The Ollie & Ivy Flower School
The Ollie & Ivy Flower School
Develop your floral skills or become a florist with The Ollie & Ivy Flower School. Based in the heart of Edinburgh, we are a working floral atelier and run a series of courses for those who seek a greater understanding of flowers and want to expand their knowledge and practice, building their floral portfolio and repertoire.
Join us for one of our fun and informal workshops or if you are thinking about developing your own floristry practice, then consider a more intense or tailor designed course.
FLOWER SCHOOL FAQs
FLOWER SCHOOL FAQs
1. What is the difference between floral training and a flower workshop?
All our classes are designed to improve your knowledge and skills in floristry. With the exception of Become an Event Florist, all are suitable for beginners and whilst workshops provide a fun opportunity and a fabulous day out for anyone with an interest in flowers, our floral training is aimed at those who are considering taking their passion a bit further and immersing themselves in the discipline. Of course, not everyone wants to be a florist, but our floral training programme provides a grounding in the basic techniques and can be used as a springboard into further study.
2. How are classes structured?
We understand the world of floristry can be a little daunting for beginners so whether you are attending a workshop or a programme, we structure our teaching so that each stage is completed before we move on to the next. No participant or student is left behind and we make sure each person receives the right level of support to successfully create their arrangement.
3. What will I learn on a level one training course?
The Weekend Florist and our Floral Foundations programme allow students the experience of working with fresh and dried flowers. Each course is structured so that students experience working on a series of individual and group-based projects. You will learn about the key the design principles of colour, composition, texture, form and movement. You will also learn about sustainable floristry practices and we will share with you our knowledge of the floral industry.
4. What is the difference between the level one programmes?
Both courses follow a similar structure, but our five-day Floral Foundations course gives you the opportunity to explore foraged florals and engage in more group projects. There will also be more opportunity to learn about pricing and the business of floristry, helping you to understand the pitfalls new florists face and guidance on how to short circuit these problems. For those serious about a career in floristry, we recommend our five-day course as this allows you to grow in confidence and gain a deeper sense of the creative process.
5. Who can enrol on a level two course?
Anyone who has completed The Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations is well placed to embark on our four-day Become an Event Florist course. We ask students to complete a level one course before joining a level two as it assumes some knowledge and understanding of our floristry methods. If you have already worked in floristry or completed another course elsewhere, please get in touch to discuss your suitability for the programme. Our level two course equips students with the skills to plan, design and deliver an event, focusing on how to build supplier and client relationships and build a successful event floristry business.
6. What’s included?
All our workshops and courses include all materials and tools, as well as tuition from experienced floral tutors. We keep numbers small as this works best and means there is a high teacher-student ratio, ensuring all participants are catered for. Our workshops include vintage tea, with artisan bakes and fizz, along with non-alcoholic refreshments. Our floral training programme also includes a schedule of the course and notebook. As people have different dietary requirements, we do not provide lunch on our floral training programmes. However, there are plenty of cafes and eateries in the area to buy a light lunch and we make sure you have time for a break.
7. Great! What’s the next step?
If you’re ready to book, then you can simply reserve your place online. If you wish to pay a deposit to hold your place, we can arrange this, but please get in touch to discuss payment options. If you’re still unsure and have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form and we will arrange a call with you.
CONTACT US
Flower Workshops
Take time to explore your create flow individually or with friends at one of our flower workshops. Choose from one of our half day, full day or two day workshops in fresh, dried or foraged flowers and enjoy fizz and fancies in a relaxed but informed floral session. Private workshops are also available.
Browse our workshops
Flower Workshop
Take time to explore your create flow individually or with friends at one of our flower workshops. Choose from one of our half day, full day or two day workshops in fresh, dried or foraged flowers and enjoy fizz and fancies in a relaxed but informed floral session. Private workshops are also available.
