Willow Crossley Floral Masterclass

Yesterday I attended Willow Crossley Floral Masterclass at Cordelia Coffee Flower Shop in Paris.

A few weeks ago, when Cordelia de Castellane announced that her dear friend Willow Crossley would be hosting a Floral Masterclass, I was quick to jump at the opportunity and secure a spot. Excited to be diving into the world of floral design under Willow’s guidance, I didn’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Willow Crossley

Renowned as UK’s Queen of Flowers, Willow Crossley is a highly acclaimed floral designer and artist, recognised for her exquisite arrangements and natural approach to floral artistry, and is also the author of several books. Her clients include the Royal family, Dior and Chanel. She is based in the idyllic Cotswolds in the English countryside, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds her, infusing her work with a timeless charm.

We were warmly greeted and welcomed by Cordelia and Willow and also got to meet Edoardo, the flower event manager of the shop. Then we got a free choice of breakfast. Their delightful flower infusion tempted me and a freshly baked pain au chocolat.

During the masterclass we all received the most beautiful ceramic bowl, handmade by artisans in Romania, and a flower frog (also called a kenza). A flower frog is a flower pin holder with rustproof pins that hold your flowers in place. Both of these products can be bought on Willows webshop.

Floral Masterclass with Willow Crossley

Willow started with a demonstration on how to make a large centrepiece bouquet, she took us through all the steps and I learnt so many tips! But as we were about to make a smaller centerpiece she then continued and showed how she would create a centerpiece with the small bowl and the flower frog we had. And afterwards we were all handed a big bouquet of different flowers so we could create our own centerpiece. It was my very first time creating a centerpiece and working with a flower frog.

She was very attentive and came by many times if we needed any assistance or advise. In the end I had managed to create my own little centerpiece and I was so proud. Its even more special when creating your own floral arrangement. I do need to practise more but I’m very happy I participated in this Masterclass by Willow Crossley, a truly inspiring woman and a wonderful teacher.

Cordelia de Castellane holding her book “Life in a French Country House”. And it’s available for sale in her shop Cordelia Coffee Flower shop in both French and English versions. I got a copy on my first visit to her shop and bing read it, not only do you get to know Cordelia and her background and above all her amazing eye for beauty. The book is filled with stunning images of floral compositions mixed with recipes and anecdotes.