Known for her airy, decorative designs and bold use of structural elements, Säde Alanen masterfully blends floral art with innovative materials and techniques, often drawing inspiration from the rich natural landscapes of her homeland Finland. With multiple national championship titles and a philosophy rooted in perseverance and creative exploration, she stands out as a dedicated professional and a true artist in the world of floral design.
‘What often characterises my designs is their large, airy nature, and they are mostly decorative. I use structures in many of my work – ones that are not just supportive but also visually prominent and part of the overall expression.’
‘Inspiration hides in almost everything around me. By following professionals in different fields, I come across new materials or techniques that are interesting to try to combine with flowers. But being Finnish, nature is my biggest source of inspiration. With 75 percent of our country covered in forest, it surrounds us completely. It offers not only incredible materials but also shapes, lines, and movements that are shaped over time.’
‘It’s always the work that defines the technique. I usually go with the idea first, and later I think about how to bring it to life technically. I often use wire techniques, they’re incredibly versatile and I rely on them a lot. Furthermore, I like working with a wide range of materials. The changing seasons bring variety to the flowers we use, and I really enjoy combining these with materials that are available all year round. My absolute favourite flowers are Gloriosa and lily of the valley. There’s a special delicacy and beauty in them – and lily of the valley has that wonderful fragrance.’
‘I’m proud of winning three consecutive Finnish Championships (2019, ‘21, ‘23). The latest was when our youngest daughter was just four months old. For me, it shows that family – three children in our case – work, and dreams with flowers can all be combined. Dreams are meant to be realised. There are no real obstacles, just occasional slowdowns.’
‘To be able to represent Finland at the highest level is incredibly amazing. I look forward to meeting and competing with the best in the world. The journey to this point is long and demanding, but it’s also unique and truly inspiring.’
‘I enter competitions to grow and become a better florist, not to win. I enjoy the challenges and gaining new experiences. My strengths are my goal-oriented mindset, perseverance, and the will to make things happen. To stand out, you sometimes need to step outside the safe zone. That means that in competitions, I often take small, conscious risks. Though calculated risks can make all the difference.’
