A Little Window Inspiration

To kick off our Window Design Competition we thought we'd share how we put our windows together.  We started a new window yesterday by choosing a theme.  Typically our creative process begins with a theme or new product that inspires us. This window's theme is "Back to School"   ugh... I know.. that means summer is coming to an end, but don't worry, as a retailer we like to jump the gun a bit. Check out the pics below for the step by step example of building a window display.

We start with a blank canvas..empty window :)  This is also when we start googling our theme for inspirational images.  Like the one below

 We loved the stacked books.  After raiding Carmen's shelves we started stacking, creating different heights to keep things interesting.  We then added items from the store on top on the stacks and used them as display columns.

Next we added an old school desk to be the main vocal point of the window.  Not only does it match our theme but it creates a surface to display more store product.

At this point the main structure of the window is in place and it's time to select items to be featured in the window.  We also like to choose a color theme for our windows.  It makes it easier on the eye as well as suggest items that work well together in a customers home.  Everything in this window fit within the color palate of red, orange, and yellow.

 It's important to choose items that will be a variety of heights and textures.  If something isn't tall enough...improvise.. for example we placed an arrangement on top of a turned over trashcan that is also available for purchase. 

 

The final touch is adding a backdrop to our display. The backdrop is eye catching from a distance but also helps the items in the display stand out up close. Carmen also fit in well with our color palate, but she decided not to stay in the window :)

 These pictures were taking from inside the store looking at the back of our window display. Aren't the silhouette's amazing! I'd love to say we planned it but it was just a happy accident that it looks so great from the inside of the store too!

That's it! It's that easy! So get those window display ideas submitted so you can take a stab at it! Here are the details again on how to enter! Enter Our Contest!

Want to see the final look of our window?? You'll just have to stop by Main Street Florist! ;)
Joking!  Here it is.

Until next time!
The girls at MSF

Design Our Window Competition!

We love our windows here at Main Street Florist.  It’s such a fun way to be creative and attract customers.  We want to include YOU in on the fun. Have you ever wanted to create a window display and show off your DIY skills?  Here’s your chance!

Submit a photo to Main Street Florist that best captures the theme of your window design to sarah@main-street-florist.com .  This could be an object, a place, color scheme, etc. The photo does not have to be taken by you, could be borrowed from online.  Then in 250 words or less describe your window design idea. Once all photos/ideas are submitted the voting will begin on facebook.  Your friends and family can vote  by “liking” Main Street Florist and commenting on your photo.  The winner will get to bring their vision to life at Main Street Florist between August and December according to the theme or season.

Photos are due by July 31^st.  Contest voting begins on August. 1^st. Voting will last until 12pm of August 7^th.  Family and friends can vote once a day.  Submit your entry to sarah@main-street-florist.com

 Once the winner is chosen they will be given at $50 budget for supplies and materials outside of what we offer at Main Street Florist.  It is essential that your theme incorporate Main Street Florist product or be relative to the florist and gift industry.

Think you will need help setting up?  No worries we’ll be there to help make your visions a reality. Ready? Set? GO!!!! Send us those entries!

All Hail the Queen - a close up about Queen Anne's Lace

Welcome back, summer flower lovers! As you are driving around our beautiful rural area you can’t help but notices all the summer flowers in bloom along the side of the road. In particular, Queen Anne’s Lace… it’s everywhere! Before you just ignore it and drive on by, here are a few reasons why you should stop and respect the Queen ☺

Queen Anne’s Lace is essentially grown all over the world, although it is native to temperate regions in Europe and Asia. Here in Illinois, you might be as likely to find it cheerfully growing on the side of a freeway as you are in a formal English garden. A perennial favorite with flower consumers who feel it epitomizes the “wildflower” look, Queen Anne’s Lace is actually a form of wild carrot root (and if you cut the stem, you may notice that it has an earthy, carrot-like smell). As with so many flowers and plants, Queen Anne’s Lace was used by ancient Greeks and in Chinese culture for medicinal purposes. The crushed seeds from the flower were thought to be an effective form of birth control. Modern studies have indicated that the seeds do appear to interfere with both progesterone synthesis and ovum implantation. The use of Queen Anne’s Lace comes with heavy warnings for practitioners — the flower looks almost identical to a highly toxic little flower called hemlock!

Queen Anne’s Lace is ideal for casual summer decorating. You can simply gather a few stems into a wine bottle or mason jar or step it up a notch and use it as a wildly beautiful filler flower. So show us what you got! Here's your DIY challange for today.. go pick some Queen Anne's Lace and show us your arrangments! Post them to our facebook page!

Check out what you missed at Class

Simple Centerpiece Class from Main Street Florist on Vimeo.

Simple Centerpiece Class

Think you have what it takes to be a florist??  This past Sunday, Main Street Florist hosted it's first Simple Centerpiece class.  8 Students (we wish there could be more.. but right now our space can only hold 8) got to try their hands in creating their own arrangements in our shop.  The class was a blast! Much gratitude to all who participated. The class learned a little flower arranging 101 and got a step by step tutorial on how to create a few different styles of centerpieces. Check out the pics below of what you missed!

 If you are interested in attending a class at Main Street Florist please let us know! You can find upcoming classes here.  Also we love to keep you posted and get your feedback on Facebook so "Like" us by clicking here!