On The Inside...

As human beings we have known for eons that what is inside a person is far more important than what kind of shell they come wrapped in. After all, our bodies are merely the vehicle which takes us through this life. If we dedicate ourselves to developing the soul that inhabits us, we can become truly beautiful. Yet still we struggle to see what is inside a person, and in fact, go to great effort and expense ourselves to keep our faces and bodies looking young and free of ageing. But how do we tend to the parts of us that are harder to see? It is baffling how we can see the truth right in front of us and yet we do not see. These thoughts were a constant companion this week as I focused on finishing the insides of the flower shops. You see, while there will be a front facade attached, obscuring an easy discernment of what is inside, I thought it was paramount for them to be filled with beauty all the same.

For the peach shop, I focused on the colors of Easter, drawing on memories as a child of the frilly dresses that were a part of every family Easter celebration. This was the one time of year where it was cool to leave my tomboy ways at home and revel in all things girly!

*You may have noticed that I have one bulb in the chandelier that is fussy. A tiny twist will get it going, a tiny bump will knock it out. Isn't this always the way with a project that is destined to be enclosed??? I will continue to work on a solution...

The fireplace includes twin pitchers but each distinguished with purple and pinky/peach bouquets of their own. The mantle centerpiece is made up of yellow roses, which symbolize friendship. There is also a bowl of wrapped candy and a pillar candle. The candles in the hearth were made using my own tutorial and are backed by a mirror (pot metal frame, metallic pen and craft mirror) to reflect the candlelight when they are lit. The topiary on either side are housed in the common resin type planters available at mini shops everywhere. I have finished them with a teal colored glaze and dirty water wash.

The left side of the shop is home to a half round display stand - a kit I got more than five years ago when this project was in the planning phase. I believe it was a Dragonfly International kit so they may still be available. On the display I have placed a mix of clear vases, some glass and some plastic. In them are several kinds of blooms which the florist can use to make up bouquets upon request. There are also pre-made pots for customers with last minute needs.

To entice customers to come in for a look and a smell, there are ready made vases in the bay window.

Here is a wider view of the left side of the shop. There is not much floor space left by design.

On the right side of the shop there are more displays, more ready made bouquets and several gift items available. One need only stop in for a moment to find the perfect, last minute gesture of affection for that special someone.

A closer view...

And one last look at the most unobscured view of the peach shop's insides. Soon, she will be safely enclosed in her shell.

And now for the blue shop. Bonnie - If you are lurking, stop here...

Much like it's sister shop, there is not much floor space to walk around. 

The fireplace is much like the peach shop, only more colorful with pink and peach flowers in purple glass vases. 

There are candles and a mirror in the hearth, and topiaries in pots all for sale...

On the left there are displays with single stem blooms for making up bouquets and last minute gifts, as well.

On the right, yellow roses, hydrangeas in every color and more gifts can be seen.

And now my friends, I can call the inside of the blue shop a good work well done, too!

It feels great to have filled the inside of these flower shops and to have had such fun doing so after all their idle years! Next week, I hope to share the finished exteriors. While I'd love for the outsides to be beautiful and enticing, I want the viewer to be just as thrilled when they look inside. A good reminder for us all.

xo xo,

Jodi