Testimonials
“Whether you are a serious floral designer or simply have a profound appreciation and love of working with botanical materials, your life will be deeply enriched by this experience”.
You have left me with an indelible mark on my heart and mind through your design, but much more so our chats and your passion. Thank you for sharing not only your designs, but your humanity and vulnerability.
Amy Ainslie Post, Niagara Falls, Canada – (Workshop at Niagara Falls, NY)
We had so much fun making jewelry! Our host was so helpful and she had so much cool flora to choose from. This was such a cool and unique experience, I am so glad we were able to participate in this experience!
-ABBEY
Portland, OR
“Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs recently had the pleasure of hosting a special design event featuring Françoise Weeks and her Woodland and Botanical Haute Couture presentation. With an international reputation and unique style in contemporary floral artistry we knew she would be a popular speaker that would attract a large audience.
What was unexpected was how exceptionally generous Françoise is with her time and talent. She answers all questions and makes herself approachable to novice and experienced designers alike. She discussed her techniques while supplementing the demonstration with a PowerPoint presentation showing the breadth and adaptability of her design repertoire. She truly gave us a fresh perspective on nature in design and we began seeing materials through new eyes. Combined with the many shared techniques and answered questions, our engaged audience of designers are sure to be inspired for years to come.
With feedback that this was one of the best events that we have ever had, I cannot recommend Françoise highly enough. She was gracious, professional, and accommodating- It was absolutely a pleasure working with and getting to know her.”
Blakely Szosz, President, Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs, Barrington, RI
I discovered Françoise’s work as I was thinking about making the jump into the floral design industry. The ethereal, whimsical, and intricate qualities of her creations really spoke to me. I was able to recently take a 2 day intensive with her and was really blown away at the techniques. The mechanics that are taught are tools that can be easily transferred to other designs in addition to her wonderful woodland design aesthetic. Additionally, Françoise challenged me to think of different ways to approach materials, tools, and designs, which really opened my mind! As I left the class, I was so inspired and ready to apply her techniques in different aspects of my business. I would highly recommend a class with Francoise!”
Margaret Ludwig, New Orleans (Workshop in New Orleans, LA)
I have just returned home from completing not only a three day workshop, but two days of private instruction with Françoise as well. The techniques, floral combinations and inspiration Françoise has given me has been priceless. I have returned back to my job in the floristry industry so excited to continue to practice what I have learned with Françoise.
The studio is perfect for classes and Françoise has it set up beautifully with an abundant choice of flowers and materials. She was so supportive with ideas and design throughout the time I was there. This is truly a wonderful opportunity to work so closely with a designer, whose work has amazed me for so long and who was so generous in explaining and showing how she creates her designs.
Sarah Scalzo, Melbourne, Australia
It was a great experience in attending Françoise Weeks’ workshop of Woodland arrangements and Botanical Couture at New York Botanical Garden on 5th & 6th May, 2017. Traveling from Bangalore (India) all the way to New York for attending her class was quite worth it!
I run a business of miniature fantasy gardens and had never worked with foam and glue before the class, but Françoise was a great instructor and helped me through learning the skill quite personally like a mentor even though I had met her for the first time. I really enjoyed her workshop and I have learned a new form of Botanical design work. My investment in her class was well worth the travel and time that I invested. Françoise is such a wonderful teacher, a good listener and attends to each and every student so that they don’t face any problem and always makes sure to clear everyone’s doubts. She made sure in the workshop that each individual learns thoroughly to their potential. I must say that her art form is so creative & beautiful. Her botanical couture items are totally out of the world that one can’t resist not to have them. Her techniques in making them are so good, neat and innovative.
This workshop was very useful and helped me in enhancing my creativity and to come up with new ideas in my business. Beautiful creations Françoise! And thanks again for adding a new skill in my life. Looking forward to more of your workshops in future!
Shweta Jain, Bangalore, India (Workshop at the New York Botanical Garden)
I’ve just come back from an incredible class in Woodland Fantasy and Botanical Couture with Françoise Weeks! I have wanted to study with her forever. The class was everything and more that I had hoped for and Françoise was a fountain of knowledge and so wonderful as a instructor. I feel like I have found a new mentor! Can’t recommend her classes enough!
Laurie Henderson, Snoqualmie, WA
I consider myself lucky. Years ago, facing some life decisions and wanting to pursue a more artistic path, I stumbled into floral design. Throughout my journey as a florist, I have tinkered and toyed with flowers and the artistic expression they offer. But on any journey, there are moments that change the direction of where you are going. Françoise Weeks is one of those moments. She is a true master, not only with flowers, but in showing you the underlying structure that is so important in beautiful design work. A workshop with Françoise Weeks is an enlightening, inspirational, and rejuvenating experience, with experience being a key word. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to study with her on several occasions, and I am sure I will study with her again. I am a better florist, artist, and person for it.
