Outlines the four primary methods of drying flowers and foliage: air drying, silica gel drying, glycerine preserving and pressing. Diagrams accompany details of techniques which include gluing, waxing and sealing dried flowers. Twelve arrangement projects are also featured.

In this lyrical and deeply moving memoir, one of America's most revered actresses weaves stories of her adventures and travels with her mother, while reflecting on the beautiful spirit that persists even in the face of her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Marcia Gay Harden knew at a young age that her life would be anything but ordinary. One of five lively children born to two Texas natives-Beverly, a proper Dallas lady, and Thad, a young naval officer-she always had a knack for storytelling, role-playing, and adventure. As a military family, the Hardens moved often, and their travels eventually took them to Yokohama, off the coast of Japan, during the Vietnam War era. It was here that Beverly, amid the many challenges of raising her family abroad, found her own self-expression in ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. Using the philosophy of ikebana as her starting point, Marcia Gay Harden intertwines the seasons of her mother's life with her own journey from precocious young girl to budding artist in New York City to Academy Award-winning actress. With a razor-sharp wit, as well as the kind of emotional honesty that has made her performances resonate with audiences worldwide, Marcia captures the joys and losses of life even as her precious mother gracefully strives to maintain her identity while coming to grips with Alzheimer's disease. Powerful and incredibly stirring, The Seasons of My Mother illustrates the unforgettable vulnerability and beauty of motherhood, as Marcia does what Beverly can no longer do: she remembers.

This beautiful book is a complete guide to creating innovative flower designs for any occasion or setting. The 150 step-by-step projects are organized within sections on Fresh Flowers, Dried Flower and Flowers for Special Occasions. The designs use every kind of flower, foliage or natural decoration, and range from simple and restrained to rich and flamboyant. Projects include anAurum Lily Vase, a Bride's Victorian Posy and a striking Flower Cone. Accessible to beginners, the range of ideas will challenge the most experienced flower designer. There is also advice on basic equipment, harvesting, seasonal availability and containers.

Create your own beautiful floral table arrangements with expert advice from this team of master florists, brimming with professional expertise and the desire to share it. Featuring over 35 designs in a wide variety of styles, each flower arrangement is beautifully photographed to provide maximum inspiration for your floral designs. Step-by-step guidance on how to create each flower arrangement is given, with tips and techniques for working with silk flowers as well as fresh cut flowers. A helpful techniques section explains all the essential concepts of flower arranging, including soaking foam (oasis), selecting flowers, handling and conditioning flowers, advice on using containers and advice on the best flower arranging tools.

The projects in the book are presented in three skill levels so you can start at Level 1 with simple table centrepieces and work up through Levels 2 and 3 to create more ambitious floral designs. There are flower arrangements to suit many different occasions including weddings, Christmas, vintage tea parties, mother s day, birthdays, family get-togethers, dinner parties and more, in a diverse range of themes and styles including pretty, clean, contemporary, bold, romantic, bright, zen, warm, sculptural and rustic. This book is a fantastic introduction to creating contemporary and beautiful flower arrangements at home, suitable for beginners needing step-by-step guidance and more experienced flower arrangers looking for some fresh ideas and inspiration."