mentioned in the article when unbeknownst to me the writer of the article is on a walking tour through our studio and is commenting about how Carmel loves dogs. I then make my comment “ when I die I want to come back as a Carmel dog”.

Carmel is just a great dog community. In a previous blog, I wrote about a family of golden retrievers that visit us.

Any dog that comes through the studio is offered a treat. Of course, we ask their master’s permission first. So when you are in Carmel, stop by the studio for a look, a treat and pet for your furry friend!

Holiday Designs

2009-12-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Michael has been doing some designs for customers decorating for the holidays. We thought you might like to see some of them. Click on an image for a larger view (in a new tab/window).

Drop in and say hello!

Modesto Garden Club

2009-11-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Some members of the Modesto (California) Garden Club who attended Michael's presentation and demonstation earlier this month sent us some picutres of the event. We thought we would share them with you. (Click on an image for a larger view.)

Michael arrives with the raw materials.

Putting the finished touches on an arrangement.

One of the arrangements.

Ready for the Holidays!

2009-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

We've decorated the place for the holidays.

The new sign - with some Christmas lights

Twigery at night - with the Deux Cheveau

Front view

Closeup of the holiday window display

The patio at night

Patio at night

Michael at the wheel...

Click on any of the images for a larger view (in a new window).

Twigery has marked its spot!

2009-11-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

We have our sign in place and are legally here in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Friday was a “red letter day” with our sign hung on our new wrought iron bracket.

Please look for us on 7th Avenue between Lincoln and Dolores next to the Cypress Inn patio where the Twigery sign hangs with pride!!!

Stop in to say hello and take a peek. We are transforming the studio into the next season.

The Twigery sign arrives!

2009-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are ecstatic that our sign has finally arrived. We have been working on the sign since we opened, so this is a special day.

We feel like we received an early Christmas gift!

HO! HO! HO! Or maybe it should AHA!!

Trick or Treat at Twigery!

2009-10-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

What a delight we have at Twigery. We have all walks of life as clients at Twigery.

We were graced with six golden retrievers for a look-see and treats!

Dad and his five pups, of course with their masters, were out for a stroll around Carmel-by-the-Sea and had to stop in to see us. Dad is eight years old and his pups are four to five years old.

Being that Halloween is just around the corner, this was a “trick or treat” moment!

Designing for the Carmel Garden Club

2009-10-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I made a presentation to the Carmel Garden Club. They are a dedicated group of garden lovers!

I created several designs while I entertained the ladies with floral humor.

Ready for Halloween…an easy design that whips together in minutes!

Here is a leaf cornucopia ready for the bountiful harvest for your Thanksgiving dinner.

After the demonstration they raffled the designs to the enthusiastic winners. Just a great afternoon here in Carmel!

Flood at Twigery!

2009-10-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's not all roses at Twigery!

Last week was very eventful. All of us in California experienced a massive rain and windstorm that we have not seen since the 1960’s.

At Twigery, there was additional excitement. We had a flood in the studio. While most of the businesses in Carmel-by-the-Sea did not have electricity and were closed, we had light, but wet floors. What a mess, but we prevailed and stayed open through it all.

We are back in full swing, however, and look forward to you stopping by to say hello!

Oasis and the environment

2009-10-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Michael has always been conscious of how creating his designs impacts the world in which we all live. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a special place to all of us, and using environmentally-friendly materials is important to maintaining the pristine nature of the area.

We are often asked about our floral foam, a product known commonly as "oasis" since it is manufactured by the Smithers-Oasis company in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Several of our customers recently inquired as to the environmental viability of the oasis foam.

Michael is a floral designer, not a chemist, but he wanted to give you all a real answer. Where better than the people that make the stuff? We called Smithers-Oasis and they directed us to their website - they have posted an Environmental Statement.

Some of the pertinent facts from that statement:

- "Our floral foam is based on inert phenolic resin technology, the same chemistry that is used for the handles of kitchen cook ware. Our resin, when made into our cellular floral foam, is fully polymerized and reacted, with only small traces of free acid (much lower than that of cola beverage products), which may be neutralized by adding water."

- "In 1981, as part of our commitment to being an accountable, socially and environmentally responsible company, Smithers-Oasis was the first in our industry to eliminate the use of freon from floral foam production. Moreover, we've successfully reduced our volatile organic compound emissions (VOCs) by more than 85 percent over the past 25 years."

- "Our post-harvest products are specially formulated to maintain an optimal environment for cut flowers by adjusting the water pH for maximum uptake, providing a source of energy for the flower, and keeping the flower stems open and free flowing."

Michael is monitoring this closely. If he feels that oasis is harmful, he'll find another product.

Carmel Art and Film Festival

2009-10-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Michael was asked to design a centerpiece for the opening event for the annual Carmel Art and Film Festival. The event is to be held at the Sunset Center.

