Tag: Side Hustle

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🎀 Let it bow, let it bow, let it bow ☃️🎄

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 with Lucy Vail Floristry installation at Cole & Sons in Chelsea, London; (above) at Koyn in Mayfair, London.
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A mini challenge

When I took the job at the florist to support my acting work I didn’t ever imagine I’d be asked to construct a pagoda to fit on top of a classic mini. I have a knack for handy-work. I like a challenge. I said I’d give it a go.

Lucy Vail Floristry instillation for KOYN in Mayfair, London.

My primary concerns were weight and weather: the mini’s roof rack can only carry around 150lb, so the structure had to be light, but strong enough to withstand all weather, especially the wind. I came up with a design that used OSB board and narrow timber that held together like an oversized ‘slot-together’ toy with wire mesh to support the floral display.

When I was done I could pick the structure up single-handed and it managed to carry my entire weight standing on top of it (that’s around 200lb of Jeffrey Mundell). The florists then worked their magic and off it went to Mayfair, where it stood for well over a month, laughing in the face of some of the worst wind the British weather could throw at it and smiling pagodashingly for all the passersby.

Perhaps I’ll start a wee portfolio for my little creations.

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Soldiers, courtiers, gardeners, lend me your shears…

As a side hustle I freelance at a London event florist. I was initially taken on as a driver and studio assistant, but the company have figured out I’m fairly adept in the props-fabrication department. I’ve subsequently found myself doing an increasing amount of crafting, a welcome stimulant for my creativity. Here are some cards I’ve created, part of a shop-front installation for Chelsea in Bloom – the alternative floral art show that transforms the streets of Chelsea during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

(Jeffrey Mundell at the Alice in Wonderland display by Lucy Vail Floristry outside Cole & Sons in Chelsea, London. Chelsea in Bloom, 2023. Photo: Joanne Gale)

The cards are part of an Alice in Wonderland-themed installation. In Lewis Carroll’s story, the cards labour under the oppressive Queen of Hearts. I’ve read that clubs represent soldiers, the diamonds courtiers, spades are gardeners and the hearts represent children or royals.

I used plywood for the heart and diamond cards, and hardboard (more flexible) for the spades and clubs, which are curved. The suit designs are adapted from older playing cards to lend a vintage feel to the design and the acrylic paint finish is weather-sealed with clear lacquer. Each card is attached to a light wooden frame that maintains their shape and provides a structure to attach them to the display.

(Chelsea in Bloom is currently on display in London. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 23-27 May 2023 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea)