We love seeing how our wholesale customers bring creativity to life with wood flowers and wood pieces. Whether it’s crafting stunning wedding bouquets, designing home decor, or hosting hands-on workshops, our customers continue to amaze us with their innovative ideas. Today, we’re thrilled to share an interview with Brandy, a talented creative entrepreneur who recently hosted a workshop using our wood flowers and wood pieces.
Brandy’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and preparation. From planning her workshop to overcoming last-minute challenges, she shares her journey, tips, and the rewarding experience of bringing people together to create something beautiful. If you’ve ever considered hosting a workshop or want to learn how to elevate your creative business, Brandy’s insights are sure to inspire you!
Was this the first time you’ve used wood pieces along with wood flowers in your workshops? If not, how did this workshop differ from previous ones?
Yes, I have done other workshops in the past, but this is the first one that involved one of the wood cutouts!
Did you face any challenges while planning or executing the workshop? How did you overcome them?
The only challenge I faced, was I planned on hoping to fill a class of 12. It's hard to know how many people you will have sign up and I had to order my cutouts ahead of time of course! So I set my goal at 12. I did end up selling out and having a full class booked, however, I forgot that I didn't actually have 12 cutouts, because I used one and made an example piece. So, 4 days before the class I realized that and emailed Oh You're Lovely to see if there was anyway I could get another cutout to me in time. Within minutes I had an email back and Maggie was on it. Had my order shipped out within 15 minutes. It arrived Monday and my class was Tuesday. It all worked out thankfully, but was definitely a moment of panic setting in
What was the most rewarding part of hosting this workshop for you?
The most rewarding part is getting to meet so many new people and seeing everyone love the items they create even if they don't think they are creative.
How did participants react to working with wood flowers and wood pieces? Were there any surprises?
Most people love the wood flowers. In the classes they actually handle the flowers, and everyone is so shocked how soft and foam like they feel.
What tips or tricks did you share with participants to help them work with wood flowers and wood pieces?
I always start them out using the bigger bulkier greenery and then add flowers and then go back in with smaller flowers and more delicate pieces and accents. With this particular piece, we started with a base layer of greenery and I told everyone that when you start out, it isn't going to look that great, but I promise you, just follow me steps and it will turn out amazing! I also instructed them how on how I painted the pieces but I told them they could all paint theirs the way they wanted to and add a bit of their creativity to it!
What key skills or techniques did you focus on teaching during the workshop?
I always start off by talking about Sola flowers and explain how the flowers are actually made and that I do not make the flowers but I paint them to get all the different beautiful colors that we will be using.
How did you ensure that participants, regardless of their skill level, felt confident and successful?
I always make sure to encourage everyone to ask questions. I constantly am walking around the tables checking to see if anyone needs help, if someone does, I give a little more one on one instruction. If people are getting done a step before other people and it seems like it's going to be a bit before they catch up, I go to them individually and start them on the next step. I don't want them sitting there getting bored or antsy and holding them up.
What feedback did you receive from participants, and how will you use it to improve future workshops?
I honestly haven't received any bad feedback. I am sure there are things I can improve on, because we always have things that can make us better. But after every class everyone just always is so happy and impressed with the outcome of their project!
Were there any moments during the workshop that stood out as particularly memorable or impactful?
Just meeting new people and putting names with faces. With the following I have on Facebook, sometimes I see people comment or like things but I have never met them, so this gives me an opportunity to meet people that support me in my business.
If you were to host this workshop again, what would you do differently?
I would definitely make sure I have enough wood cutouts 
How has hosting this workshop impacted your business or brand?
It has allowed me to reach more people. Some people enjoy diy workshops more than just purchasing and item so this is another great avenue for your business. And as I mentioned before I love being able to meet my customers and get to know them. It is so nice getting that connection and personal touch with people in this world that has become so tech based. I still like the good old fashioned connections. Although, social media isn't always bad. It does help you reach more people.
Did the workshop lead to any new opportunities, such as custom orders, collaborations, or repeat participants?
I have had repeat participants for different workshops that I have held. It has also gotten some to purchase items from me that I have made that have never purchased before. It's also helped me get a few more members in my Facebook group.
How did you promote the workshop, and what was the response like from your community?
I actually have some of my items in a store in New Oxford, Pa called Fiddlestix Mercantile and we team up with a winery right beside of their store to host events. So, I promote the event in my Facebook group, Fiddlesticks and Brookemere Winery also promote the events on their sites as well. I have had a pretty good turnout so far. This last event sold out!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start hosting workshops using wood flowers and wood pieces?
Make sure you do an example piece. Preparation is the key. Make a list. Make sure you have enough products. I always bring more than I need...when it comes to flowers, greenery, glue, wire...things like that. I would rather have too much than not enough. Do workshops that are interesting and different, something that catches people's eyes!
Brandy’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and preparation. From planning her workshop to overcoming last-minute challenges, she shares her journey, tips, and the rewarding experience of bringing people together to create something beautiful. If you’ve ever considered hosting a workshop or want to learn how to elevate your creative business, Brandy’s insights are sure to inspire you!
To connect with Brandy