Katalin Green, Bozeman, MT
Super fun experience! My partner and I did this together as a lil day date and it was cute. We got a chance to be crafty and imaginative with the florals and plants provided.
-SERA
Portland, OR
I really loved this course. As someone who has always loved flowers but never taken a course, this was like a dream come true. I went into it hoping I would learn about business, sourcing, technique – I learned all three plus had a magical time. I now have the confidence to take the next step with my practice and creation thanks to Françoise’s creativity, guidance, and encouragement. We even got to go the flower market together! Françoise is so open with her years of hard-won mastery. She is the real deal – an artisan who has perfected her trade over years of discipline and dedication – a true inspiration to any artist, entrepreneur, or maker!
Jamie Aaronson, Portland, OR
Françoise Weeks is a delight! It is very special to be able to visit with her and learn from her creativity. One learns so many mechanics and gets hands on experience from Françoise with enthusiasm and encouragement. Her warmth and genuine interest in each student getting the most out of the class makes her a highly sought after teacher and lecturer. Finding delight in the tiny, special and natural gives the student a greater appreciation of what’s precious and useful. We had a wonderful week with Françoise and will follow her adventures around the world.
Suzy Askew, Memphis, TN
Dixon Gallery and Gardens Education and Volunteer Coordinator
“I had the pleasure of taking a private session with Françoise. For me, taking a private session with her was the best investment I made in myself. The one on one teaching was invaluable. Françoise personally catered the session towards my personal goals and needs which I truly appreciated. She taught me the mechanics of her Botanical and Woodland Designs which gave me a greater understanding of her work and more confidence in finding my own voice in creating my Woodland Design. We discussed the Business end of her design work, which I found very helpful. I appreciated Françoise’s openness to share, her thoughtful listening and supportive suggestions on helping me design a piece I truly love. Her guidance during the private session empowered me to be more curious and persevere. My view of how I see the natural world has expanded to seeing so much more. I look forward to scheduling another private session with Françoise in the near future to further explore the many design possibilities she has to offer.”
Jeanne Dowd, Hood River, OR
“I recently had the pleasure of consulting with Françoise Weeks in her lovely Portland studio. Françoise helped me redefine my business, Mindful Flowers, a new form of active meditation that integrates contemporary Ikebana with mindfulness meditation.
Françoise is an active listener, adept teacher and highly skilled practitioner. I felt deeply understood and supported in her presence. I cherished the quiet atmosphere of her floral studio where I learned new floral techniques and ideas for business development. She thoughtfully hand picked the glorious flora selections for my specific needs and requirements.
I highly recommend working with Françoise to help start or re-inspire your business.”
Ellen Hansen, Portland, OR
“I have just returned home from completing not only a three day workshop, but two days of private instruction with Françoise as well. The techniques, floral combinations and inspiration Françoise has given me has been priceless. I have returned back to my job in the floristry industry so excited to continue to practice what I have learned with Françoise.
The studio is perfect for classes and Françoise has it set up beautifully with an abundant choice of flowers and materials. She was so supportive with ideas and design throughout the time I was there. This is truly a wonderful opportunity to work so closely with a designer, whose work has amazed me for so long and who was so generous in explaining and showing how she creates her designs.”
Sarah Scalzo, Melbourne, Australia
I recently had the great pleasure of participating in a woodland design workshop with Françoise Weeks. I have been a huge fan and follower and it was such a joy to get to spend three days with her learning her techniques and drawing from her creative eye. My husband will tell you that the evening I decided to do the workshop, I could hardly sleep due to my excitement! It was so worth the time and trip to Portland. Françoise is charming, personable and so willing to share. She inspired me to see my world a little differently and gave me new techniques and material ideas to use in my designs. She is a gifted teacher and I am now blessed to call her a friend. My time with her will definitely influence my future floral creations.
Diane Reis, Tyler, Texas
I attended a 3 day wedding workshop with Françoise and my expectations were so greatly exceeded. As students, we were able to witness and try unique and creative mechanics for all types of arrangements, personal flowers, and jewelry. Aside from the technical aspect, Françoise’s creativity is contagious. I was immediately looking for inspiration and ideas from my surroundings. I am so grateful for this wonderful experience and love Françoise so much for having us. I highly recommend joining one of her classes!
