In this inspiring video demonstration, Tom Bowling AIFD PFCI embraces classic elegance using permanent botanicals from the Redefined Vintage collection by Pioneer Imports & Wholesale. 

Tom opens with a quick explanation about how he uses the Pioneer Imports & Wholesale catalog. He points out how the materials are organized into collections, each with a different overarching theme or aesthetic. This makes it easy to quickly skim through and see which materials are available, and then design within that collection with ease. Of course, this example arrangement will be pulling from the Redefined Vintage collection – a series with soft yet dramatic colors, timeless textures, and endless possibilities. 

In a previous video, Tom discusses about how to set the foundation for an arrangement and he reiterates some of these points here. Tom is using the Charlize compote from Pioneer. He tilts the bowl forward so that you can see how he has prepared the inside with industrial tape. This helps to protect the integrity of the container, but also serves as a porous surface where glue can strongly adhere. 

This taped surface is where Tom will attach his foam. He is using Styrofoam for this arrangement – a much denser option than the traditional floral foam. This container does not provide much space for a substantial amount of foam, so the Styrofoam density will play a key role holding each stem in place. Tom glues the Styrofoam block right onto the taped points using pan glue.  

Next, Tom begins filling in some of the gaps around the edges of the container using moss in a handsome dusty rose color. This color is a classic, but it's making a strong comeback because of how well it coordinates with today's interior decor trends. It is also finding a resurgence in fashion and cosmetics, making it a flattering addition to bouquets and handhelds. 

You can see how Tom leaves the foam center wide open. This makes it easier to insert the materials without fighting through the moss. 

Tom begins building a base using a silk eucalyptus garland from Pioneer. This garland has a bit of a frosted effect, printed right onto the surface, which Tom enjoys for its ability to add so much more dimension to a composition. He also takes a moment to describe why he feels so drawn to garlands in general – a quick way to cover a lot of surface area quickly. 

He uses this silk eucalyptus garland in a meandering arrangement, allowing the eye to twist through and across the compote. Tom has some stems left over from a previous project. He bends each stem into a hairpin shape, using them to pin the silk eucalyptus garland into place. 

Silk hydrangea in a soft green serves as the first floral insertions. Tom begins working right at the edge – he feels that he can achieve greater dimension by starting at the edge before working his way into the center. Tom has grouped two silk hydrangea on one side, then places a third on the opposite side to bring the eye through the composition. He tilts the container toward the camera to show the result. 

As you can tell, Tom is going to create more of an elongated composition here. This shape is great for a dining room table or a sofa table, the form of the arrangement following the function.

Next, Tom adds a silk dinnerplate dahlia in blush pink. His placement is carefully considered – he allows the silk dahlia to spill over the side, because a fresh dahlia would be so heavy that it would do the same. This placement mimics that. Tom goes on to explain that when he places a large silk flower such as this one, he places it "flat". This invites the eye into the composition. If it were facing forward, it would stop the eye much like a stop sign. He groups two of these silk dinnerplate dahlias together on one side. 

Blush pink silk ranunculus are the next addition. These come in a variety of sizes, which Tom enjoys for the natural look. He hairpins the end of each stem before making the insertions to ensure that each one stays securely in place. 

You may notice that Tom is using the silk ranunculus to achieve a sense of color balance across from the silk dahlia on the other side. He uses more of the silk ranunculus because of their comparatively smaller size. Some of the silk ranunculus spill over the edge, and he carefully tilts these upward toward the sun. 

Now Tom adds some variation with a parchment color, a delightful pale yellow that pairs well with the other subdued hues. Tom selects silk hydrangea – continuing that rich textural effect he began with his very first floral insertions. Silk peony in the same pale yellow are the next additions. As he works, he balances the composition with more pale green and more pale yellow as needed. He builds upward while increasing volume as he goes. 

Silk marigolds in blush pink add exciting textural variation. He trims away some of the foliage and adds it back in on its own. His second silk marigold selection features two combined at the stem, which he bends and separates.

Artificial grasses are so on-trend and Tom decides to add some now – a powerful way to bring even more texture into the composition while embracing a light and airy look. Tom also adds a touch of fluffy artificial pampas grass to the center. 

Now Tom moves on to another distinctive element, the silk olive spray from Pioneer. The material he selects includes three pieces in one, which he dissects to get multiple insertions. He places these toward the side, bending them into an open and natural shape as he goes. He notices that the silk eucalyptus from earlier is just hanging out in space by itself, so he uses some of these silk olive placements to unify it with the rest of the composition.

Tom finishes up the arrangement by adjusting the placements to make them feel looser and airier. He takes just a touch more moss and covers some of the mechanics that remain exposed. He rotates the composition on the spinning table. He sits to view the composition from the side – a technique he suggests for all arrangements, a way to analyze the finished piece from the same angle that customers will be viewing it at their own homes or events.

And the result? Balanced yet playfully asymmetric, subdued colors meeting a dramatic form. Seasonal additions would fit right in with this versatile piece. You can find these permanent botanical elements available from the Pioneer Imports & Wholesale catalog or website, conveniently categorized under the versatile Redefined Vintage collection.  

Shop the complete Redefined Vintage Collection here.