Events like the NCCPF Design School don’t happen without teamwork! Thanks to all the Education Committee members who have been able to help!  The NCCPF Design School took place August 22-25, 2018 at Lihmil, Inc. Flowers and Supplies in Kernersville, NC. Eleven students were ready to take on the challenging classes which began at 9:30 Wednesday. Nelson Simpson, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, NCCPF began the classes with positive words. He continued to praise students and push them to higher levels of design ability throughout the week.
The students began each day going over information from their textbooks referencing design styles and how to create them. Nelson would then meticulously demonstrate a design for them to recreate. Then it was up to the student to duplicate the design as closely as possible. They are graded on three designs in this manner: a formalinear arrangement, a funeral spray and a bridal bouquet. In between these graded designs, students created a wired and taped corsage, a parallel centerpiece, decorated a plant and created hairpieces using cold glue. Creating all of these items is to prepare students for what they may encounter in a retail environment. The knowledge is also useful for those who primarily work in events and weddings. Learning the correct mechanics for creating any design is of utmost importance, regardless of what sector of the diverse floral industry in which a person may work.Â
The final day of class was relaxed when students were able to “play” with different types of wire and accessories to create body flowers of their choice. After this, each student was called up to present their design and received their certificate of completion. Happily, all the students in the class passed the Design School. Now on to completing the online classes to receive their NCCPF certification!!
Many thanks to the Board of NCSFA for voting to allow scholarships to the schools classes, both the Design School and the online classes. Also thanks to the Education Committee for their help throughout the year and also during this week of Design School. None of this is possible without your dedication to NCSFA and to educating its members! Members of the Education Committee include: Susi Gordon NCCPF Vice Chair, Pat Murray AIFD NCCPF, John Herron, Stephanie Garrett AIFD CFD NCCPF, Jeff Freeman, Mary Matherly NCCPF and Donna Pittman AIFD CFD NCCPF.
Bill McPhail
Education Committee Chairman


Instructor: Nelson Simpson, Aifd Pfci Cfd NCCPF
Student Reviews
At the end of every class, we pass out an evaluation form that allows students to critique the class and instructor. Below are some excerpts from the students unedited and the names are kept private.
Student Reviews
At the end of every class, we pass out an evaluation form that allows students to critique the class and instructor. Below are some excerpts from the students unedited and the names are kept private.