INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE
FLEURVANA April 2023 Season 2 - vol. 2
FLEURVANA
April Showers & lots of flowers! We're also highlighting the beauty of spring botanicals and don't miss our feature on the stunning bluebonnets that bloom each spring in Texas. If you're looking to take your creativity to the next level, check our lineup of Immersive Retreats including The Human Experience: Body Art Retreats & Recalibration: Creative Wellness Retreats. These immersive experiences are designed to help you connect with your creativity on a soul level, refresh, create amazing editorial designs, & learn to market and monetize your artistry! I’m excited to announce our newest contributor, Kelly Stegmann of The Boho Witchery, who is bringing you our Creative Forecast for April. Welcome to April, a month of renewal and growth! I'm excited to share some of the latest happenings in the world of botanical design and creativity with you. In this month's issue, we're exploring the elements of design with designer and editor Kat Castagnoli.
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Our interview with Brenna Quan brings you her unique perspective on movement, art, and joy through botanicals. Whether you're an experienced designer or just starting out, this interview is sure to inspire you to think outside the box and explore new ways to express your creativity through flowers. Here's to a month of growth, inspiration, and creative exploration!
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FLEURVANA
Index CONTACT US
WELCOME PAGE 2
SALES ADVERTISMENTS RETREAT SPONSORSHIP
NAVIGATION
GENERAL CONTACT
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EDITORIAL SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY
Editor-In-Chief SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY LLC
INDEX PAGE 4
Publisher KAT CASTAGNOLI
Editor
CONTRIBUTORS SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY
DIALOGING THE ELEMENTS PAGE 6
KAT CASTAGNOLI BRENNA QUAN KELLY STEGMANN
GUIDE TO SPRING BOTANICALS
SUBSCRIPTIONS
PAGE 12
Learn More
I JUST WANT TO DESIGN PAGE 16
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: BODY ART RETREATS PAGE 18
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MOVEMENT, ART & JOY THROUGH BOTANICALS PAGE 26
FLEURVANA+ PAGE 34
RECALIBRATION: CREATIVE WELLNESS RETREATS PAGE 40
APRIL'S CREATIVE FORECAST PAGE 48
THE BEAUTY OF BLUEBONNETS PAGE 52
FLEURVANA
Dialoging the Elements Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CCF
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When you get floral design greats like Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, and Per Benjamin talking about a particular element, a ‘Floristic Dialog’ is what happens. This aptly-named collection of virtual floral workshops, taught by Gilliam and Benjamin and coordinated/narrated by Colin Gilliam, does a deep dive into one specific element – be it color, line or texture – allowing one to really hone-in and explore its full potential in the floral world. I have been fortunate enough to attend many of these workshops – the most recent being Line and Texture. Watching Gilliam and Benjamin each approach these elements with their own unique style– one more minimalist,
the other more decorative -and listening to their discussions while being able to add our own thoughts and questions via online chat has been inspiring in and of itself.
But the true gem of these workshops is the student review. Each student is asked to create their own design based on the explored element, take photos and submit them, along with their thought process and materials, for a critique by Gilliam and Benjamin that can be watched by all workshop participants. This may sound intimidating but it’s actually really fun. Where else would you be able to have your own work critiqued one-on-one by these floral masters? And have the chance to see and hear critiques on so many other different designs, incorporating materials from such far-off places as India, South Korea and Australia, all in one viewing? I have found these student projects not only a learning process – a chance to try out
one of Gilliam’s mechanics or Benjamin’s color harmonies – but also a way of challenging myself to play outside of my comfort zone, floristically. With the Line workshop, it was a beautiful curving branch that I found outside our apartment
complex (that my 15-yearold son,Max, tried to get me to leave alone) that inspired my first design. It was positively received by both Gilliam and Benjamin. On my second, I wanted to do more of a horizontal design (since the first was more vertical) and while both mentors loved the floral aesthetic, they agreed the proportion was off with too-large wood block at the base. Because each workshop has its own Facebook group, we are able to repost altered/changed designs for another look and/or critique. Switching out the wood for a vintage glass frog that was my grandmothers made all the difference, according to Gilliam and Benjamin.
In the Texture workshop, our challenge was to use textures that were botanical, decorative or a hybrid of both. On my first project, I decided to go almost exclusively decorative, using citrus-colored yard, sponges, tassels and several different types and colors of ribbons. On my second, I did a complete 180 and went totally botanical, both dried and fresh. I received great feedback on both –
particularly on my second design, where I really wanted to incorporate a stillflourishing poinsettia from the holidays and was trying to channel my ‘inner Hitomi.’ If any of the above sounds like something you might want to check out, you are in luck!
