Handpicked: Simple, Sustainable, and Seasonal Flower Arrangements

by Ingrid Carozzi, Paul Brissman (Photographs), Eva Nyqvist (Text)

Brooklyn-based florist Ingrid Carozzi reveals her secrets for creating flower arrangements that are modern, original, and organic in style. Organized by season, the book presents simple step-by-step instruction (how to measure, cut, and place each bloom) for making more than 35 arrangements. Whether you want to learn how to work with chicken wire and tape to create a simple framework or try your hand at arranging delicate and oversize blooms, Carozzi offers a detailed tutorial on her tricks of the trade. Readers are encouraged to source, make, or upcycle unexpected containers, such as rough-hewn wooden crates or vintage pots, jars, and vases. Full of natural floral compositions that marry the modern with the rustic, Handpicked is a lushly photographed, practical guide to creating your own exceptional flower arrangements at home.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Art, Crafts

160 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2017

Reviews

[Em · Rating 2 out of 5]

The arrangements were beautiful, but the book was very repetitive. It was just the same few arrangements over and over again with different flowers, but the same theory and steps.

[Jess Cerchiara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice photos, not a lot of technical information. The whole read felt inauthentic.

Seems like a lot of boasting about living in Brooklyn. She writes like she’s very cost-conscious, but on their website it explicitly states that wedding flower orders START at $35k…lol. Who is paying that much for spray-painted jars and rusty vases? I live 30 minutes away from her shop and could never. All of the references in back are now out of business too, to boot.

Overall I was excited about the concept but disappointed by the information and execution.

[Natalie Scherck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, especially her ideas and thoughts regarding which vases to use and why. I love the ideas of recycling as upcycling existing containers for vases. A lot of the book was basically “recipes” for flower arrangements, which gave some nice ideas for flower arrangements. Also, the photography was gorgeous throughout.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for recipes for different types of arrangements. She does frequently talk about finding all her flowers at the market. But I think the markets in Brooklyn must have a much different assortment than those in A Georgia grocery store chain!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking at several floral arrangement books recently, and this is my favourite. There is so much good information. I loved her dedication to upcycling, foraging, and reusing blossoms. The pictures are so beautiful.

[Alissa Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Displayed seasonal arrangements in a handful of styles. Key takeaways: 1) always start on the outside of the vessel with greenery and work inward; 2) keep the display asymmetrical; and 3) aim for 1/3 vessel and 2/3 flower ratio.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best floral arranging guide I’ve read so far! Ingrid is incredibly talented and full of knowledge from her experience in the floral industry. So much to learn from her and her books, I’ll definitely be reading her newest book too!

[Kathi Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful & informative book. Thank you for sharing so much flower-knowledge.

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely photographs, some useful suggestions but overall it’s a book to borrow from the library rather than one to own.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource, beautiful photos.

(Library ebook - images were disappointingly small)

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid intro material.

[Jackie Cesanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Visually stunning