Local flower arrangers from Somerset, Devon and Dorset celebrated The Queen’s 90th birthday with two workshops entitled “Time for Tea” at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall near Chard, Somerset.
The ladies learnt how to make lovely vintage and contemporary floral designs in tea-cups, all linked to the colour of their tableware. In keeping with the regal theme, amongst the china used were memorable family heirlooms from Royal Albert and Royal Doulton.
For a bit of fun, and further adding to such a special celebration, Carole Hanna from Axminster looked stunning in her Union Jack jewellery which everyone admired.
After watching a step-by-step demonstration, the ladies set to work. Sue Smyth from Combe St Nicholas said: “I never believed I could make something like this, small is definitely beautiful, it was such fun, I was really pleased with my design.”
Sue Hipwood from Wadeford agreed: “I really enjoyed the workshop, I didn’t realised how tall a design I could make in something so small and was surprised at how much I could fit into a tea-cup. I’m going to make another one now for my friend’s birthday.”
“I learnt a lot. Jackie is very friendly and gave us lots of hints and tips, showing us how to dress a cup using just a small amount of flowers. I also made a taller design which I was delighted with. I’m really looking forward to the next workshop”, added Kim Oatway from Charmouth, Dorset.
Somerset tutor, Jackie Nicholls from Ashville Design who teaches the workshops said: “I wanted to do something a bit different to celebrate Her Majesty’s special birthday, so I came up with idea of ‘Time for Tea’ workshops. There was such a lovely atmosphere and such enthusiasm for these. I’m sure Her Majesty would have been charmed by all the lovely tea-cup designs – they were without doubt, good enough to grace any table.”
For more information contact Jackie on 01460 67795 or 07906 259 683 or visit www.ashvilledesign.co.uk
Photos: Jackie Nicholls