floral designs
Recap of the 2019 NCCPF Hands-on School
The NCCPF Design School was held September 18-21 at Cleveland Plant and Flower Company in Raleigh, NC. At the beginning of 2019, the NCSFA Board of Directors approved scholarship money for both the Design School and online class program. Three lucky students won scholarships: Antoinette Graves, JJ Sweat-Pritchard and Jose Delgado Garcia. We had an additional 11 students register for the class.
Each day, the students learn techniques and procedures in floral design and then are required to recreate a design made by instructor Nelson Simpson, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, NCCPF. On the first day of class on Wednesday, all students decorated plants by creating an armature and enhancing with other items. In the afternoon, they learned how to create a formalinear design, and this was their first graded project. On the second day of class, the students learned about sympathy designs and were required to recreate an interpretative funeral spray in a crescent style. The last two days of the class were spent learning and creating body flowers, wedding bouquets and floral jewelry. The graded design was a cascading bridal bouquet made in a holder. The final day of class was more relaxed and students were allowed to utilize their creativity and design floral jewelry. Great creativity!! We had rings, earrings, bracelets, flower crowns, necklaces! Awesome job by all in attendance.
I would like to thank everyone on the Education Committee for their dedication all year in awarding the scholarships and assisting at the Design School. The committee members are: Susi Gordon, NCCPF Vice Chair; Stephanie Garrett, AIFD; Donna Pittman, AIFD; Jeff Freeman, Mary Matherly, NCCPF; John Herron; Janice Rhinehart; and Pat Murray, AIFD!
Thanks also to Cleveland Plant and Flower Company for hosting the Design School and to Triad Foliage for the beautiful plants.
Bill McPhail
Education Committee Chairman
Past NCSFA President


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2019 GTFA Designer of the Year Results



The Greater Triangle Florist Association met at The Laurelbrook in Raleigh on June 25th. Attendees enjoyed a lovely meal, design program by 2018 GTFA DOY Joseph Barnes and our 2019 DOY competition. The competition was fierce and everyone did an amazing job. Our winner was Alicia Springfield NCCPF, 1st runner up Jacyln Gough CFD, and 2nd runner up Bill McPhail NCCPF. Attendees also benefited from a dicussion about judging from Jody McLeod AIFD, NCCPF, CFD.
The Laurelbrook and Catering Works were gracious hosts and the environment and food were excellent.
Here’s a few pics below that were grabbed at the workshop by cellphone.
2019 Fresh Affairs Workshop a Total Success
We had a great time at the Designer of the Year Workshop on Sunday, Mar. 10th! There were designers of all levels learning different techniques for competition. Each participant designed a surprise package, buffet and wedding piece. These were all then critiqued and the results were shared with everyone. Hoping we’ll fill up the room for DOY at the convention!
Education is so important in our industry. We are in an ever changing retail and wedding world, Being a part of this association and participating is part of how we learn and grow. It’s what keeps us “going!” I am constantly amazed by the exceptional creativity of designers in our state. Take advantage and learn. Your customers will thank you.
Thanks to all who participated and to Michael Whaley AIFD and Stephanie Garrett AIFD. A special thanks to Cleveland Plant and Flower Company, Curtis Flower Farm, and Hardins for donating flowers and product. Please be sure and give each one of them a personal thank you! We’re also grateful to Fresh Affairs for their great design room!
Thank you all!
Donna Pittman, AIFD CFD NCCPF
Here’s a few pics below that were grabbed at the workshop by cellphone.
Recap of the 2018 NCCPF Hands-on School
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.
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.

