Training: Week 2 Heading into 3

These days are moving faster now. Week two was pretty informative with a lot of class time and book learning. They did go back and have me do more of what I did on the first week to get me better fortified with the training. That was much appreciated since the training program comes fast and furious.

I was able to work on larger vase arrangements and used new plants and different types of fillers and flowers. It was nice seeing how unique arrangements could be when just slight tweeks are made and a stem or two are added.

One of my trainers made this beautiful arrangement here for a wedding show that was in town. Standing there watching her make this arrangement while I stuck stems and roses into a vase showed me that I needed to make sure I paid attention to what these fine trainers are teaching me. What I have started to noticed and learn is that you can teach people how to make an arrangement, but it takes someone with imagination and appreciation to actually become a good designer.


Unique and Fun

So after week 2, I was given a larger palate to paint my pictures.  They started to let me work on some wedding bouquets and some sympathy arrangements.  Arranging vases is a fine art but to fill up a large spray or casket piece, that is entirely different. Filling in holes, spreading the canvas, and adding highlights where you want the eye to focus is a great skill to learn. These trainers have helped me improve in these areas tremendously and I feel stronger and more confident with each passing day. 

My finished bouquet

Mine versus the trainers. Can't tell the difference huh?

Casket Lid Pillow

Large sympathy wreath

Large side piece

Casket Spray

We have been a little saddled this week though. A couple of orders have gone awry changing the training schedule up.  We have had to scramble to get merchandise into the stores to prepare for the holidays and even had to unload a couple of delivery trucks.  Such is the life of a small business owner. Nothing is ever set, the schedule is never concrete and the thing you should always strive for is flexibility; with yourself, your staff and your vendors.  This week has been a fine example of it here and I actually enjoyed the experience.

Just a small portion of the unloaded truck

Spend an entire day making these wreaths sell ready. My hands smell like pine and hurt like the dickens.

Next week will be getting cut short because they said I am ahead of schedule and a quick study.  Yay me!!! That means I can come home a day earlier and see my family sooner.  Call this guy one happy camper.  My next post will be after signing the papers and getting the keys to the shop. Then the real work begins. Till next time friends, do stop and smell the roses. You'll notice you can't help but smile.

They did let me have a little bit of fun.