Design Star: Lessons from the New York School of Flower Design

by Michael Gaffney

In the current economy, prospective brides, party givers, and commercial businesspeople are looking for ways to create their own sophisticated floral arrangements rather than hire expensive third parties. Featuring a well-known designer's foolproof methods, this lush guidebook brings readers into the world of the professional with secrets, tips, and formulas for great design, including step-by-step instructions on everything from Classic English design to Exotic Tropical design. With more than 400 color photos detailing dozens of start-to-finish arrangements, the book provides a beautiful display of finished projects for readers to replicate. It also guides them through the basics of opening a flower shop or becoming a professional flower designer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design

228 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2011

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its very interesting and it gives you plenty of tips, naturally you don't get absolutely everything there is to know, as its not a text book, that's where the actual courses, teaching, and practice comes in. it was informative, beautiful, and interesting. A lot of the information is actually available on youtube, if you type in the authors name you can explore his channel, but there are a few extras in the book that I have not come across on youtube. My rating, well i kind of wish i could select 3.5 stars, because ( and I'm not sure if its just a glitch) I feel that at certain parts there are things missing, almost like your left hanging, because you were waiting for one last detail or instruction to be conveyed and it just never happens. I would recommend getting the actual book, i feel at the very least I'm potentially missing some pictures from the ibooks version. Comes down to how much your willing to pay for a few extra things that aren't on youtube and/or may potentially be missing from the ibooks.

[Kimberly Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was written and taught in such a way that it was very easy to follow! I have attended (2) colleges 'Ornamental Horticulture' programs and feel that this book made designing even easier from what I've learned in my classes. I especially like the description on how to 'design using geometrical shapes'. I would recommend thebook, online videos and classes offered by Michael Gaffney.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough air in here for me. The designs too bunched and cloying.
Also, the pull-out font is horsey and unfortunately, the content not worth it.

[Josh Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended this class knowing very little about flower designing. I was amazed at what I learned everyday in school. Multiple classes every day, all the flowers, tools and containers provided. I don't know how they get away with giving away so much material! It was a joy. Michael Gaffney's classes are just a delight. I highly recommend it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book both for those interested in flower design and those that want a great coffee table book in their home. The book is filled with hundreds of wonderful photos. Michael Gaffney's writing is fantastic. It is extremely intuitive and makes floral design easy for the amateur. He shares his tips and secrets that I have never heard from other floral designers. It also is just a good read as Michael weaves in his own story on his journey through his career in floral design. I've actually seen the book on coffee tables on multiple interior design shows. It is an excellent buy, especially for those that have any interest in floral design, from small designs for your home, to decorating a whole ballroom.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and beautiful... This book is relaxing just to peruse casually as the pictures are so detailed that you learn a lot just from looking at them. If you want more information and education, the text is a wonderful guide to create center pieces that will stun your guests. What I've learned in this book has set my home apart from others when we have visitors. Look in any home design magazine or book and every single picture has some type of arrangement. This book not only shows you how to create them as if Michael was in your home but also educates you on where and how to get the flowers that you'll be working with. This is a keeper!

[Mo V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything done by this author.This book is an essential to all flower lovers 28 different designs from traditional to English Lots of gorgeous pics but most importantly lots of info for anyone wanting to learn design. The pictures are really good and I ve followed many of his techniques and my friends and family were blown away. I wish there was more. the book is editorial as well as coffee table as well as discussions on operating a floral business..its a must have if your going to end up designing gorgeous flowers.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I love everything about it all the photos of the many many different styles of design from Modern to traditional very helpful for me starting a flower business
I expect the book to be a big seller anyone who owns a flower business or want to learn flower design it would enjoy it I highly recommend it

[Jay Mantle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. I've learned how to vase flowers better. Good that it has photos to see just how to do it.