Behind the Scenes of My World Cup Preparations

_{Image - The BFA British Florist Of The Year: Bridal Bouquet inspired by Nottingham Lace}

At times, I'm a greedy person, but not in a bad way - more about the things I want to accomplish, rather than the things I want to own, or posess. Usually I have a lot of goals, but for me, this year, it’s all about one singular goal: putting by best foot forward for World Cup of Floral Art.

With that goal set firmly in my sights, January and February have been dedicated to a careful, measured, practice. Let me take you behind the scenes of how these first two months of preparations are unfolding.

_{Image - The BFA British Florist Of The Year: Bridal Bouquet inspired by Nottingham Lace}

January: Starting Strong, Sketching Boldly

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not one for the forced revelry of New Year’s Eve. The countdowns, the celebrations—it’s just not my scene. But, paradoxically, I do love a celebration for a fresh start.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about setting intentions for the year ahead, and this year, my intention is loud and clear: to win the World Cup of Floral Art. It’s both exhilarating and daunting in equal measure, but it’s this very goal that propels me forward.

Winter for me is always a time of quiet contemplation and creative incubation. So, after spending a few weeks sketching (and re-sketching) my designs, I’m excited to share that Task One has begun to take physical shape. This task, a free expression design inspired by the iconic Dutch Tulip Vase, is proving to be quite the challenge. Standing at nearly two meters tall and one meter square, it’s an imposing geometric form that demands both precision and imagination.

This task is a big one—not just in size, but in scope. As a florist, you often find yourself at a crossroads where your design concepts need to align with the very physical nature of flowers and the structures that support them.

For Task One, it’s all about finding balance—how do I create something that’s visually stunning but also functional? How do I bring those initial sketches into life without losing the essence of the piece?

January has been about trial and error—tinkering with ideas, testing, and refining.

_{Image - The BFA British Florist Of The Year: Hand - Tied Bouquet Inspired by Lady Chatterly's Lover}

February: A Burst of Excitement and New Challenges

February has already been a whirlwind, with exciting developments at JM HQ.

This month, we received the second batch of information from Florint, the organisation behind the World Cup. For those who aren’t familiar, Florint operates with a meticulous schedule, releasing information in waves, every other month or so. This pacing has been both thrilling and frustrating at times—it’s a bit like waiting for an elusive gift to unwrap.

Up until now, I’ve only been able to make headway on two of the tasks: Task One (that grand Dutch Tulip Vase) and Task Five, which is a headpiece inspired by the avant-garde genius of Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen.

But now, after what felt like an actual ice age of waiting, I’m finally able to dive into Task Four—a hand-tied bouquet designed to complement a specially created vase in a delicate rosy gold hue. This is the moment when all the theory, the sketching, and the conceptualizing finally meet the practical realities of floristry.

And, let me tell you, this task requires some serious thinking. There’s something so satisfying about moving from the drawing board to working with the flowers, taking those intangible ideas and making them come to life in the physical world. But it’s not without its challenges. The vase design is unique and unlike anything I’ve worked with before, so the bouquet has to complement it in a way that’s not just harmonious, but also a bit daring. It’s a fine line, but one I’m ready to walk with purpose.

_{Image - The BFA British Florist Of The Year: Lobby Arrangement for a famous Nottingham Chemist HQ}

Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Cup

As the months unfold, the tasks will only get more complex and the pressure will mount. But with each passing day, I do feel far more grounded in my approach.

Winning the World Cup is the goal, yes, but the journey to get there is just as important. It’s a process of discovery—of pushing myself creatively, of learning new things about the materials I work with, and, ultimately, of honouring the artistry that floral design demands. As the days stretch ahead, I’ll continue to sketch, plan, and test. But rest assured, every step is leading me closer to that World Cup moment.

Until then, you’ll find me at the workbench, making things happen.