TJ McGrath
I’m a self proclaimed “jack of many trades” but “junior master” of only one: the hair pin holder floral design mechanic invented in America by Ida Sinclair, who started the Blue Ribbon Flower Holder Company to assist with her own floral arrangements. Like anyone else, the person I am today is shaped by my experiences. It’s fair to say, I consider myself a bit of a story teller. That’s true even with my florals; there are words attached to each design; a story if you like, whether fact or fiction or simply ideas floating around my head inspired by the blooms at hand that certainly influence the design. With every design, big or small, I’m hoping these stories engage the viewer’s senses in lots of different ways.
Graduating from Rutgers University with a BA in Literature and Philosophy, my path to a career in flowers, not unlike so many in this industry, is a long and storied journey through advertising, marketing, tech and retail. I say storied, meaning I have lots of stories, not as in overly “glamorous”, though there certainly were some exciting and memorable brushes with some pretty interesting characters, some more famous than others.
Sustainable Floristry is the goal and focus of my home-based studio, and I offer clients colorful, artistic designs that, during the growing season in here NJ, feature exclusively local and American grown flowers. My workshops, including 1:1 private lessons and demo/lectures also feature seasonal, local, and American grown flowers and I focus on exploring floral design from a seasonal and artistic expression. The idea of sustainability is as new to me as it is to the rest of us; I just talk about it a lot, because, well, it seems like not a whole lot of people are talking about it. I approach teaching sustainable floral design practices from the perspective that I’m simply sharing what I am learning as I go and hoping it will inspire others to be kinder to the world as it has me. Change needs to start somewhere, no?
Show Notes
It’s important to have conversation with clients about sustainability.
Developing relationships with your wholesaler is beneficial for opening communication about sourcing American grown and local flowers.
Play around with lighting when photographing. Consider taking a class or experiment with apps.
It’s really ok to use color in your backgrounds when taking photos, it can add personality.
Everyone is learning more about sustainability. Research products, talk with others, be open minded to new ideas.
T J talks about different floral design mechanics like his favorite the hair pin holder, but he also referenced to frogs, Agriwool, and the
Don’t forget the trusty and easily accessible chicken wire.
Test things all the time!
Everyone is learning more about sustainability. Research products, talk with others, be open minded to new ideas.
Everything starts with a conversation.
