If I could go back in time, there’s one thing I’d do WAY more of: flower arranging. I have these constant daydreams about being a florist, opening my own shop or even one of those super cute flower trucks to drive around Seattle with carefully curated blooms and bouquets for sale. Flowers are something so simple, but they make such an impact. No matter the space or the scale of the arrangement, they always pack a punch. With all of this in mind, I decided to indulge myself and explore flower arranging with this new monthly series!
For the first month, this month of May, I wanted to think of a way use something farm-fresh and totally spring-time appropriate. I naturally turned to artichokes, not exactly the definition of ‘foliage,’ but very impactful and striking. I’m not one to really use traditional vases, so instead I used a vintage carafe that I keep on my nightstand for water in the middle of the night (similar vases here and here). I love the silver band at the top for a touch of glam.
You know how smudge sticks tend to have twine or ribbon wrapped around the bundle? I decided to mimic this look on the chunky stems of the artichokes. They were just so thick that I felt they needed something to feel a bit… softer.
To keep with the spring vibe, I also picked up lush green leaves and bunches of lilacs. When picking up my blooms, the florist at The London Plane suggested that I trim the lilacs vertically along the stem to help them stay fresher longer. Awesome tip, right?
The lilacs were incredibly fragrant — my studio smelled so amazing in the days after this shoot.
Also, see that tall green guy? I call him my ‘poor unfortunate soul.’ For some reason, when I arrange flowers, I really like to have one droopy, longer vine or stem to kind of draw your eye up. It just gives the overall flower arrangement a bit of quirkiness that I dig.
Be sure to keep your eyes on the blog for this new monthly series!
My outfit: tunic from Calypso St. Barth (similar), Madewell jeans, and baguette diamond ring c/o Vrai & Oro. Flowers from The London Plane.
Photography by Meghan Klein. Styling by Jojotastic.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think of this Artichoke Flower Arrangement tutorial! And if you make one, be sure to post a photo and tag @jojotastic on Instagram so we can see.
Where did you find fresh artichokes?
Hi! They were available at my local flower market.
Where can I purchase dried artichokes?
Preferably purple.
It is nice you enjoy it, but being a florist entails much more than a few stems in vase.
i couldn’t agree more! that’s why i only daydream about it and enjoy the fun parts when i can :)
This is adorable and you are adorable! Love it all and the styling is great! Can’t wait to see more and I loveeeee your mandala, it’s hard for me to not rip apart my bouquets when I buy them to make them.
so glad you like it! xo!
You would have been an awesome florist, haha. You did such a great job. The flower arrangement looks awesome!
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thanks so much! many more posts to come :)