‘Nature is full of beautiful materials’
‘An ode to nature! In all its design, color and growth.’ Freelance floral stylist Thijs Harmens is extremely enthusiastic about the Lush Natural Elegance theme. ‘During our vacation to Bali last June, I got a lot of inspiration from the design of hotels, but also the way of life and the unspoiled nature with all the beautiful plants, flowers and fruits.’
‘As a freelancer, I work with all kinds of materials. Fashion, nature, flowers, but also the shape of a vase can be inspiring. I get motivation from my environment and how people are constantly innovating, developing, and thinking about the future. That makes me think about how to contribute in a positive way without detracting from what I stand for. Previously, I was very concerned with what others would think of it; now, I am increasingly following my own feelings.’
'Besides ordering cultivated flowers, I also looked at what grows here in Zwolle. Nature is full of beautiful shapes and materials. I like to work with dahlias, roses and, if possible, fragile flowers with small details.'
Endless connection
This urn decoration contains a lot of symbolism and personal elements. The round lines of the Sanseveria plant and the Tillandsia symbolize the ‘circle of life’, a symbolic representation of birth, survival and death. The added blackberries represent the beautiful end of a valuable and loving life. The construction is assembled using black pins.
Lasting memory
This handmade frame is 90% made of wood. The base construction is digitally designed and cut using a laser cutter. The remaining wood has been transformed into a top part, where wood powder was mixed with water and wood glue. For the flower combination, Clematis, various grasses, blackberries, Viburnum berries, Zinnia, and other beautiful seasonal flowers in soft purple and pink hues were chosen. This arrangement can first be beautifully placed next to the coffin as a tribute and then taken home as a lasting memory.
Infinite love
A slab cut (plank with bark edge) can serve as an arrangement for a natural grave or as a temporary grave covering – until the headstone is placed. Heart shapes have been milled and sawn from the plank. Jute cloth is attached to the underside of the heart shapes. Sempervivum and Muehlenbeckia are planted in the heart shapes. The plants can root through the cloth so that the arrangement remains beautiful indefinitely.
Farewell
When creating such an arrangement, ask the relatives to bring a flower and also if they want to trace and cut out their hand on sturdy paper. Hang enough glass tubes in a tree in advance. Upon arrival, people slide their hand around the tube and place their brought flower in it.
Circle full of power
A circle radiates strength, is protective but also stands for perfection, infinity and friendship: characteristics that can symbolize the deceased. The base is a cardboard cat bed. The cardboard harmonica forms a beautiful natural base that can be unfolded in various round shapes. The shape is placed on a glass dish, then glass test tubes are placed in the openings of the harmonica. With loose (dried) flowers without glass, it is a nice alternative to a natural burial site – then it can completely blend into nature. Here, the glass tubes are filled with Abelia, Astrantia, Clematis, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Gomphrena, Houttuynia, Rubus, Scabiosa, Sempervivum and Viburnum.