Floristic Dialogue has already announced its next session, Form and Shape. Registration is already open and the program begins May 28. For more information on this, as well as the opportunity to access past Color workshops, visit floristicdialog.com. Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CCF Fleurvana
FLEURVANA
First Look Fleurvana's 2023 Guide to Spring Botanicals
Harness the creative powers of Spring Botanicals
In this guide you will discover:
Our 2nd installment for Spring 2023 releases this month!
33 botanicals for spring and how to work with their unique energies
The Energy of Botanicals
The Power of Color Incorporate the power of color to enhance your botanical & creative workings
The Energy of the Elements Use the energy of the four elements Earth, Air, Fire, & Water and learn how they can be found through using botanicals
The Power of the Planets Expand your intentional selection of botanicals with the powers of the planets.
Learn More
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FIRST LOOK
FLEURVANA
I JUST WANT TO DESIGN It's time to get excited about your designs again! Does your design business just feel like an obligation? Do you roll your eyes or cringe whenever you have to design for your clients? If you're like many creative entrepreneurs you probably feel like the artistry you loved has become just another stressor, like you’ve lost your passion for your art and your designs are repetitive and boring. You may even wonder if design is still right for you or if it’s time to call it quits before you get trapped. Well think again!
Shawn Michael Foley Fleurvana Founder, Author & Mentor
Order Your Print Copy You can fall in love with your design business all over again! In this book, author, designer and life coach, Shawn Michael Foley AIFD, PFCI teaches you everything you need to know to stop feeling trapped and thrive creatively so you can get your career back on track. Through Shawn's A.R.T.I.S.T.I.C. Journey, you will learn how to:- Reconnect with your creative flow in 8 easy steps- Handle and sidestep your stress and frustrations to boost your productivity- Stay on track with your creative goals and ideasRemember what excites you about design- Rekindle the love for your work and for your business. Order your copy and relight your spark for your design business!
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Download Your Free Digital Copy!
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE
BODY ART RETREATS Page 18
CHOOSE YOUR SESSION FRI-SUN AUG 4-6, 2023
MON - WED AUG 7-9, 2023
FRI-SUN SEPT 23-25, 2023
MON - WED SEPT 26-28, 2023
Shawn will also teach you how to create amazing videos and imagery using simple apps and your smartphone. Additionally, you will learn how to market and monetize your artistry.
Welcome to Fleurvana’s Human Experience: Body Art Retreat! This is an exclusive opportunity to learn from internationally published botanical body art designer and mentor, Shawn Michael Foley. This three-day retreat will be offered in 4 different sessions during Summer & Autumn of 2023 to offer you the best flexibility to attend. During this intimate retreat, you will get individualized mentorship and instruction to sharpen your skills while designing on live models and shooting your own editorial designs.
The retreat includes lunch, beverages, coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as all botanical products and tools necessary for the sessions. The sessions will be held at Shawn's home studio, intentionally kept limited to ensure personalized attention for each participant. Join us for this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best botanical body art designers and mentors in the industry. Register now to secure your spot!
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Editorial Level Design Design, Shoot, Edit, Market & Monetize your artistry.
Food & Drink Lunch, snacks, coffee, beverages & spirits are all provided. All dietary restrictions and preferences are accommodated.
Tools & Materials Journals, botanicals, essential oils, hard goods & tools are all provided with your registration.
Sharpen Your Skills
Photos & Video
Market Your Artistry
Cocktails & Tapas
Product Preview
Body Art vs Floral Fashion Learn More
Mapping Out Your Mind
Documenting Your Legacy
Techniques Showcase
Designing Your Masterpiece
Photo & Video Shoot
Editing & Marketing Your Artistry Learn More
FLEURVANA
Movement, Art & Joy Through Botanicals Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CCF
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It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of your biggest inspirations. Because Brenna Quan, AIFD, CFD, is definitely that for me – and I don’t think I’m alone. At this past AIFD Symposium after her mainstage program, “Cultivate, Celebrate: Neotropical Hawaii,” alongside Sue TabbalYamaguchi AIFD, CFD, EMC and Lois Hiranaga AIFD, CFD, I was barely able to squeeze in a quick hug amid the dozens of designers waiting to say hello, take pictures with and compliment the uber-talented Quan.
