This course is suitable for anyone that likes flowers and wants to learn how to arrange them, make the most of a limited selection, to stretch the imagination and present flowers in a new way. The course will cover flower arranging and floristry in a relaxed and fun way. Students will provide their own materials under guidance and be encouraged to select and choose containers and flowers themselves. There is no assessment as this course is for pleasure and fun. Students will be able to choose and request ideas that they would like to make and to be part of the course structure. At some classes 2 designs will be made, as well as students making their own containers. Our tutor, Katherine Kear is a national demonstrator, stylist, designer, tutor, folklorist and florist extraordinaire. Katherine has been working with flowers for over30 years. As well as teaching floristry and flower arranging Katherine has been a regular contributor and researcher for BBC Radio Gloucestershire, where her love and passion for folk and life lore's is shared with the listeners, her knowledge and expertise has been used on several television programmes, as well as appearing on them herself. She works regularly with several celebrity gardeners in an exciting flower arranging 'hands on'. Her major literary success was the publication of 'Flower Wisdom' in 2000. She was a consultant for The Usborne Little Book of Flowers and has edited Elements and Principles, and Flowers for Grand Occasions for NAFAS and 5 floristry syllabuses for ICS. Katherine is described as 'Gloucestershire's answer to Joyce Grenfell' and her audiences and students are promised artistic and refreshing presentations filled with humour and repartee. What will happen on the first evening? There will be an overview of the course, date and times will be given and a design will be made. What materials or equipment need to be provided by the student? You will need a toolbox if you have one, or a pair of flower cutters. A note pad, pen, hand towel and box to transport the design will also be needed. Any additional costs the student is likely to incur? The materials for the first class will be provided by the tutor, at cost. Students will pay on the evening for the materials used. Approx £5. By the end of the course you will be able to: - create design for the home, gifts, celebrations and events - choose the materials needed and to condition and buy the flowers - understand the principles and elements of design - understand the history of floral design and the difference between flower arranging and floristry This course will be delivered in Barnwood, Gloucester. Details to follow.