I visited the shop one evening to see what her class was studying.  This evening, it was “long and low”.  The long and low arrangement is a classic.  There are many spaces appropriate for a long and low piece: a dinner table, an altar, a mantle, a coffee table, guestbook table-OK, so.. almost any kind of table…  Each student has their own bucket of flowers.  They have to use what is in their bucket and the concepts and techniques taught up to that point.  I could see that all of the students were engaged, challenged and enjoying themselves.  It was neat to see the many different interpretations the students had while designing their long and low pieces.

Below are some images I captured of the class…

Some very detailed notes made by the student in the previous image.  I couldn’t help but to take a photograph.  It was too impressive.

Critique

It was clear to me that Pam enjoys teaching and connecting with all of her students.  Sure, it takes great skill to design… but, anyone who loves flowers can learn.

“First of all, I know anytime my caller ID says Pam Parker is calling me, I know there must be something BIG! going on, and I have to admit, sometimes it’s almost scary just to answer her call.  My heart starts to race and I try to answer the phone normally like…Hey, what’s up?  So, you can imagine the call I got back in August, asking me if I would like to design flowers for the Super Bowl!

When I replied… February? Not sure what kind of weather we will have for traveling?? (My brain hadn’t fully grasped that she was talking about The SUPER BOWL!!! H..e..l..l..o ?)  Then Pam said….”So, you watch the weather and if it’s going to be bad, you start heading here ahead of it!”

To which my response was, “OF COURSE I WANT TO WORK AT THE SUPER BOWL….Really???!!!”

As always JP Parker had everything down to the last detail planned ahead.  Because of [the parking challenges] in the downtown Indianapolis area, Pam’s Husband, Larry, took a week off from his regular job just to carpool all of us in and out of the area to work everyday at the Convention Center.

The first day, I really had no idea what to expect.  We were all introduced to everyone from the Los Angeles Event Design company who we would be working hand in hand with for the next week.

Day one….Processing Flowers.  One entire wall in the room we were working in was lined up with boxes of fresh flowers.  Maybe 20?  Boxes of Assorted Colored Roses with 12 Bunches of 25. So were talking 6,000Roses people!  Just Roses.  We also cut as many other types of flowers.  Tropicals like cymbidium, dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids, calla lilies, protea, hypericum berries, pom pom daisies and agapanthus.

I would guess maybe 60 boxes of flowers…big boxes!!

There were probably 15 of us all cutting flowers. Everything we did was on a big scale.  Not your normal flower buckets…but pool size buckets were used and not a few blocks of foam soaking up water, but more like sixty blocks of fresh foam, and by the time we were done using foam, we had gone through maybe 30 cases of fresh foam.  Next, was unboxing containers.  When a florist orders a case of containers, you have to imagine, each container in a box and then in a box of 30, and there were cases after cases of containers to be opened, cleaned and then added foam to and water.  Preparing all the containers took about a day also.  By day three, the arranging began.  Three designers working on 68 of these, while two designers work on 50 of something else.  Two more designers working on Four huge pieces while 3 others broke down boxes to try to keep the work spaces clear.  It was truly a Group Effort.  It was awesome getting one plan done and moving onto another.  It was very organized considering how much had to be done.  I suppose it would be impossible to have too much done ahead, because of having to have everything shipped to be at the location you would need it each year for the Super Bowl.

The first time we were taken to the room we would be decorating, we all were kind of like children, to see this massive clean slate if you will, to decorate with flowers.  Each day we watch others as they set up the tables, carpeting, lighting, stages, it was really amazing to watch something as big as the Super Bowl start with an empty convention center concrete floored room.

Everyone worked like busy bees the week before the Super Bowl, getting it all ready.  It was something else to have been a part of.  I worked on the Biggest Flower arrangement ever in my life.  Imagine the Base being the size of your dining room table.  Five foot greenery in the middle, and then filled in all the way around using like 300 orchids? And that was one of three arrangements.  They were so big they had to be hoisted on cables by a lift truck.  Of course but by the time they reached the ceiling of the huge Indianpolis Convention Center, they just looked like normal proportion.

When the arrangements we had been working on were all made, then came the fun part of placing them all on all of the tables.  All of the flowers were the icing on the cake.  You can stand back and say: Now the room is done.  The beautiful colors of all of the flowers just brought the entire Event together.  All of the colors in the walls, the draping fabric, the carpeting, the tables, the seating, the pillows, the lighting….it all made sense now.  Because the Flower tied it all together.  A job well done, and an experience to never be forgotten, the 2012 Super Bowl”

Thank you, Laurie for sharing this delightful account.  Along with Laurie’s images, Pam Parker was able to snap some… those are shown in the gallery below.  Enjoy!

There was to be an evening event for that VIP group at JW Marriott’s High Velocity Sports Bar.  That space has a contemporary feel with the cool stainless steel against the warm toned wood tables.  There is warm tungsten lighting and very large windows that let in the cool toned daylight(especially at the evening hour we delivered the pieces).  This play between materials and temperatures makes a space interesting.  And an interesting space begs for more than the average centerpiece.  Eileen scouted the location and gathered all the visual information she could and went to work.

The pieces turned out stunning.  When we arrived and tore back that protective green tissue paper, there was gasping, oohing and aahhhing.  Rightly so.  These works of art were practically an (much more embellished and colorful) extension of the architecture, the interior design.  There truly is no limit to Eileen’s ability…. see for yourself:

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.