We thoroughly enjoyed the entire process from the first meeting to the last pick up of glassware.  There were many a prototype designed, made and photographed.  Those prototypes became the real thing before we knew it.  Both shops were abuzz with activity.  Because our Indianapolis shop is in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, all deliveries were staged out of our Franklin location.  Also, because the Franklin store has so much more space-it was appropriate that all production take place there.  If I may say so, our team executed all jobs with style and finesse.

In the midst of all of the excitement, rtv6 The Indy Channel did a nice spot on JP Parker Flowers in Indianapolis.  We had fun participating and it’s always thrilling to see yourself on television.

Video HERE.

Below are some images from a handful of events and environments in which our designs were included.

The “major Super Bowl VIP lounge area” at Union Station

The “major Super Bowl VIP lounge area” at Union Station

The “major Super Bowl VIP lounge area” at Union Station

 The “major Super Bowl VIP lounge area” at Union Station–arrangements waiting to be placed

NBC Hospitality at the Omni Severin Hotel

NBC Hospitality at the Omni Severin Hotel

NBC Hospitality at the Omni Severin Hotel

NBC Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom

NBC Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom

NBC Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom

NBC Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom  where the lighting was very low.

We were involved in several other aspects of Super Bowl events-some we just didn’t get to document.  And another I will talk about in the next post.

It was great to work with the event planners representing groups from the NFL, NBC, Pepsi, Bravo TV and more.  We hope everyone had a great time in our city and we welcome all who visited to return any time.

We will also be showing our wares at the Ritz Charles in Carmel on Sunday, January 15th.  Click here for details.

On January 29th, we are participating in yet another Bridal Show.  That takes place at the Commons in Columbus, Indiana. Click here for show times and a visit to the lovely website of the City of Columbus.

Following January, the next big event?  Super Bowl.  Our shop is located in such close proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium, downtown that we will be feeling the heat radiating from the energy preceding the big game and going on around it.  Our location is right on the stretch of McCarty that is dubbed overlapping Super and Bowl Routes.  We are going to see a lot of traffic.  We are thrilled about that!  We also, have been chosen (after much hard work) as an Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee Emerging Business Contract Recipient.  Click here to read up on how you could win tickets to Super Bowl XLVI. We are open for business and we want to welcome wholeheartedly all visitors to Indianapolis!  We sincerely hope that everyone has a safe and joyous time while they are here.  Speaking of safe, getting to and around downtown may prove to be a challenge.  Know Before You Go.

So, in light of having all of this company, we are sprucing up.  We have our minds and eyes open to all inspiration.  One thing we gravitate toward is color.  So, what is the Pantone color of the year?  Tangerine Tango.  That in itself is a forecast for energy, drive, heat and happiness.  We took the cue.  Pam Parker woke up in the middle of the night with a vision.  A vision including this vibrant color… a plan for a window display like no other JP Parker has set before.  Within two days of her tangerine flash-the new display was in place.

We are excited about this great use of materials.  She incorporated new vases; existing inventory of vases, accessories and plants; paint on furniture she had at the Franklin location; a tulip folding screen, giant scrub brushes and fresh flowers.

We are happy to start the year off right with a fun and bright space in which to design, serve customers and draw eyes in.

Until you can get by the shop to see for yourself, here are some shots of the front interior of our Indianapolis Location.

Last week a family came in looking to purchase a casket spray for their Father’s casket.  All the children knew what Dad would want on his casket.  A woodsy, rustic display and nothing typical.  They wanted a different flower to represent each child.  After showing some examples of possible arrangements, we, together, were able to come up with a fresh idea compiling different elements of meaning, color, texture and designs.

When the family left after placing their order, I could see that in the midst of their grief, they had a small sense of relief about them.  One large task on their looming to do list, checked off… and I like to think that maybe… part of that relief was that they trusted in us to follow through with their wishes.

I turned my notes and sketch over to one of our talented designers, Eileen.  She took one look at the materials and she was off… making phone calls, getting things ready to make our plans come to life.

Eileen did a beautiful job.  We hope the family is pleased with our work and at peace in their hearts.  Our sympathies are with them.

Detail:

It is not too late to order a Holiday arrangement for your loved one or even for your own table.  We pride ourselves on making custom designs, so, we are pleased to create something just for you.  In the case of the unsure, we created four different pieces at varying price points from which a selection can be made.

To make this process even simpler, all four of these arrangements are featured in our shopping cart.  You can order from your computer!

Mod Holiday at $22

Peppermint Posies at $40

Designing Grace at $55

Winter Glow at $115

And if you just enjoy stopping into one of our shops, please do!  We would love to see you!

Happiest of Holidays!!!

