The Connection's floral instruction includes design classes and shows which are structured for both entry-level floral designers and for established designers looking to gain additional floral education. Most classes and shows are scheduled on Tuesday evenings, and because of limited space, reservations are required by the preceding Friday. Our flower arranging classes are offered in both demonstration and hands-on formats and are open to anyone interested in floral design. We offer two major floral design shows each year, "Home for the Holidays" in November and "Spring Weddings" in March.  In addition, beginning wedding design classes are scheduled on Tuesday evenings throughout the year. Topics vary according to student interest and design trends.  The Connection's design class calendar is updated monthly. For more information, or to speak to a design instructor, please call us at 817.377.3660.

"Home for the Holidays"                                                                              6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008                                              $15. Reservations required. Chateau at Forest Park 1800 N. Forest Park Blvd., Fort Worth  This popular holiday design show covers everything from door wreaths to mantle treatments, using fresh flowers, evergreens, seasonal fruits, and holiday candles and ribbon. Texas Master Florist Virginia Glover will demonstrate how to create beautiful fall and Christmas centerpieces, including transitional designs that can be used throughout the holiday season.  Virginia will show you how to update your holiday look with accessories and color. Because of the space required for this annual design show, we're holding our holiday show this year at the Chateau at Forest Park, a reception venue.  For more details, please call us at 817.377.3660.

"Floral Design for Altars"                                                                                     2008 Date to be announced                                     $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Reservations required.   Award-winning designer Virginia Glover will demonstrate current trends and styles for large-scale design. Virginia will show students how to use the same flowers and containers to create both a traditional altar arrangement and a contemporary altar arrangement.   Although this class features arrangements appropriate for altars, the design principles and mechanics can be used to create any large-scale floral arrangement. She will also discuss: The color wheel--complimentary, monochromatic, analaogous and triadic color schemes Primary design styles--symmetrical and asymmetrical Design mechanics--containers and supplies needed to create, secure and balance large-scale floral arrangements

"Sympathy Design"                                                         2008 Date to be announced                                      $10 advance, $15 at the door. Reservations required. Instructor is Virginia Glover, who owns Willow Creations, a floral design company. This basic class will cover sympathy design mechanics, the use of color, and creating sympathy designs in both traditional and contemporary styles. Virginia will discuss: Design trends in sympathy work Design suggestions for memorials Incorporating personal items Using natural products and unusual greenery Home for the Holidays   2008 Date to be announced  $15.  Reservations required.   This popular holiday design class covers everything from door wreaths to mantle treatments using fresh flowers, evergreens, seasonal fruits and holiday-inspired ribbon and fabric. The floral designers will demonstrate:  Painting and texturing techniques  Transitional designs that can be used the entire holiday season  Using what you already have by updating colors and accessories  This year's class will follow the current color and style trends--clean, tailored design and bold color combinations of red, orange, hot pink, purple and lime green. (Please make your reservations for this class several weeks in advance.)                                                                Just announced                   "Beginning Floral Design--Six in a Series" starts Sept. 16,  2008                                               6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $50 per class The Connection's beginner level design classes are scheduled each Tuesday evening starting Sept. 16, 2008.  Virginia Glover, TMF, is the instructor.  Students may attend one class or the entire series. The $50 per class fee includes all flowers and supplies. Students should dress comfortably and bring their own tools. Class size is limited to 20 students and preregistration is required.                     "Advanced Floral Design--Six in a Series" starts Sept. 15,  2008                                                 6:30 p.m. to 8:30  p.m $50 per class The Connection's advanced level design classes are scheduled each Monday evening starting Jan.7,  2008. Students may attend one class or the entire series. Some flower knowledge is required. The $50 class fee covers all flowers and supplies. Students should dress comfortably and bring their own tools.                       Wedding design classes scheduled at The Flower Market in Fort Worth   The Flower Market in Fort Worth also offers small wedding classes specifically for anyone interested in designing their own wedding flowers. Classes are held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoons, cost $45, and cover hand-tied bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and centerpieces.    The 2008 wedding design class schedule is: Jan. 13 & 27; Feb. 3 & 17;  March 2 & 9;  April 6 & 13;  May 4 & 18; Sept. 14 & 21; Oct. 5 & 19; Nov.2 & 9; and Dec.7.  For more information, call 817-377-3660,  or visit    www.fortworthflowermarket.com.   The Flower Market also offers basic floral design classes of general interest on Monday evenings. throughout the year. For more information, please call at 817-377-3660.                           Classes offered by the Texas State Florist Association The Texas State Florist Association schedules floral design classes throughout the year.  For more information, call the TSFA office, 1-800-375-0361,  or visit www.tsfa.org