Jenny Ford Winston, Salem, NC
I had such a wonderful time; thank you so much. Your vision, spirit and creativity absolutely shifted how I look at the world around me and use that to inspire my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am already looking forward to taking the woodland/botanical couture workshop in April.
Allison Schatz, Chicago, IL
Oregon has an international treasure in Françoise Weeks, an innovative floral designer who is a master technician at form and structure, as well as a fantastically creative soul who combines flowers and couture into masterpieces. I just finished her three-day woodlands/botanical couture intensive and loved learning from her. She is hands on, highly supportive, and unabashed about her love of flowers and the opportunity we have to take impressive design risks to achieve truly unique pieces.
My class had participants from Panama, Chicago and Portland and we had a great time together as we pushed ourselves to take risks and create cutting edge pieces. I came away a big fan of Françoise – I love how she loves her flowers and plants and the special care she takes to support the learning of her students – she made me feel like I could create real beauty in my preferred art form.
Sue Hildick, Portland, OR
I just returned from taking a three day wedding course in Françoise studio. It’s hard to truly express the inspiration and knowledge I am coming back with. To be around a group of people that are just as passionate about design and appreciating everything nature has to offer, is a beautiful thing. From day one, I was overjoyed by the materials offered; succulents, fresh florals, bark, twigs, pods and house plants. This created the perfect environment for each individual to expand their creative mind with the help of Françoise’s instruction to create something truly unique.
Françoise shared her love of this craft and many intricate techniques, not just to varying design concepts but also utilizing different materials and applying them to innovative mechanics. I knew going into the class that her attention to detail as a designer was unparalleled, but I didn’t know that she was also a kind hearted teacher that knew how to explain and demonstrate complex concepts. She invested her time equally in all of the students and gave us both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism on our designs.
This class has given me a new appreciation for all nature has to offer. I am looking at the same materials I have used for the past 10 years, in a whole new way. Françoise’s passion shines through when sharing her knowledge and immediately inspires your creative mind. I have nothing but love and appreciation for her and her beautiful work. I would recommend this class to anyone that is searching for inspiration guided by critical mechanics and a unique outlook.
Brianna Smith, Boston, MA
I attended a one day woodland/botanical couture workshop in Niagara Falls this week.The woodland workshop wasn’t about finding sticks in your back yard, but looking at items with new eyes for there texture. Mundane things turn into an amazing composition once put together in a bouquet. The bouquet I created had succulents, fungi, acorn tops, radishes, kale, brunia berries, fern, dracena, jasmine vine, sweet pea, pine cones and a few thing I forgot the name of. While the bouquet was about the texture, for the headpiece I couldn’t resist using some amazing flowers. After lunch they brought out buckets of the most amazing garden roses, ranunculus, freesia, anemones and a few others. While playing with the flowers and textures was certainly fun , learning some tips and tricks from a master was certainly the highlight.
Katie Holton, Grand Rapids, MI – (Workshop at Niagara Falls, NY)
“Francoise is an amazing artist and a gifted teacher. After taking one of her woodland centerpiece classes, I became enthralled and obsessed with this form of art. Being around Francoise opens once imagination and unleashes unknown talents. This is my third class with Françoise...”
-SUSANA
Portland, OR
“The North Carolina Museum of Art had the great pleasure recently of welcoming Françoise Weeks as our special guest to Art in Bloom, our annual fundraising festival. Françoise spent the week in Raleigh delighting museum visitors and sharing her passion for flowers with new floral friends. Along with her spectacular talent and natural way with flowers she brought her warm, sunny personality and easy going charm. We were delighted to experience the woodlands through her eyes as she merged nature and fashion in skillfully crafted designs for two packed audiences. In addition, students came from across the US to learn her unique methods in a close up and personal setting and were rewarded with an entertaining workshop on botanical headpieces where they made headpieces of epic proportions.
Inviting Françoise to be our special guest gave her existing fans the opportunity to work with and learn from her, and introduced something new and unusual to those visitors who were previously unaware of her unique designs. We were thrilled to welcome her as part of this year’s event and very much hope she will return to a future Art in Bloom!”
Laura Finan, Project Manager, Art in Bloom, North Carolina Museum of Art
“Françoise is such a lovely person and the most inspiring teacher! I have a passion for nature and felt she was a kindred spirit, before I even spoke to her. She has been so accommodating from the first time we emailed, from arranging a first time Skype tuition to personally ordering some items for me that I was unable to purchase. Nothing is too much trouble and I only wish I lived nearer and could attend her workshops regularly. There is so much to learn from her wealth of experience and I would recommend her personally, and professionally, to anyone.”