This year, the White House’s holiday theme of “Shine, Give, Share,” celebrates the holiday spirit through decor ranging from tabletop trees made from recycled aluminum to a 400-pound White House Gingerbread House. I recently chatted with White House florist Laura Dowling about the inspiration for the theme and tips on getting the look at your own home.

CasaSugar: What was the inspiration for this year’s decor?
Laura Dowling: This year’s theme is inspired by the First Lady’s message of giving to others and community service. Additionally, a very important element of this year’s holiday theme is the recognition and support of America’s military families. Visitors will see special decorations in the East Entrance and in the Blue Room that are designed to honor our nation’s service men and women and their families.

CasaSugar: What are some of the ideas that homeowners can use this holiday season, inspired by the White House decor?
Laura Dowling: Some of the most interesting ideas are on display at the White House use materials that are inexpensive or free – and would be easy for people to try at home.

Keep reading to learn Laura Dowling’s tips for creating the White House’s holiday look at your home.

Check out Laura’s tips below!

Natural containers. Magnolias, pinecones, mosses and ferns can be used to create containers for flower arrangements – these vases are on display throughout the White House this season.
Paper decorations. Festive wreaths and trees made of felt and paper make charming holiday decorations.

Bo topiaries. Bo, the First Family dog, is rendered in a variety of simple materials, including felt, licorice and marshmallows, buttons, and even trash bags. See a video of how the White House flower shop team made the button version of Bo.

Recycled decorations. We worked to make our holiday green by using recycled and natural materials. For example, the Green Room trees are made from recycled aluminum cans we collected at the White House, and 80 to 90 percent of the ornaments we used are recycled from past White House Christmases. You can think about how to re-use your old ornaments at home, and use recycled materials in new ways.

CS: What are some economical ways that homeowners could get one of the looks?
LD: To get the look of the Red Room cranberry and pepperberry vase, purchase a variety of fresh or faux berries. Many craft stores begin to discount their seasonal décor in mid-December. Apply masking tape to a simple vase or flower bucket and mark off strips around the container, taking care to space them evenly. With a hot glue gun, apply rows of pepperberries and cranberries around the vase, covering the entire surface. The vase creates a unique presentation for a dramatic display of red and hot pink flowers – amaryllis, roses, and even carnations can be used for an economical approach.

Source: Getty via CasaSugar

This video is a montage of timelapse footage of different flowers blossoming into full bloom.  It is titled Life of Flowers and the footage comes from Artbeats Timelapse Flowers and the producer of the end result is Vorobyoff Production.

This is fun to watch because when we look at a flower in real time, it’s beauty appears to be complete.  In that one moment, we think we know and understand that bloom for all it is.  We might know where it comes from.  We know what will happen to it as it grows weary and decomposes.  We might assume that it is as beautiful as it could be in that moment.  This video shines light on all moments of the flower’s life helping us to understand that the beauty of the flower doesn’t occur when it is at it’s perceived peak (and oh, are there many opinions on when that peak is….) but it is beautiful in all of its stages.  It is beautiful as a bud because it is a stage of promise and awe.  How in the world will a big display of petals come out of that small, compact bud?  At that time, it is hard to believe, yet, clearly understood that it will happen.  The petals pop open and show their color-slower than your eye can see; here in this video, the flowers seem to have spirits… coming alive and moving like creatures.  This two minute and twenty nine second video is peaceful and meditative.  It allows the viewer to see flowers in a new way gaining better understanding of their life cycle.  It is a treat.

Life of flowers from VOROBYOFF PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Eileen has it going on.  Here is her mini bio she provided specifically for this event:

Eileen McCullough of JP Parker Flowers is excited to share her love of floral design and decor with the Midtown Holiday Home Tour.  McCullough began her career by studying painting and art history at Indiana University and Herron School of Art and Design and is a certified Master Designer.  In addition to producing weddings and special events for JP Parker Flowers, McCullough has taught at IUPUI Continuing Studies and has given demonstrations at the Indiana Flower and Patio Show and State Fair.  McCullough has been involved with decorating homes on the Crossroads Guild home tours (predecessor to the Midtown tours), including the governor’s residence and is delighted to be involved in promoting a good cause and adding holiday style to the beautiful Altemeyer home.

Pam Avenius gathered sunflowers, orange asiatic lilies, rose hips, broom corn, brown button mums, autumn leaves, Sweet William and two burgundy tapered candles and created a stately long and low arrangement that will literally glow at the center of any hearty table.

Chuck Mowrer scaled back a bit and built an arrangement for a smaller budget or a smaller table, perhaps.  With butterscotch mums, burgundy daisies, curly willow, grevillea, statice, hot orange gerber daisies and autumn leaves, Chuck assembled a low and round burst of Fall cheer.

These are just two examples of the endless options JP Parker provides for you as you plan your Thanksgiving.

