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SILK FLOWERS ARE GREAT FOR… · Planting outside in shaded areas. Consider azaleas, cabbages (deer won’t eat these!) pansies and ferns. · Planting in window boxes, especially those that are in hard-reaching watering spots. · Decorating outdoor structures such as trellises and gazebos. · Indoor plantscaping. Foliage bushes make a great permanent backdrop next to which seasonal live or artificial flowers can be added. · A long-lasting reminder of love and appreciation. Place a dozen “real touch” rose buds in a vase with water for a “Can’t believe they’re not real!” reaction every time. · Adding dimension to decorating—such sewing or gluing rose petals to window treatments, comforters or pillows. |
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NOTHING MELLOW ABOUT YELLOW |
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Color Makes A Big Comeback |
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FLOWER CURIOSITIES Did you know…. That the Ancient Egyptians sent artificial flowers with their pharaohs on their journey to the afterlife? That topiaries get their name from the old Latin word “topiarius, “ which refers to a master gardener whose primary function was to trim ornamental trees? That 18th Century French enjoyed gardens of real silk flowers?
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We’ve put together this blue and yellow vignette by mainly showcasing spring flowers. The arbor is interlaced with blue lilacs and wild rose vines. Daffodils and irises abound. To the right, we’ve mixed forsythia with birch twigs and pussy willow. Hydrangea swags frame the area. In the middle, we are showcasing a lovely two-ball mini rose topiary and a hydrangea wreath. At the bottom of the arbor, two buckets also topped with hydrangea wreaths, are filled with lilac bushes. To the left of the arbor, bunches of yellow bud bushes add dimension and color. Up above it, we’ve combined bracken and northern holly fern, cone veronica, and added some curly willow. You can link to the product pages by going over the picture and clicking when you see a hand on the product. You can also see a larger picture with the same details. If in the Chicago area, you can stop by and see us. Our regular hours are 10-5 M/F and by appointment at any other time. |
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Welcome to our shop! This is the first thing you see when you come in. |
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YOURS FOR THE ASKING |
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What To Do While Expecting The Economy’s Turnaround Just like the anticipation of the birth of child, or the proverbial riding the storm out, these turbulent economic times, too, shall pass, making room for rebirth, renewed calm, and optimistic outlooks. In the meantime, it’s okay to complain once in a while, but it is not okay to succumb into the webs of misery. This is a great time to plan, try, line up and do things time constrains often don’t permit...time to prepare and be ready for good things to come. This is the optimal time for: revamping a company’s image with new marketing materials such as business and thank you cards, brochures, or a new website; writing a new business plan; writing press releases about your company and sending them to the local media; refocusing on target markets by making a list of potential users of your products and/or services; contacting prospective customers and following up with a handwritten note; following up with existing clients; finding new product sources; reviewing complimentary products or services to add to yours; organizing or participating in networking groups, knowing that in as much as meeting people from different professions may bring potential customers, getting together with people who do the same thing we do brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration; volunteering your knowledge at community events. It’s only a matter of time until things will be on the upswing again. So why not prepared? Who knows, opportunity may even be knocking on the door sooner than later. |
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Think rainbow. The time to enjoy color is here. This spring and summer be prepared to be awakened by the bright look of color. From fashion to home accessories, green, red, orange, blue, purple and, of course, yellow will definitely make a splash. PANTONE’sr Fashion Color Report for Spring of 2008—which came out last year— predicted the surge. Designers found their inspiration anywhere from the work of impressionist painters to nature’s vibrant tones all over the world. These hues were dubbed as clean, bold and happy. A fascinating report well worth reading. It is a given that home colors and home accessories trends follow those in fashion and so we begin to experience the transition. Although many will embrace the 180 degree decorating change experience, it may be a big deal to others, since it may challenge the comfort zone |
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brought about by continuity. So our job is to adapt to the changing desires of our customers as some leap full forward and others take the necessary time. Flowers and decorative accessories are the perfect starting point to introduce new colors to those who want to but are not sure how to and, of course, the “piece de resistance” to finish up any newly redecorated space. Looking into future trends, color continues to have a stronghold in the decorating arena pulling from the wonderful hues of nature. A lot can happen when a color is added: moods change, spirits are lifted and smiles prevail. It’s contagious. Can you remember what your favorite color was when you were a child? Has it laid forgotten in the dusty archives of your memory...or is it tucked away in a drawer too deep to be found? Well, its time has come again. Bring it out and live it!
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FLOWERS BY DESIGN 470 Mission St. #11 Carol Stream, IL 60188 Toll Free: 1-800-833-SILK (7455) t: 630.665.9333 f: 630.665.9390 |