Ms J Robinson, West Sussex, UK
No matter one’s design background or level of experience, we as designers all need to attend workshops from time to time to inspire us, connect with other flower lovers and see design from a different point of view.
Attending Françoise Weeks’ Wedding Design Workshop accomplished all of that and more. The class was attended by people who were just beginning their career in floral design as well as seasoned professionals. I was impressed with Françoise’s ability to teach to all levels within the same class. Learning new ways to approach the mechanics of various designs was so helpful and something I will be using in my own designs. I highly recommend attendance as a gift to yourself and as an investment in your work. Thank you Françoise for your generous spirit! It was a joy to see things through your eyes and to try a a new, fresh approach to my floral designs!
Tanya Kratz, Tucson, AZ
Every now and then one comes to a cross-road in life. Whether to attend Françoise Weeks’ Workshop was one for me, and I am so grateful that I decided to register and attend. Whether you are a serious floral designer or simply have a profound appreciation and love of working with botanical materials, your life will be deeply enriched by this experience. Understanding the mechanics of how to assemble a botanical design, and thinking beyond the ordinary uses of botanical materials, liberates the mind to see things plainly and embrace the human need to create.
Valerie Wong, Oakland, CA (Workshop at SF Brannan St. Wholesale Florist, San Francisco, CA)
A Magical Experience!
I was lucky enough to spend a few days with Françoise Weeks seeing nature and floral design through her eyes in her studio. I was simply looking for inspiration when I first signed on for the course but came away with a whole new perspective that will inform all of my work going forward. If you are thinking of attending one of her classes, stop thinking and just go.
Françoise is as unique as her designs. She welcomes you with open arms sharing her studio, ideas and techniques. My group had differing backgrounds and perspectives which we were all able to express in our work under Françoise’s guidance. She provided an atmosphere of being bound by no rules only creativity. No wrong way, no right way, just your own way.
When I first arrived I was both excited and nervous. Did I have the skills to hold my own with both Françoise and the rest of my group? Françoise quickly put those feelings to rest when we began talking about design in general and why we were all there. Over cups of tea I began to see everything I’d been overlooking in my designs and in nature.
I have come away with a wonderful experience, new friends and a whole new outlook. Thank you Françoise.
Wendy Porterfield, Hilton Head, SC
Françoise’s eye for botanical creations is pure magic. Some of the most valuable lessons in her workshops are the mechanics, whether you’re a pro, aspiring or simply just want to play with flowers you get to learn so many helpful tricks that make floral design even more exciting! Not to mention all the out-of-the-box ideas that help your creations stand out! The opportunity to learn & create with Françoise as well as meet other designers from around the country has me filled with inspiration and I can’t wait to attend her next workshop!
Gwen Severson, Portland, OR
I just finished the Woodland workshop by Françoise Weeks and I couldn’t be more pleased with the investment I made in this class. I knew, from looking on the Internet, that Françoise was a exceptional artist when it comes to floral design. What I didn’t know was that she is also a gifted teacher. The information she shared was invaluable.
I found the structure of her class was perfect for me to internalize the information she shared. We had 5 different projects during the course of the 3 day workshop. Each time she would start out by demonstrating the project and sharing information on the mechanics and plant materials. Usually she would discuss several different structural options for the project at hand. The students would then select the materials they wished to use and create a floral design using the concepts she had just demonstrated. There was plenty of materials to choose from, both fresh plant materials and found objects from nature (bark, seed pods, pine cones, branches, etc.). The results were amazing. Even though we were working on the same basic project, each student’s work was beautifully unique. While we worked on the project Françoise was available to answer any questions we had (whether related to the project at hand or not) and provide advise when needed.
I’ve taken away so much valuable information from this workshop. Throughout the workshop I had scribbled down so many design ideas I had that were inspired by something she said or demonstrated. What I leaned about the mechanics was very useful and will ensure that the designs I create are stable and transportable. However, I think the best thing I’m taking away from the class is how to look at plant materials very differently.
The workshop gave me a lot of practical information as well as super charged my creative juices. On top of everything else it was just plain fun. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to create beautiful designs that reflect their love of nature.
Linda Pointer, Vancouver , WA
I enjoyed a 2 day workshop by the amazing and talented Francoise Weeks. In just two short days we learned a new type of floral art: bags, hats, shoes, and jewelry. She gave us the tools to create beautiful unique pieces. I look forward to attending another seminar in the near future.
Laila Ibrahim, Westlake Village, CA – (Workshop in Santa Ana, CA)