Home Study/Distance Learning
Distance Learning Program
Become a Certified Floral Designer at Home
Many people ask if it is possible to learn floral design at home. Good question! The answer is sure, if the instruction is quality and detailed. I have been teaching floral design for over 35 years and realize that good direction is good direction, whether it is in the classroom or on a DVD. However there are some differences with the DVDs. Students are required to provide their own flowers, create their own designs and submit digital photos for review in a timely manner.
A copy of the Floral Design FD-101 Course outline can be viewed here Syllabus
A Certificate bearing the name of the South Florida Center for Floral Studies, the Student’s Name and an AIFD Education Partner Gold Seal is issued after completion of the home-study program. View Certificate
TUITION: $ 595.00
SUPPLIES $ 340.00
SHIPPING $ 95.00 (continental US)
TOOL BOX $ 60.00 *free with full enrollment payment
BOOKS $ 50.00
TOTAL
PROGRAM COST $1,140.00
Upon registering for the class students will be provided with everything that you’ll need to get started, except fresh material. Register for the program by filling out the Enrollment Agreement and fax to 561-684-9388, or email to john@centerforfloralstudies.com or, mail it with your payment. You can also call 800-765-8523 to register in person. Students will receive the tool box free (a $60.00 value) with full enrollment payment. The following will be sent within seven days to start your home-study program.
Your tool box will consist of:
- FLORAL SCISSORS
- PROFESSIONAL FLORAL KNIFE
- APRON
- WATERPROOF TAPE/GREEN AND CLEAR
- FLORAL ADHESIVE
- FLORAL PRESERVATIVE
- CHENILLE STEMS
- CABLE TIES
- FLORAL STEM WRAP
- 24 GAUGE WIRE
Educational material supplied for the home-study class is:
- “Design Table” Educational DVDs-includes five hours of demonstrations for professional arrangements suitable for all occasions.
- Flower Arranging Step-by-Step Book and how-to instructions with more than 500 photos and 159 pages to teach all the traditional floral basics and beyond.
- Detailed Class Assignment Instructions
- Hard goods including floral foam and container for each design assignment.
- List of suggested fresh flowers
Summary
Distance learning requires a commitment in order to complete the course. Each student will benefit in his or her own way from the experience. Individuals who are interested in opening or purchasing a shop are encouraged to work in the industry for one or two years prior. Experience is the best teacher.
Pricing standards for flowers and service vary widely according to regions. Flowers sold in high-end, up-scaled shops are more expensive than those available in self-serve, discount stores or supermarkets. Just as food service varies greatly depending on the reputation of the restaurant, flowers, floral design and price works the same way. As part of the student’s critique and consultation pricing is discussed.
Included in the consultation process is shop management, detailed personnel responsibilities and inventory control.
Depending on the student’s progress and ability, the home-study course is approximately 45 clock hours including creating your designs, critique and consultation.
The South Florida Center for Floral Studies is available to support and advise its students whether they are in the class room or taking a distance-learning program. The relationship lasts long after the course is completed.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 800-765-8523 or email john@centerforfloralstudies.com if you have any questions regarding the home-study program. You can also view the Q & A Page for some of the most commonly asked questions.
The South Florida Center for Floral Studies is available to support and advise its students whether they are in the class room or taking a distance-learning program. The relationship lasts long after the course is completed.
I’ve always wanted to be a Florist, but, life has a way of changing things.
All of my life, I worked in an office until two years when I lost my job. I couldn’t find any office jobs, so, I switched gears and started looking for work in Retail. I accepted the part-time position of Floral Designer at a local Arts & Crafts store designing permanent arrangements. I’ve never had any formal training in Floral Design and up until then, I had only made floral arrangements for our home from the flowers in our garden or from silk flowers. Last year, I decided I wanted to learn more about Floral Design and to become certified. I enrolled in a Distance Learning course through the South Florida Center for Floral Studies. I thought that a Distance Learning or Home Study course would fit in better with my schedule.
My next dilemma was where to get my fresh flowers for Floral School? I checked at a few local flower shops and just about choked on the prices! My very supportive husband & I started researching on the Internet for wholesale flowers and he found Russ Wholesale Flowers, so, I contacted the owner, Russ Phillip, Jr. via e-mail. I explained that I needed fresh flowers for my Distance Learning course and could he help me? Russ quickly became my little “flower angel”. He explained how the ordering process worked and offered to quote me a price for the flowers I’d need for my first round of lessons. I was shocked at the difference in price between Russ’s quote and my local flower shop. Even with overnight shipping costs, Russ’s prices were very affordable for me. Even better, when I received my first flower order, I couldn’t believe how beautiful they were and in excellent condition.
When I first considered a Distance Learning course in Floral Design, I wondered how I could really learn anything. However, after reading over the structure of the Distance Learning course on the school’s website, I quickly changed my mind. South Florida Center for Floral Studies is owned by John Klingel AAF, AIFD, PFCI and he is also the primary Instructor. John has designed a wonderfully easy to understand method of teaching using both DVD instruction and a Design Table Guide to take you through each lesson. John is a great teacher who takes his time during the telephone critique, always answering all of your questions. I would highly recommend South Florida Center for Floral Studies to anyone who may be thinking about becoming a Certified Floral Designer.
I’ve learned so much about the mechanics of Floral Design and how different it is working with fresh versus permanent flowers. Fresh flowers certainly have their own personalities and half the battle is learning how to care for each flower type so you can get it looking its best in your arrangement.
My plans for the future are to hopefully get full time employment with a flower shop and continue to learn more about flowers, their care and the opportunity to make designs I’m proud of. I’m also very interested in creating designs for large events and weddings. The Floral Industry has many paths and opportunities. I know life brings changes and I’m ready – I just hope I don’t kill too many flowers in the process!
Patti Perez
