In all my time as an actor, working at an event florist has to be one of my favourite side-hustles to date – there is a constant call for creativity that speaks to the artist in me.
This festive season has seen a flurry of activity at Lucy Vail Floristry with a number of Christmas installations, workshops, heaps of conifer foliage, miles of garlands, countless wreaths, baubles, lights and trees.
For two of the installs I was tasked with creating a pair of striking, oversized bows. The challenge was not only the scale of these props, but that they were being displayed outdoors for well over a month and needed to hold out against whatever winter weather blew their way.
Challenge accepted, I set about constructing the bows on a foundation of wooden board, galvanised wire, screws, staples and mesh; then overlaying it all with a fabric skin. The trick, of course, is to conceal this rugged construction and give the impression of a bow made only of velvety, flowing, festive ribbon. Thought they turned out pretty well.
Jeffrey Mundell 