Browse our workshops
Floral Training
For those contemplating a career change or simply wanting to acquire a deeper understanding of floral design and the flower industry we offer a range of floristry programmes to suit your development needs. We keep course numbers small to ensure you get the most from your time with us and benefit from a high student to florist training ratio.
browse our programmes
Floral Training
For those contemplating a career change or simply wanting to acquire a deeper understanding of floral design and the flower industry we offer a range of floristry programmes to suit your development needs. We keep course numbers small to ensure you get the most from your time with us and benefit from a high student to florist training ratio.
browse our programmes
"I took part in the Weekend Florist course that Ollie & Ivy has created. It was a great weekend! I really enjoyed the course and big thanks to Marie for making it so informative and fun, while putting me at ease! I found the insights and tips on creating arrangements, and also the industry, really helpful."
Shona, Edinburgh
"My mum, sisters and I had a fabulous afternoon flower arranging at Ollie & Ivy. It was a special birthday for my Mum and we didn't know what to get the lady that has everything! The workshop turned out to be the perfect gift - a great balance of learning a new skill, being creative and also doing something remarkably relaxing. The delicious cake and fizz also helped make the afternoon extra special too! I would thoroughly recommend to all, regardless of your age!"
Ania, SW London
"My friend and I attended an Ollie & Ivy flower arranging workshop and it was fab! We had so much fun choosing and arranging our flowers, even though we had no experience before! Marie and Jill were so welcoming and helpful too. Would 100% recommend going along to a future Ollie & Ivy event!"
Eilish, Edinburgh
"Ollie & Ivy ran a private flower workshop for an event I was organising and from the months spent planning, to the event itself I was so impressed and pleased with the amazing service.The workshop was so brilliantly run and they couldn't have been more accommodating. The flowers were utterly beautiful and they supported and encouraged everyone, from the more experienced to those who were unsure of their talents. Very much recommend for any upcoming events."
Louise, Edinburgh
"My friends and I participated in a flower workshop at Ollie & Ivy, during our trip to Edinburgh. The atelier is stunning and Marie has a lot of knowledge of flowers and we all had a fabulous time! Thank you so much."
Cherie, Coventry
"Loved the dried flower workshop, very welcoming and informative. Fantastic range of naturally dried flowers to work with and take home. I would definitely be interesting in doing further workshops and would happily recommend to friends. Thank you for a lovely evening."
Johanna, Edinburgh
"If you're looking for a floristry course or workshop, Ollie & Ivy is the perfect place. Marie is an excellent teacher and her unique style is absolutely endearing. I had the best time ever in the three day course. 100% recommended for everyone."
Zaida Costa, The Weekend Florist, Edinburgh
"Fabulous flowers from Ollie & Ivy! The workshop included interesting info about the flowers and how to select and condition them before arranging. There was lots of encouragement and support when we were making our own arrangements. Marie made the whole thing great fun with fizz, cake and lots of laughs. We all left delighted with our bouquets and talking about what we’d like to do at a future workshop. "
Carole, Private Workshop, Edinburgh.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to the world of floristry - I loved it! There is so much information packed into the 3 days but in the best possible way. Marie has created a great programme, and I can’t wait to try the next class!"
Jade, The Weekend Florist, Stirling
Gift Voucher
Floral experiences make great gifts. If you're looking to book a course for a close family member or friend and are unsure what to choose, then perhaps a Flower School Gift Voucher is a good option. Our vouchers can be purchased online or in person and are available in dominations of £50, £60, £75 and £100. How much you wish to spend is entirely up to you.
Available to book online, or if you would like further information then please get in touch.
BUY A GIFT VOUCHER
Gift Voucher
Floral experiences make great gifts. If you're looking to book a course for a close family member or friend and are unsure what to choose, then perhaps a Flower School Gift Voucher is a good option. Our vouchers can be purchased online or in person and are available in dominations of £50, £60, £75 and £100. How much you wish to spend is entirely up to you.
Available to book online, or if you would like further information then please get in touch.
BUY A GIFT VOUCHER