Hailing from Burnaby Island, British Columbia, Quan is a floral educator, botanical artist, sustainable floristry advocate and an undeniable force within the floral industry. She takes inspiration from her background in dance and choreography, which has translated into floral art that is ethereal, whimsical, fluid and impactful. She creates from the heart and with the planet always in mind – seeking out new techniques to reduce her creative footprint and inspires others to do the same. She readily shares her knowledge, process, and is just an overall super cool florist and person. I hope you enjoy our interview as much as I did!
Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CCF Fleurvana
Brenna Quan AIFD Floral Artists & Educator
FLEURVANA+ Experience the power of creativity with Fleurvana+
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MORE THAN A MEMBERSHIP! Fleurvana+ is not just any floral membership – it's a movement! We believe in embracing technology and innovation, expanding your personal creativity and artistry, and promoting an un-hustled approach to sales and marketing. As a member, you'll have access to a range of exclusive benefits that will help you elevate your floral business and take it to new heights!
COMMUNITY Monthly community calls with our founder Shawn Michael Foley are just one of the many perks of joining Fleurvana+. Ask questions about design, flower care, preservation, sustainability, theory, and more. You'll also have access to our private Facebook community, where you can connect with other floral artists, share your successes and victories, and support each other in your creative journeys.
THE ACADEMY But that's not all – our Academy of Floral Arts releases new classes quarterly, all of which are included with your membership. Also, Fleurvana+ members get access to exclusive classes that aren't available anywhere else! And if you miss a class, don't worry – you can always catch up with our Hall Pass, which gives you access to our entire library of previous classes.
BUSINESS & STRATEGIES Running a creative business can be tough, which is why we also offer classes on productivity, profitability, and mindset – all specially curated for the creative mind! And if you need help demystifying social media, we've got you covered with simple strategies you can implement to grow your following. Unlock productivity like you've never experienced before by using the power of A.I. Write blogs, sales pages, email campaigns, and create custom marketing strategies in a fraction of the time!
DELICIOUS DISCOUNTS And of course, you receive some exclusive perks. As a Fleurvana+ member, you'll also receive a delicious 25%-50% discount on our in-person immersive experiences, workshops, and retreats.
THE LIBRARY And did we mention our interactive magazine featuring intimate interviews with creatives, artists, floral designers, botanicals, and industry professionals? It's like a bouquet of fresh inspiration delivered right to your inbox! Download our entire library of Fleurvana interactive Magazine to view on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
FLEURVANA'S MOTTO "Creativity is not just a talent, it's a mindset. It's the ability to look at the world in a different way and find something new & beautiful in it. Embrace it, let it guide you, & watch as the world opens up in front of you." Learn More
CREATIVE RECALIBRATION RETREAT Page 40
CHOOSE YOUR SESSION MON - WED JULY 24-26, 2023
FRI - SUN NOV 10-12, 2023
It took me 5 years to recover from burnout because I didn't take the time to work through it while it was happening.
Meet Your Host: I'm Shawn Michael Foley. I help florists & artists get over their B.S. to harness and reconnect with their badass creative energy.
During my active recovery I became a certified Reiki Energy Healer & specialize in guiding creatives through deep transformation. I'm hosting this recalibration retreat so you don't have to go through it the hard way like I did.
In 2018 I hit full career burnout head-on. I was creatively, physically, emotionally, & even spiritually exhausted.
Join me in my own home for this cleverly designed 3-day immersive to empower your artistry, refresh your spirit, and ascend into the amazing artist that you are!
I was over worked, unappreciated & worst of all, I started to hate designing.
Learn More
Refresh & Recalibrate Relax, regenerate and recalibrate your connection to your creative power.
Food & Drink Lunch, snacks, coffee, beverages & spirits are all provided. Dietary restrictions & preferences are accommodated.
Tools & Materials Journals, botanicals, essential oils, hard goods & tools are all provided with your registration.
