Results designer Pirjo Koppi day one from the Europa Cup 2016 in Genoa
It was an exciting first day of the 2016 European Florist Championship in Genoa, with plenty amazing floral designs being created!
All competitors had to perform three tasks. Starting off with a car decoration in the morning, in this case of a small, classic Fiat, for the task “PARATA FLOREALE DI SANREMO”.
Afterwards, it was time for a special picnic task “PASTA, PESTO, E FIORI” ; a floral arrangement for a picnic in the Genovese mountains in Spring. With special attention paid to Pesto, the trademark food product of the city of Genoa!
The last task on the first day was a wedding assignment. Entitled “MATRIMONIO IN VESPA”; the instruction for the 23 competitors was to design a floral decoration for a bride, who is sitting behind her groom while he is riding on a Vespa to their wedding reception.
Flowerweb and its team was right there to bring you the end results as well as the story behind the various creations and techniques used, as told by the competitors.
Below you can see the results from Pirjo Koppi from Finland
On our Europacup 2016 event page you can also see the floral designs from the other competitors.
TASK NO. 1: “PARATA FLOREALE DI SANREMO”- Flower corso of Sanremo
Kind of work: Car decoration. Free floral arrangement in floral foam.
Description: This work piece should represent the beauty of the Italian flower assortment. The emphasis should be on the flowers, not the construction of the design
Shape/size: The shape is free. The arrangement must not exceed a ground space of 400cmx200cm and a height of 250cm.
Technique: All live materials must be placed in floral foam. The design and materials are expected to last 4 days
I love flowers and the spring. After a long winter, it is wonderful to get to work with bright colors in the spring flowers. In April 2006, I participated in "Floristry, Experiments and Avant-Garde crafts" Flornet training in San Remo. That was when I got acquainted with Italian spring flowers and I was at the peak of my happiness. The quality, colors, scents and the amount of varieties was breathtaking. I have loved the Italian spring ever since.
I used a metal construction, covered with yarn, to cover the floral foam. The floral foam was hidden under the construction. The stems I attached to the foam by piercing them from between the yarns. The construction was attached to the car by suction cups.
I would drive along the coast to a dream holiday in Rome to meet my dear friends.
Step by Step first “PARATA FLOREALE DI SANREMO”
TASK 2: “PASTA, PESTO, E FIORI”-Pasta, Pesto, and Flowers
Kind of work: Picnic in the Genovese mountains in the spring.
Description: This work is a tribute to PESTO, the trademark food product of the city of Genoa! The design should also vividly reflect the spring season.
Requirements: The arrangement has to allow 2 people to enjoy the picnic comfortably.
Shape/size: The shape is free. The arrangement must not exceed a ground space of 200cmx200cm and a height of 200cm.
Technique: Free. The design is expected to last 4 days.
I get the feeling of spring from the light, the colors, the scents and the feeling of freedom after a long winter. Nature awakening and the force of growth charms me every year. Colors of the spring are very important to me. The different shades of green and the vivid shades of yellow and pink were my baseline for starting the design of picnic. The atmosphere for the picnic is a relaxed association with a dear friend enjoying nature and good food. The construction for the picnic blanket is made of plexiglass.
I used carnations in different shades, delicate small flowers of spring, grasses, herbs, vines and branches. The carnations have a beautiful texture and enchanting spring like colours. Carnation provides a good clean base for the playful, airy forms and colours of spring flowers.
Preparing for the competition is a long process and there is not enough time for your loved ones. I would like to enjoy the picnic with my family enjoying delicious pasta in the beautiful nature.
Step By Step of “PASTA, PESTO, E FIORI”
TASK 3: “MATRIMONIO IN VESPA” - Wedding on a Vespa
Kind of work: Floral decoration for a bride who is sitting behind her groom while he is riding a Vespa to their wedding reception.
Description: The bridal decoration has to reflect the free Italian spirit and lifestyle of the 1950’s and 60’s.
Requirements: This piece is an item designed for a bride. Make sure the item allows the couple to ride safely on the Vespa.
Technique: Shape is free. The design is expected to last 24 hours.
The lovely brimmed hats in the spring inspired the Italian woman in the 50’s and 60’s to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The wedding is a joyous celebration filled with love that you should enjoy to full extent.
For the brim I used different orchids, tillandsia and various vines to express happiness, joy and freedom.
The brimmed hat is light and easy for the bride. Even if the Vespa is gaining speed, it is safe for the bride as she can keep both of her hands around his fiancé.
Step by Step from “MATRIMONIO IN VESPA”
Europa Cup web App
Not everybody will be able to travel to Genoa for the Europa Cup 2016.
Therefore Florint & Flowerweb have created a special "EUROPACUP VOTE & SUPPORT APP" that allows everyone to Vote and Support their favourite competitors in Genoa as well as participate in a Europa Cup Quiz & Survey.
Whether you are in Genoa or at home you will be able to follow the action and participate.
SUPPORT Your Favourite Competitor
Visit the EUROPA CUP WEB APP to upload your support Picture!
You can support your favourite competitor by taking a picture and uploading it in the app.
Your picture and personal message will be displayed in a slideshow on 4 large screens during the Europa Cup.
The picture can be a selfie, a group photo or something funny... You are welcome to wear something flowery and colourful or in the colours of the competitor's country.
Whether at home or present at the event, the selfie app works quite easily: you can use your computer, iPad or smartphone to upload a picture plus a little text. This will then be uploaded automatically on a big screen at the event, so all competitors can see their friends, family and fans supporting them.
You can see an online overview of all uploaded pictures by clicking here
For an extensive step by step explanation of the App, please check this article.
"People’s Choice Award" by Smithers-Oasis: VOTE For each assignment
From the moment the first task has been completed, people both outside and present at the event will be able to vote for their favourite arrangements. Although you are not allowed to vote for the competitor from your own country, you can let us know whose work you liked most for each task.
You will be able to check out all the step by step articles on Flowerweb to compare the competitors and hear the stories behind their creations.
Voting will be open until Sunday (10 April) 12:00. The competitor with the most Votes in the end, will win the "Smithers-Oasis People’s Choice Award"
For an extensive step by step explanation of how to vote, visit this article.
Florint has partnered with Flowerweb to conduct live reporting from the event, enabling you to follow all the news and happenings at the Europa Cup 2016 in Genoa.
Everyday we will send you a step-by-step of the various creations from the previous day accompanied by one-on-one interviews with the competitors as they speak about their work.
So the last thing to do is to click the "Facebook Connect" button on the top right to create your free login to Flowerweb and we will keep you up to date!
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In case you are a florist and would like your own FREE "Floral designer profile page" on Flowerweb or a "company page" for your flowershop you can send us a request here
