We all worked together as a team and on every aspect of these demonstrations, from the initial theme right through until the final designing.  As we were to do 2 demonstrations it was agreed that each ‘element’ would be lead by a particular person.   As each element connects to an ‘Astrological Star Sign’, we decided that we would provide the demonstration for a particular ‘Element’ based on our own star sign.  So Debbie, as a ‘WIND’ sign lead that element- and as this element was undertaken in the morning session we agreed that Debbie would ‘steer’ both the elements of EARTH and WIND…. Julia as a ‘FIRE’ sign, lead that subject in the afternoon followed by Dianne, who as the ‘WATER’ sign lead the demonstrations on that element.

L-R Dianne, Debbie & Julia - WA in Harmony Team with several of Earth Designs

How many designs were included in the Demonstrations?

I think there were approximately 32 designs in total.

The morning session was made up as follows :           

EARTH – Lead by Debbie – Debbie constructed a large floor design (reaching roof height) that incorporated 2 placements with another smaller one at the base.  Julia constructed a ‘Strata Design’ incorporating 3 exhibits while Dianne created another large design.   All of these exhibits then ‘linked’ together creating the display for the element of EARTH.  Another 3 designs were handed around the audience – so in total 10 designs for Earth were done.  

           

'EARTH' demonstrated designs

 

WIND   – Lead by Debbie – Debbie constructed a large floor design and then another large exhibit which included 3 placements was completed.  A ‘wall’ of hanging exhibits incorporating approx 9 x 6 foot long pieces was also included – so in total there were approx 13 exhibits (including the 9 hanging pieces) for WIND.  

 

    

'WIND' demonstrated designs

The afternoon session was made up as follows :

FIRE    – Lead by Julia – Julia constructed a very large design representing fire with a smaller design being incorporated at the base, while another 3 exhibits were being constructed – so in total 4 designs for FIRE  

 

        

'FIRE' demonstrated designs

 

WATER–  Lead by Dianne– Dianne constructed 5 large designs (several reaching roof height) on various levels which when finished represented water flowing from the mountains down to the streams - so in total 5 for WATER.  

 

         

'WATER' demonstrated designs

Did you enjoy this experience?

Yes, we all had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Our meetings at Debbie’s home prior to the demonstrations were very ‘sociable’ with lots of ‘brainstorming’ done around the dining room table that was always filled with lots of good food.

Apart from the demonstration we were able to have some great times (mainly in the evenings) with our other WA contingent and we even managed to have a half day to ourselves prior to flying back to Perth, when Julia, Debbie and I went up to Mt Wellington to try and find some SNOW.  After initially finding the roads closed (due to ice) the rangers finally permitted our bus to travel up to find the snow.  I can report that Debbie is now an ‘official SNOW BUNNY’ having run, fallen, slid, eaten, made a snowman, had a snow ball fight etc etc all in about 3 foot of snow.   What a wonderful hour of fun!

Any problems associated with undertaking a demonstration in another state?

We were all extremely pleased with the outcome of our demonstrations and from the very complimentary and positive comments we received, the audience was very appreciative of our efforts.  It doesn’t matter where one does a demonstration there will always been ‘outside’ elements that we can never control and as such we learned a long time ago to never ‘lock’ oneself into specifics and to ensure a ‘Plan B’ can be adopted.  I suppose the only problem we had with our demonstration was that as Tasmania has such strict rules relating to the import of plant materials (and we do fully respect their regulations) the fumigation of materials meant that many of our materials were affected by this process (including our lovely green anthiriums which were tinged with brown). Unfortunately the Tasmanian wholesaler was let down by the mainland suppliers and we were not able to have our flower order properly filled.  It does make one realise just how lucky we are in Western Australia and to have several wholesalers who are able to readily supply all sorts of plant materials very easily. 

What were some of the highlights?

The highlights were of the generosity of the members of the Tasmanian Floral Art Society who opened up their ‘sheds’ and gardens for us to use and to others who travelled from the Northern parts of Tassie down to Hobart bringing all sorts of fantastic plant materials.  For me personally I was unable to get quantities of white and yellow iris, long stem dendrobe orchids and large spider chrysanthemums but any disappointment was only fleeting as the supply of foliages was just amazing and the inclusion of stunning conifers (that we don’t have in WA) and the huge abundance of moss, evolved my large green and white WATER designs into ‘Green Theme’ designs. Another highlight was meeting up with our floral friends from all around Australia and sharing lots of fun and fellowship.  

The other highlight was seeing the two stage areas at the end of our 2 big demonstrations completely filled with designs of various shapes, sizes and colours and from the standing ovation at the end knowing we had given our audience something to remember.

Having the opportunity to pull a demonstration of this size into fruition with 2 other flower friends was just a wonderful experience and our Thanks are also extended to Norma and Mervyn Gordon and the Tasmanian Floral Art Society for their wonderful hospitality and extending ‘Friendship Through Flowers’.

‘...EARTH, WIND, FIRE AND WATER WITH THEIR THREADS,

NATURE WEAVES THE ENCHANTMENT OF LIFE.

WE ARE PART OF NATURE’S MAGIC, INSPIRED BY BEAUTY,

SHARING THE DREAMS OF THE LAND AROUND US…….’

Anything else to add ?

A huge ‘BOUQUET OF THANKS’ to Debbie and Julia for a wonderful week of floral fun

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Delegates also attended the annual meeting of the Australian Floral Art Association Inc (AFAA) and the AFAA Manual Review Committee.

For a quick reference to the photographic links please select from the following :

'THE ELEMENTS' DEMONSTRATION, & Results and photographs of Designs  

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Results & Photographs of designs staged in the competitions