Michael and Cheryl beginning the design:

Michael adding materials:

The finished design:

Delivery in the Twigery "deux cheveau:"

In place at the Sunset Center:

The party is in a few minutes - ready to go in the "deux cheveau:"

Arriving at the event:

The design at the party!

The new ride

2009-10-07T13:11:00.001-07:00

We found a great car for the studio - a 1974 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston, more commonly known as a "deux chevaux vapeur" (two steam horses) or just "deux chevaux."

The car has generated a lot of interest - people from all over (including two visitors from Paris today) stop by to ask about it and take pictures. Stop by and see it.

Fall is Arriving

2009-09-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is arriving at Twigery. We want to share the ambiance that has been created with the straw covered floor and gourds and pumpkins that highlight the studio.

We have our own gigantic green Hungarian gourd weighing in at about 300 pounds!

As we write this, new and wonderful products from around the world are arriving daily. French wire, wine basket bottles from France, Mediterranean olive jugs, Asian baskets, and trellises for planting your sweet peas to name a few intriguing items.

Of course, we will always have the most unusual and unique cut flowers, berries and foliages to accent your home, upcoming party, or just that special thinking of you gift.

So, stop by, when you are in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a little “fall eye candy.”

Concours d'Elegance

2009-08-21T12:06:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to brag a bit.

Michael's arrangement was awarded an Honorable Mention in the local window display contest - of course the theme was automotive in celebration of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The cars and celebrities kept us busy as Carmel was packed.

This was our favorite:

Next year's event is scheduled for August 15 - see you there!

The Web Site is Up!!!

2009-07-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our good friends Rick and Emily Francona, we have a web site for Twigery!

Add this to your Favorites or Bookmarks: www.twigery.com.

There is a lot of information already on the site, but we'll be adding more as things progress. We've been generating a lot of interest here in Carmel and having a good time returning to the business.

Drop by the shop, or now - visit us online!!

Mike and Cheryl

Twigery and the Cypress Inn

2009-07-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

We have been open just a few weeks and are having a wonderful reception by the local community and the tourists du jour. People stop and look at what has transformed in the former interior design studio.

The general manager of the Cypress Inn, Nancy Slade, stopped in and admired the studio. We chatted and Nancy retained us to do weekly arrangements for the Cypress Inn. Also, she has directed her staff to use us exclusively for the hotel and recommendations for their guests. So, I guess, that makes the exclusive florist for the Cypress Inn.

This photo is from the Cypress Inn patio. Walk out, turn left and you're at Twigery!

We are really enjoying ourselves living and working in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just living the dream…………

Twigery - Now Open!

2009-07-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Twigery, Michael Merritt (AIFD) Designs is now open in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Michael's newest floral design studio in the the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea on 7th Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln - right next to the Cypress Inn patio.

We will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and other times by appointment.

Cheryl and I want to share some photos of the studio. We have a fabulous space inside...

...and a wonderful Zen garden outside!

We look forward to hosting floral design classes along with creating wonderful floral designs for weddings, parties and "just because."

We invite all of you to stop by to say hello when you are in Carmel.

Our new venture

2009-05-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and I are really excited about our new venture and want to share it with you. We have just leased the space next to the famed Cypress Inn in Carmel.

We will be located on 7th Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln. Our studio is located on the left just past the Cypress Inn patio.

We have a wonderful courtyard and retail space.

We are also just half a block from the Church of the Wayfarer, located at Lincoln and 7th Avenue.

Our new name will be Twigery...Michael Merritt Designs.

We had always planned to do flowers in Carmel, but thought we would do freelance. However, this space became available, and we could not pass it up. We are working on the inside and look forward to opening in July. We will let you know the progress and when the opening date will be.

Off to work…hi, ho, hi, ho…………..

Gardens in Carmel

2009-05-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Taking walks throughout the streets of Carmel is like being a kid in a candy store for someone who loves a gorgeous garden. Cheryl and I walk regularly for exercise and are amazed at the incredibly beautiful gardens that we are privileged to stroll by.

I share with you some of the incredible and outstanding gardens we have seen so far. We wonder if the owners of these gardens realize what treasures they actually possess!(Click on the images for larger views.)

Carmel at its finest!

Another view

Just have to take a whiff!

A close-up of what my nose enjoyed!

One more angle

What color!

Angles of perfection

I just love this tree with its great color!

The side street color - what a treat!

How peaceful....

I love this sign....

Each street offers wonderful color and design. There are no two gardens alike, so each walk becomes an adventure and an escapade.

What is Artistry?

2009-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I recently attended the 20th anniversary show in Carmel of internationally acclaimed sculptor Richard McDonald’s recent works including a new series inspired by “O” of Cirque du Soleil. Richard McDonald’s work is extraordinary and exhilarating in the detail he displays in each piece he creates. His artistry is exemplary beyond compare.

Richard and I discussing his new pieces

Recently I had the privilege to visit an exceptional and beautiful garden in Pebble Beach. It is outstanding beyond compare.