NCSFA Convention 2018 Annuls
We’ll begin with all the results of the competitions held at this year’s convention with any included thoughts from the appropriate chairperson(s). We’ll then migrate to a final thank you from the out going President and then wrap it up with some pics that were taken at this year’s event. Highlighted will be some of the NC Jim Treadaway Cup and other competition pics.
WINNER: Bobbie Barrett
1st Runner-Up: Janice Rhinehart
2nd Runner-Up: Alicia Springfield
WINNER: Janice Rhinehart
1st Runner-Up: Jennifer Retarides
2nd Runner-Up: Samantha Brady
Friday night competitions were exciting, in large part, due to the number of competitors in Body Flowers and Advanced Body Flowers. Originally there were 6 contestants in Body Flowers, one had to drop out, and 4 in Advanced Body Flowers. Many in the Body Flowers competition were first timers. And they did not disappoint! 1st and 2nd in Body Flowers went to first time competitors Janice Rhinehart of Jan’s Blossom Shop and Jennifer Retarides of Send Your Love Florist, respectively. The designs in Advanced Body Flowers were all striking, and decidedly different! Congratulations to Derek Wood of Youngs Florist for capturing First place and to Tammy Yow-Russell of Russell Meadows Floral and Nature Farm for taking 2nd place. All the competitors were on time and ready to practice for the walk-through. Congratulations to all those who entered for contributing to an exciting Friday night!
Bill McPhail & John Herron, co-chairs
WINNER: Derek Wood
1st Runner-Up: Tammy Yow-Russell
WINNER: Charita Walker
1st Runner-Up: Jessica Nance
WINNER: Robert Huff
1st Runner-Up: Tammy Yow-Russell
WINNER: Joseph Barnes
1st Runner-Up: Steven Custer
WINNER: Billy Hess
1st Runner-Up: Joan Caudle
2nd Runner-Up: Clark Goodin
WINNER: Samantha Brady
1st Runner-Up: Steven Custer
2nd Runner-Up: Sherri Suttle
This was my first experience as chairman of a competition. It was fun seeing all the excitement and nerves. I’m just glad I didn’t have to judge the bridal bouquets. When I was on stage announcing the winners it was awesome to see their faces when they found out where they placed. Can’t wait ’til next year.
Janice Rhinehart, Chairperson
WINNER: Tammy Yow-Russell
1st Runner-Up: Joan Caudle
2nd Runner-Up: John Herron
WINNER: Mary Matherly
1st Runner-Up: Janice Rhinehart
WINNER: Derek Wood
1st Runner-Up: Joan Caudle
2nd Runner-Up: Billy Hess
WINNER: Brian Hyde (3 time winner)
Honorable Mention: Jody McLeod
WINNER: Jody McLeod
NC DOGWOOD CUP WINNER: Stephanie Garrett
1st Runner-Up: Brian Hyde
Honorary Life Award: Rigdon and Martha Scruggs
Wholesaler of the Year Award: Danny Hinton
Distinguished Service Awards: Bill McPhail, Carol Mills, Pat Murray
SUCCESS! SUCCESS! A big thanks to everyone who came, participated, planned, judged, tabulated, donated, sponsored, designed, served, cooked or in any way contributed to the success of this year’s “Look To The Future” NCSFA Convention. There are so many to thank if I omit someone please forgive me. Fantastic! Another convention year with no losses to the association. Next year, let’s shoot for a profit to our organization. When we make money, we can pass it on as Educational scholarships to help our members achieve the design success that they’re all shooting for.
This year’s convention came together fast. Without the help of some very talented and learned individuals, there may have been problems but overall it went over without a hitch. The program book was put together in 30 days and hopefully next year we can begin a few months early and have 100 pages. That would be a BIG bonus to the association because we do make approximately 65% profit after expenses on the program book.
Special thanks to the Convention chairpersons Lynn Wilkinson and Jim Tysinger, Lobby decorations by Steven Custer and the rocket in the hotel atrium by Cindy Tole, Friday night table decorations by GGFA , Competition Chairs and all contestants, all wholesalers for generous donations of product, all designers who participated in design shows, GTFA for sponsoring the Friday nite music, Barbour and Hinton for providing music Friday and sat night, new directors for serving, Maxcine Matier, Danny Hinton, and Stephanie Garrett for flowers and a touching memorial service, and GTFA for the gorgeous decorations at the Members Banquet. Especially Donna Pittman, Michael Whaley and Stephanie Garrett.
The Embassy Suites and staff were very helpful and appreciated. The Board of Directors and committees have done a great job this year. Treasurer Carol Mills, Secretary Susi Gordon, and 2nd VP Nelson Simpson have done a tremendous job keeping the Association going and steering the convention. Our webmaster has done a terrific job with the brand new website and I’d like to also thank his company, Wellnix Graphics, LLC, for the super job they did on the convention program book.
Please support our wholesalers, the allied associations and NCSFA! They and your support ARE our Future!!! A huge Thank you for my year as President and I am thoroughly looking forward to the 99th Convention with President Danny Hinton and our Centennial convention with President Nelson Simpson!
Donald E. Holmes, Outgoing President and Chairman of the Board Elect
The NC Jim Treadaway Cup Competition 2018
The opportunity to be the NC Jim Treadaway Cup competition chairman for the 2018 NCSFA convention was an honor. We had seven extremely gifted and talented designers who interpreted the selected artwork with their own unique vision. Each design and description of their concept was, in itself, a work of art. It was very exciting to watch all of the competitors, who are all friends and colleagues, vie for the prestigious and coveted trophy known as the NC Jim Treadaway Cup. Our sincerest appreciation to Claudia Treadaway, who has so generously donated funds that sponsors a continuing education scholarship, which is also presented each year to the winner.
Congratulations to Brian Hyde, who is now a three time winner and newest member to be inducted into the NC Jim Treadaway Cup Hall of Fame next year! Congratulations also to Jody McLeod as winner of Honorable Mention and People’s Choice!
Respectfully submitted, Tammy Yow-Russell Aifd Cfd NCCPF
Order your own 2018 NCSFA “Look to the Future” Program Book
If you didn’t get to attend this year’s convention, we do have extra program books left over if you’d like to purchase one and help support our association. The price is $15.95 and that includes USPS Priority Shipping. These full-size and full color magazine style programs are made of high-quality 100lb. ultra-glossy paper. They’re excellent to leave on your front counter for your customers to browse through while waiting for a pick-up. Grab one before they’re all gone.

Floral Design Show 2016
NCSFA shining star Jodi McLeod puts on a dazzling instructional show at Mayesh Wholesale
Here are some pictures from the April 2016 Design show which was held at Mayesh Wholesale in Charlotte, NC. There was an incredible turnout with Jodi McLeod leading the instruction and design evaluations. Click any image to see a larger view.
Art in Bloom 2017
The 3rd-Annual "Art in Bloom" Festival of Flowers Shines
A bountiful, multicolor rose ensemble, a tropical floral creation featuring large rainforest-like leaves and a glittering gold vase overflowing with bright-white calla lilies enthralled floral enthusiasts upon entering “Art in Bloom,” The North Carolina Museum of Art’s third annual floral extravaganza. The floral showcase captivated guests with more than 50 designers’ impressive artwork. The both indoor and outdoor event took place at the museum Thursday through Sunday.
The ever-popular phenomenon of floral art has been in existence for years, stemming the Boston Museum of Fine Arts’ decision to blend art and flowers in the first-ever floral art showcase 40 years ago. Ever since, art museums across the country have followed suit. NCMA has seen much success with their adoption of this fairly modern trend, as “Art in Bloom” proves a true crowd favorite. The floral show’s project manager, Laura Finan, worked to ensure the much-anticipated event was, once again, a success.
by Sarah Gallo, Staff Writer at Technician Online
- Credits: Will Skinner, Photo