Events July 10th - The Americas Cup - Heather de Kok

Heather has a keen eye for detail, given the specific way that she has created for the table for two.

Table for Two Table for Two & The Oceans of the Americas

What can you tell us about your; The Oceans of the Americas’ creation? Is it for breakfast/ lunch / supper/ dinner? What picture came instantly into your mind when you

This theme is so much fun. I kept thinking about fish which led me to one of my favourite things to do, snorkel in coral reefs. So it was natural that I wanted it to feel as though you were dining under the ocean at a coral reef. I have seen jellyfish around the reefs and wanted them to become the main focus of the table centerpiece.

For which 2 people did you designed this creation and why. What issues are they talking about during the meal?

I designed this table with the Sea God Neptune and his wife Amphitrite in mind. I think they would be discussing the challenges facing the Oceans of the Americas today.

How can we recognize your style in general? And how is this expressed in this creation?

I am a very literal person so my style tends to reflect that. I love clean designs that make sense, something that everyone can see and understand. I am not interpretive. I am asked to think of a rainforest and I actually want to design the rainforest.

Who are you going to call first in case you win this competition?

I am very fortunate that my husband, my kids and my parents are all here to support me during the competition but I will definitely be calling my brother and his family as well as my amazing staff at my flower shop who allow me to follow my dreams by watching my biggest dream of all. To own a flower shop!

Event 4: Bridal Bouquet & Free theme.

What theme did you used for your creation? What makes this creation distinctively yours?

With the recent Royal Wedding, (and having a 7 year old little girl), I am all about princesses and queens. When I think of a Queen or King I think of the sceptre that the Queen holds in her pictures. So I decided that I would make a scepter-style bouquet in golds and purples. This is pretty literal but also happens to be one of my favourite styles of wedding bouquets.Heather created her bridal bouquet with Phalaenopsis Bombay: "They are absolute beautiful! Thoseroots are wonderful!"

Can you describe the personality of the woman you have in mind for carrying this special bridal bouquet? And what can you tell about the personality of her newly wed husband?

The person carrying this style would have to be a very confident bride with a big heart and considerable poise. Her husband would be honorable, full of confidence and kind.

Whose work do you admire? In floristry but also in fields of art, design, music?

A florist whom I most admire is Deborah de la Flor. She is my mentor and an amazing person. I would not be where I am today without her. She has taught me to go for it and to let people see and enjoy your passion. Other people I admire are my mom and dad. They have taught me that if you work hard, everything will fall into place. And being here today is proof of that. And the other person I admire, although I don’t know her, is Lady Gaga. I find her confidence to be contagious and I like that it gives people the feeling that yes, you can be yourself and that you are wonderful as you are.

Event 5: Corsage – Free theme.

For what kind of event did you make this corsage? Flowers have the ability to make people happy. How should you convince people to wear a corsage more often?

I am making this corsage for a florist going to a floral event. I love that florists make the most amazing things and often only get to do commercial corsages. This is often the chance that florists get to shine and be proud of their profession and the talents that they have. When I go to floral conventions, I see the most amazing things and I think “Wow, that is one person who loves what they do”. And since I love what I do, I want the corsage to reflect what I would wear to any event, floral related or not. Flowers always escalate the overall feeling of any event.

How many hours did you spent in preparing your attendance to this competition? What thoughts and feelings you experienced during the preparation do you want to share with us?

I wish I had more time to prepare as I only took a few days to make the ideas I had in my head. I had a lot of different moments during this time. Some were excitement at getting to be a part of this. Some were nerves getting the better of me thinking I cannot compete with the talent at this event. I even got a little overwhelmed at times but for the most part, I felt thrilled and honoured that I get to represent my beloved country of Canada and I know that I will do my very best to represent not only Canada but also myself and who I am as a designer.

What will be your next creative floral challenge?

I have several things upcoming. I am going to be speaking at a Canadian Conference to florists about flowers as well as a national bridal fair talking to brides about upcoming trends. I am very involved in the industry as a volunteer for the Society of American Florists.