In this setting, you ask what is artistry? Or the question may become where is the artistry?

The beauty of the flowers displayed and growing in this setting depicts beautiful color and extraordinary design.

The artistry is in the overall setting and the incredible display of color with the variety of flowers in this environment.

These are two different mediums illustrating artistry.

Standing with my floral art at the MacDonald reception

Whatever medium an artist uses, his love and passion for his work is embroiled in his creation. Both created by “man” using different media. So I ask you, what is artistry?

Spring is here - so is the wedding season

2009-05-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and so is the wedding season. Actually, wedding season is anytime during the year. However, spring seems to be the beginning of an era with the blossoms and bulbs making their appearance.

Click for larger image

Love abounds and living in Carmel feels like romance is everywhere from the people to the beauty of the scenery and the flowers in the beautiful gardens.

Click for larger image

Flowers for a wedding take on a whole arena that needs to be addressed from the perspective of the bride and groom’s viewpoint. When talking to a bride I always recommend that she look at pictures of bridal bouquets in the magazines to decide what she likes and dislikes. Visual displays are so helpful in determining what one likes.

I suggest that a bride may like something from one picture and want to incorporate something else she sees from another. That is all possible. The final outcome is to create a personalized bouquet that reflects the bride’s taste and vision. As a designer I have the ability to design the image in a bride’s mind.

Click for larger image

Deciding what flowers to use in a wedding should be determined by what flowers you love and reflect your taste. Your wedding dress will also help determine the style of bouquet that looks best. Flowers are an accent, not the main event. The main event of a wedding is the bride and groom. Our job as floral designers is to compliment and highlight your event.

If I can help assist you in flowers for your wedding, please email me at michael@michaelmerritt.com.

A New Twist on Church Flowers

2009-04-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

I had an unusual opportunity on Sunday to create an offering for the parishioners for the wonderful Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The Church of the Wayfarer is an extraordinary house of worship with its meandering gardens nestled within the local charm that only Carmel-by-the Sea has to offer.

Pastor Norm Mowery is an beacon of warmth and kindness for everyone he meets. Our paths crossed recently and he suggested that I create an arrangement to share with his congregation from his bountiful garden for Sunday's service for Earth Day.

I decided to use a combination of greens and whites being it was for Earth Day. Green to me symbolizes new beginnings and white expresses a feeling of hope. I have made numerous presentations and given lots of hands on demonstrations, but never in front of a church during Sunday service.

What a treat. I thought I would share this wonderful experience with you.

Remember flowers give warmth and beauty wherever they maybe!

Laguna Beach Patriots' Day Parade

2009-04-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and I were going through some recent emails from one of our friends in Laguna Beach who forwarded us photographs of our winning entry in last month's Laguna Beach Patriots' Day Parade.

We had the winning entry last year also. They said it is unheard of giving the first place award to the same group two years in a row.

What a great event - fabulous weather, a lot of people out enjoying themselves, flags everywhere, just a nice celebration. Our entry was a bit whimsical, and we thought you might like to take a look at it.

Lining up to ride in the parade...

Putting the final touches before we drive in the parade

Cheryl and I at the parade with the VW

The Laguna Beach Garden Club ladies...

If it stood still, it got decorated...

Remember, floral design is not just for museums and mausoleums - it is for just about everything we do every day. Hey, go wild out there!

What is AIFD?

2009-04-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

I often have people ask me about the "AIFD" designation after my name. It stands for the American Institute of Floral Designers. It is equivalent to American Institute of Architects (AIA) for architects, or the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for interior designers.

AIFD was established in 1965 by a small group of leading floral designers dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. Today, it is the leading non-profit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With nearly 1,200 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Accredited membership in AIFD is selective. To be accredited, a floral designer must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. Members are distinguished by the letters "AIFD" used as an addendum to their name. To maintain accreditation, they must meet certain continuing education requirements.

From diverse backgrounds and interests, from small-town florists large-scale party designers, from college professors to Rose Parade consultants, from nationally known corporate advisors in product development to winners in international design competition, AIFD members are found in virtually every aspect of floriculture.

I have been an accredited member of AIFD for over 25 years. Every year as the seasons change my designs change and evolve. It can be the wonderful scent of the first spring flowers that bloom to the numerous bulbs that are pushing their way through the warm soil to reach the bright sunlight that enlighten my designs. I am also intrigued and motivated when I find a great new container or an interesting and stimulating new client. These are a few of the areas that keep me challenged and forever designing with such a beautiful medium.

See more of my work at http://www.michaelmerritt.com/.

Michael Merritt, AIFD at Bouquets to Art 2009

2009-04-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I was a featured artist at the 25th Bouquets to Art fundraiser March 17-21 at the de Young Gallery in San Francisco. That's me working on my design for the show - see the photos.

I always enjoy this venue seeing old friends and colleagues. Bouquets to Art is the largest fundraiser held to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and one of the country’s premier floral events.

See more of my work at Michael Merritt Designs.