[.ca] Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design (ISBN 088192539X)

stunnin AND informative:
What a gem! Beautiful concepts and clear 'how to's' make this indispensable. Worth every penny. A beautiful gift.

A big disappointment:
Being a national floral design teacher and international competitor, I asked for this book as a Christmas present. I was intrigued with the title, "A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design." The jacket promised that it was "directed toward the advanced designer." It's not. The book has lovely photography of plant materials, some taken in the naturally beautiful surroundings of Filoli. It also has some good botanically-oriented illustrations. However, the subject matter and designs are definitely for a beginner.

Better than Nature:
I never knew flowers could be so beautiful picked and placed indoors, our of the garden. What should be an unnatural environment becomes an art forn in itself through floral design. Fabulous photographs and text to match, a rare treat.

An Exceptional Guide:
Nature provides us with all the elements and principles of design. Alisa deJong-Stout AIFD gives us the tool to learn the art of floral design from nature. A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design equally emphasizes the creative and artisitc use of materials while using nature as the ultimate teacher. An exceptional guide for the novice and professional.

A new world to explore:
Alisa A. de Jong-Stout has taught me to see in a new way, to really look at and appreciate the distinctive beauty of a flower. In the future, instead of just throwing flowers in a vase, I will ask myself, "what kind of space does this wonderful flower deserve around it?" With her clear text and exquisite photography, she has opened up a new and exciting world to explore!