Channel Your Creativity
Relax & Recalibrate
Leave Feeling Empowered
Midsummer Manifest
Apothecary Bar
Botanical Mandala Learn More
Creating through Chaos & Conflict
Creative Recalibration
Resolution Design
The Trifecta Effect
Energetic Expansion
Bigger & Bolder Learn More
FLEURVANA
Creative Energy Forecast April 2023 Kelly Stegmann Page 80 Page 48
We enter April fully engulfed in Aries season. A season full of fiery energy, passion, and excitement. It’s an energetic period for bold moves, taking chances, and easy manifestation. But midway through April, we enter Taurus season and we’re brought right back down to earth. Taurus asks us to be a little more practical and determined. Less creative exploration and more aligned action steps. It’s a call to focus that energy on a goal and head towards it. Let’s see what the tarot has to say about it! The first card drawn is The Star. The Star signifies our hopes and wishes, our wants and expectations. This card asks us to dream and dream big! Have you been wanting to try something new?
Is there something you have been hoping for? This card tells you that your dreams can become reality. The Star is followed by the Eight of Cups.
A reminder to let go and walk away. Are you held back by fear? Doubts? When you are weighed down with worry and stress, you can’t move forward. So ask yourself, what’s keeping you from reaching for The Star? It’s time to let it go or at the very least, put it aside for a while.
Our last card is the Three of Pentacles. A card of teamwork and cooperation, it’s a reminder that when we all work together towards a common goal, we get there faster. Who around you can help you reach your dream? Is there someone you have been wanting to collaborate or partner with?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the people around you, but make sure you are doing your part and not just relying on what others can do for you. This month, joint ventures and collaborations can be beneficial in many ways for everyone involved. When I look at these cards together, I see a call to dream big and take a chance on that dream! Go for what you want, reach for the stars. Don’t let your own fears and self-doubt hold you back in this moment from what could be a wonderful experience for you and others involved. This is a chance to ask those around you for assistance in achieving your dream and when that help or opportunity is offered, don’t let the fear hold you back from accepting it. Share your hopes with others and invite them to join you in your journey.
Try the new medium, ask the person who’s work you admire to collaborate on a small project. If you have always played it safe, take a risk! What inspires you and gets you excited? What’s holding you back from it? And who can you work with to achieve it? Just like the energy of Aries and Taurus, these cards remind you to be hopeful and excited, to walk towards a brighter future, and to be practical in utilizing the skills and talent that’s available to you through others as well as your own.
Kelly Stegmann The Boho Witchery
I read for our whole collective, so please only take what speaks to you. You may want to check back later to see if there’s anything that resonates when you reflect back on the month.
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FLEURVANA
The Beauty of Bluebonnets Shawn Michael Foley
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When I moved to the Dallas, TX area in 2019 I immediately fell in love with bluebonnets. Every year I like to venture to my local hiking trails and take pictures of the blooms of these iconic flowers. I wanted to know more about them. After a little research on the internet I was fortunate enough to stumbled upon the writings of Lyman Hardeman, a life member of the Texas State Historical Association and the author of Texas A&M The First 25 Years. Here is a synopsis of what he wrote. Bluebonnet flowers, also known as Lupinus Texensis, are an iconic symbol of Texas and its beauty.
These vibrant blue flowers are one of the most recognized and beloved wildflowers in the state, and are often seen growing along highways, in fields, and in parks.
One of the most unique aspects of bluebonnets is their ability to thrive in the harsh Texas climate. They have adapted to the dry, hot conditions of the state and can survive long periods of drought. Bluebonnets are also incredibly hardy and can grow in a variety of soils and environments. Aside from their resilience, bluebonnets are also known for their striking beauty. Their bright blue petals, sometimes with hints of purple or pink, create a stunning contrast against the greenery of their surroundings. The flowers also have a unique shape, with a distinct white tip that adds to their charm.
IIn addition to their physical beauty, bluebonnets have a cultural significance in Texas. The flower is often associated with the state's history and pride and is a symbol of Texas identity. Every spring, Texans eagerly await the arrival of bluebonnet season, when the fields are covered in a sea of blue. It is a time of celebration and appreciation for the state's natural beauty. Bluebonnets also have a practical purpose beyond their aesthetic appeal. They provide an important food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In fact, bluebonnets are often used in gardens and landscapes specifically to attract these important insects.
Contrary to popular myth, it is not illegal to pick them. (This is according to the Texas Department of Public Safety). However, they should not be harvested where it’s prohibited to disturb wildflowers such as in state parks and private properties. In conclusion, their vibrant blue color, unique shape, and cultural significance make them an essential part of the state's natural landscape. Whether you are a Texan or simply an admirer of nature's wonders, the bluebonnet is a flower that deserves recognition and appreciation.
Shawn Michael Foley Fleurvana
APRIL 2023
FLEURVANA SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY LLC 2023©