As I mentioned above, JP is festive for the Holidays.  Pam A. and crew used branches in various textures and treatments all glazed in tones of copper, brown, black and white to create a backdrop for both merchandise and some chic brown, white and copper artificial evergreens.  The ornaments are a mix of natural and artificial textures.  I see this wall hanging inspiring people in the coming weeks.

Let us be a part of your Holiday planning.

Indy 317-624-0500

Franklin 317-738-9837

Chuck’s work is beautiful as always- a never failing testament to his experience, personality and attention to each and every Bride’s wishes for her flowers.  Moving onto the reception, his designs adorning the tables pictured below are a JP Parker Flowers contemporary classic.  To compose a look where all tables were not all the same, there were two basic designs applied alternately.  The first two images below illustrate the first scheme: The clear glass cylinders are perfect geometry contrasting the flower’s organicity.  The smaller two vases each hold only one bloom tucked inside, visible from all angles thru the  curved glass and from above. This treatment elevates those single flowers to precious.  By encasing them, they become something to study and admire.  In the center is a taller arrangement sprouting vibrant orange gerber daises, curly willow, seeded eucalyptus and salal.  A grouping of designs on a single table creates depth and interest from all angles. This elegant look is budget conscious, too.  How?  The glassware is rented which saves big in cost and in personal storage space after the event.  There are not a whole lot of flowers on these table tops.  By trimming the stem completely away and letting a single bloom fill a vase-the designer creates a look that is clean, compartmentalized and contemporary.  Sometimes less is more.

On the other half of the tables, there was a single clear cylinder that was short and wide to accommodate a few more flowers than the smaller single bloom pieces. Even with more flowers,(gerber daisy, fuji chrysanthemum, bupleurum, hypericum berries, curly willow, asiatic lily and seeded eucalyptus) these pieces had the feel of art-something fleeting that should be paid delicate and careful attention.  The candles warmed everything up.  It is convenient how a design like the one below is able to transform into a candleholder, too.   The two decorative elements on the table integrate seamlessly for romantic and clever ambiance.

One of JP Parker’s many gifted designers, Eileen, was called upon to create a Bridal bouquet and boutonniere to complement a specific gold dress for a local publication.   Taking a cue from the current and forecasted trend, she approached this bouquet with ideas such as vintage, heirloom, texture and glamour in mind.  Eileen says that this trend is popping up because a lot of the time, Brides are trying to find ways to include loved ones who have passed in their special day.  A piece of jewelry that was worn by the beloved is a sacred token of that person’s former bodily existence-a way for the earthly to remember and honor that dear relative or friend.  What better way to do so than include these momentos in the featured and cradled floral arrangement: the Bridal Bouquet.  A glitzy, colorful texture- geometric prisms juxtaposed against the organic, velvety petals and foliage of the flowers creates a lovely contrast-a balance between sharp edges and soft curves.  Heirloom jewelry tucked into a Bride’s bouquet is both visually pleasing and rich with history and fondness.

Specifically speaking about Eileen’s artwork, (pictured below) she used muted pastel hues of peach, green, ivory and brown.  She didn’t have any heirloom pieces to integrate into the flowers but wanted to give the impression that this Bride’s bouquet bore a collection of vintage jewelry.  She set out to find affordable jewelry and gilt texture.  Her journey led her to Target where she was able to find clearance priced earrings that she saw could easily pass off as vintage and better yet, add visual interest alongside the flowers.

Below, pictured is the accompanying boutonniere.  The beaded spheres accenting the magnolia leaves and rolled rose petals were found at a local craft store.  They resemble berries and jewels at the same time-a lovely design mate for the bouquet.

During the conversation with Eileen about this trend for 2011 and 2012, I noticed on another designer’s table, an amethyst ring of gold taped to a long wire.  Chuck (it was his table in which I found the ring) saw me looking at it and announced, “That is going in one of my Bridal bouquets. It was her Grandmother’s ring.”  I just thought, “Wow, this really is a happening trend-and JP Parker is all over it.  Of course we are.”  I couldn’t help it, with my camera in hand, to have Chuck hold up the precious metal ring with its marquise cut purple amethyst stones.  What a pretty piece and how lovely it will be tucked into that Bride’s bouquet bringing sweet memories to the surface on such a momentous day.

Vintage pieces are all the rage in fashion, home design and decoration.  Why not in fresh flowers?  We all have that piece that Great Auntie gifted us or the one we found at that one yard sale…..oh, not you?  Well, thanks to Eileen’s example of cleverness, you don’t have to.  Because the vintage/retro look is in, reproductions are abundant-so much so that if you desire this look but don’t have the sentimental treasures,  you might find some clearance baubles that fit the bill.

Happy rummaging (or clearance shopping)!