Flower Power: Fresh, Fabulous Arrangements

I like the beautiful pictures of the flowers, the recipe-like instructions on how to make the arrangements, and the writings from Rebecca Cole that encourages the reader to be creative, and skip the recipe if you'd like. I borrowed this book from the library to check it out, and I think I'm going to buy it to keep because it's such a beautiful, practical and inspirational flower book.

ANOTHER book on flower arranging? Ho-hum I thought. But wait, the author is Rebecca Cole, the charismatic and incredibly talented floral arranger and author. A relatively tired subject is made crystal clear and amazingly new by Rebecca. The book includes basic flower care advice, excellent instructions and photography, and makes you love flowers almost as much as the author. As with her two previous books, highly recommended for the visual enjoyment as well as the writing, to say nothing of the incredible ideas.

This is the third book I've read by Rebecca Cole and they just keep getting better. Rebecca's new book is filled with cool concepts and writing. She talks about creativity, encourages it, and uses refreshing--sometimes even irreverent--humor throughout the book. Flowers are not too precious for this designer and this reader appreciates all of the tongue in cheek. The flower arrangement results are sometimes whimsical and always stunning. Funny, smart, and beautifully photographed and designed, Rebecca's book is my current favorite gift item.

I don't know how she does it, but Rebecca Cole delights, amazes and inspires me again! Her third book contains arrangements from the whimsical to sassy and she breaks them down step-by-step, like a big floral arrangement cookbook. I have attempted the Checkerboard Flower Box (about half the size of the one in the book) and it lasted nearly two weeks, thanks to the wonderful conditioning tips. My other favorite section is the Welcoming Windows, about making the all important first impression. Throughout the book, Rebecca Cole shares personal stories from her childhood.Helen Norman's photographs are breathtaking - sharp and colorful - and there are a LOT of them. This great book helps a lot during long, grey winter days until my own garden begins to bloom again.