I’m what you’d call a late bloomer. When I was 32 years old, I was completely lost (not to mention hungry!). But then a friend gave me some advice. At first, I thought his idea was total craziness. What did he tell me? My good friend Vicente Wolf told me that I should become a florist. Anytime you start a new project, especially something creative and unpredictable, it’s scary. But I was desperate; I needed to eat. And for some reason I didn’t quite understand yet, Vicente’s suggestion intrigued me.
So I took his advice and went directly to the flower market. It was the start of a new love for me. And even after all these years, I’m still in love with flowers.
For a long time I’ve wanted to create a floral design course, and now, thanks to my wonderful partner Cho Phillips of The Wedding Planning Institute and the amazing floral diva Angie Zimmerman, we get to make this dream a reality. We’re currently busy shooting a step-by-step floral design video a la Preston Bailey.
The course has two levels. The first level is for beginners. The Floral Diva (that’s Angie!) and I provide a comprehensive introduction to flowers and getting started in the floral design world. We also share tips and ideas for developing your own unique style.
The second level is even more exciting. For the first time ever, I share my formula for creating gravity-defying floral constructions like my trees and floral animals.
The course will be available online in October; I can’t wait to share my love and excitement for flowers and design with all of you!
Dear Readers, I know many of you are very creative, so tell me, how did you get started in your field? Did a good friend give you a much needed push, too?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Robert Ashby
August 15, 2011
I to was introduced to the flower industry by by now ex-wife (although we are still friends). Back in the 80′s we were doing dried flowers and selling at swap meets. I needed to go to the flower market in Los Angeles where I fell in love with fresh flowers.The market is still home for me and I love to go there. I am self taught and a top designer. I am currently a national wholesaler shipping for some of the biggest events across the country. I sponsor shows for various settings especially AIFD (top 10, symposium, state of Idaho, state of montana, state of washington, David Tutera, Kenny Rogers etc..) I still get excited when flowers arrive just like the first days 25 years ago. I would love to see your courses and I am always open to new ideas. Congrats.
Robert Ashby
Lwflowers.com
Linda
August 15, 2011
Can’t wait for your course. Any estimated time that it will be available?
Marcy Lacel Hughes
August 15, 2011
I came to realize my dream of being a florist about two years ago. A friend of mine was into it and took a certification course at the local community college. Unfortunately for me the class discontinued but I took evening classes for it wherever I could go. Right now I am working at a florist but I would love working more with events like weddings, corporate events and personal parties. I am still trying to find the correct way to get into this, I think I might have to start up my own business.
sharon jackson
August 15, 2011
Hello, Mr Preston! I got alot of help by “watching” and taking notes. Some family and friends have inspire me to “react” on what I do best……………and that is hat shows, programs and decorating. My present “interest” is with the “Ladies in Hats” programs. I’ve done 3 shows, and now planning a 4th one. I have a “special passion” for making things worth while for people to see and enjoy. This is “Blessing ” that has been well recieved.
Gaelle
August 15, 2011
When this flowers training going to be available, it’s going to be available a dvd or hard copy books.
Lauren Crown
August 15, 2011
I am very much so looking forward to the video!
I got thrown into this beautiful world by chance. My florist from my first wedding (Corinne Sebesta-Sisti of Sebesta Design) and I ended up becoming friends through the whole process of being me being the bride and her being my designer. I told her at my wedding that I loved everything so much, that if she ever needed any help, to let me know! Well, a few months later, she let me come help. She taught me graciously everything she knows and inspired me, pushed me, challenged me, and encouraged me to be great. From her, and because of her, I am now the designer for weddings. I get to enjoy the experience of sitting down with a bride and her family, and helping their dreams and visions come true.
Teresa
August 15, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Teresa
August 15, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY? im so happy! Finally i will take the course!
)))
I would like to know how long it will take? And how much it will cost? And if i can take the second level or i need to take both ?
Thank u so much!
Anonymous
August 15, 2011
U ar part of my motivation. Wen u were in Nigeria, i said 2 my self. Am going 2 b better dan preston bailey.lol. Though it has bn my apriciation 4 nature dat propeld me. And i bliv dat everytin gr8 sync d begining started as a single tot in d mynd of an individual. Synce i av a mind i can.
crismarcuyares
August 15, 2011
Preston, How I can do this course? Where I can find information for do it? I would like learn from you… thank U
Pam Archer
August 15, 2011
I’m very excited about your courses! Though I’ve been a floral designer for 36 years, I know I can learn new tips and tricks of the trade. You are so generous to share your knowledge with us Preston.
