Fusion Flowers Magazine

Gudrun Cottenier and her husband Nico Bostoen run the school ?De Groene Verbeelding? and in this book Gudrun explores in step-by-step stages the basic techniques of European contemporary floristry and flower arranging. This little book is packed with useful tips and information that should inspire anyone starting out in floral design and is fantastic value for money.

A volume such as this has been a longtime coming, as so often, instruction books are based on the assumption that the reader has more than a basic working knowledge of designs and techniques. In effect, this is therefore a course in a book and should suit a lot of people?s needs. The text is written in English which I suspect has been translated because some of it is very quaint, however, this does not detract from the information on offer.

Given that this is a step-by-step manual, the photography by Isabelle Persyn is of the highest calibre and all aspects can be clearly followed. It should be remembered, however, that the terminology for describing techniques is not universal and therefore could, and will, vary from country to country. The chapters cover wiring, shaping, weaving, pinning, sticking, gluing, clasping (new to me) and lots more. Highly recommended for someone starting out or looking for inspiration.