My love for flowers is what motivated me to learn how to design with them….and hunger! lol
Lei-Ann
August 15, 2011
The way that I got into the flowers world was kind of by accident. I have a degree in art and had always loved throwing parties so the two seemed to work out great together. I was actually at a large corporate holiday party and said “I could make those centerpieces!” A lady sitting next to me overheard me and said”There is a course in the LA Flower Mart. I signed up a week later. I was also selling wedding gowns so I would bring in my silly wedding bouquets in after class and let bride’s hold them when they were trying on their dress. They loved them, I’d give them my Happy Flowers card and the rest is history- or should I say herstory? I love what I do, it is my hobby as well as my passion. I have raised a family working out of my home doing flowers for the last 27 years. We joke about when we make something super cool and over the top and call it a “Mini Preston” or say “Watch out Preston, Happy is in the house” You truely are an artist and I would love to be able one day to be able to work one day for you just for fun. Thank you for all you do.
Happily yours,
Lei-Ann
Breathless Events
August 15, 2011
Hi Preston, when I discovered you started what most people would call ‘later in life’ (after all, aren’t we supposed to know what we want to do for a career in our early 20s, study that and then have put a solid 10 years into the profession by the time we hit 30?!) I received the inspiration to follow my dream and work towards becoming an event designer with planning services as part of my business model. I turn 30 this year and have tried so many things, I almost lost confidence in myself and felt like I had become a ‘jack of all trades’. What I’m seeing now is that designing events brings together all my creative strengths, along with the business acumen I’ve gained in the corporate world. I finally feel like I’ve ‘come home’. If it weren’t for the fact that you’re one of the world’s best designers and started when you were 30 too, I wouldn’t have held on to my dream. I would have thought that I was past it and couldn’t start a new career at this age. So thank you! and thank you for working to inspire the next generation of floral designers and event designers. You’ve touched so many lives.
carlos padron
August 15, 2011
que tal sr. preston
yo inicie en este medio por unos amigos que me invitaron a coordinar mas no a decorar su evento, tuve la oportunidad de trabajar con amigos y familiares sin saber nada acerca del diseño floral y asi logre varios eventos, en mis inicios trabaje con flores de seda y de tela, plastificadas y de latex
posteriormente se me da oportunidad de estudiar en mexico en la cd de guadalajara en donde se habre una escuela de diseño floral que se llama instituto mexicano tecnico floral al cual yo me gradue como tecnico en diseño floral tomando el curso basico y de ahi me invitaron a formar parte del equipo de instrustores ( maestros ) de dicho plantel y ahora formo parte del equipo de maestros y pues ya tengo 2 años trabajando como instructor y porsupuesto no dejando el lado de mi trabajo que es montar y decorar bodas y eventos sociales
me dara mucho gusto saber que ud ya tiene a la venta su curso en videos
esperando un dia ud nos visite en mexico en algun show o conferencia para conocerlo y aprender de ud , yo he comprado algunos libros de ud y la verdad son muy utiles y nos ilustran y dan ideas
saludos desde guadalajara jalisco mexico
Napkin Wizard
August 16, 2011
This is exciting. Thank you Preston!
Angela
August 17, 2011
Cant wait to sign a few people up for this course…
Top Wedding Questions
August 17, 2011
I’m really excited about your course. We love the Flower Diva (and Preston, of course) and we’re so proud to have her as one of our forum experts over at Pop the questions.
Any chance it will be available as an affiliate program so we professionals can post the videos on our websites for brides and other wedding professionals to access?
Gayle
August 19, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?I recently read your article in SAF magazine….”Letting It Go”……inspired me not only in my job as a floral designer but in my personal life too. Going thru difficult times in my family life right now your words helped me “see the light”….to find something positive in every situation. Soulfull Thanks
Philippine Flowers Delivery
August 25, 2011
Hey, I think I want to enroll in this. Haha. I want to broaden my knowledge in floral arrangement.
lidia
September 13, 2011
I’m looking forward to take this course. I know it will be one of the kind.
Nadia J
October 13, 2011
Hi there Preston!! Do you have any word yet on the start date for your course?
Carmela Vazquez
December 23, 2011
Hi I´m wondering when the couse would be online, thanks!
Marisa Guerrero
January 31, 2012
Has this class become available? I’ve been excitedly look for information on this class but haven’t seen any info on it yet. Did I miss it?