Balance – The basics of flower design and more, with expert Amy Balsters

Amy Balsters, Amy Nicole Floral

My definition of balance is recognizing that balance doesn’t mean I do a little bit of everything. Rather, I make conscientious decisions and commitments and recognize that I can’t do it all and the sooner I accept that, the more peace I have. I have to let my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no” when dealing with home life, work life and personal life and sticking to my convictions, remaining present and practicing gratitude have played a major role in me practicing balance.

First thing I do when I wake up is snuggle my toddler. We have a ritual where he climbs into our bed and we cuddle for awhile which usually turns in to some kind of fun rough housing. I love this part of my day as I am often busy and unable to play while I am working a lot of the day but we get to connect first thing and I think it helps keeps us more connected and secure throughout the day.

I think balance is a moving target, each day, I pray for wisdom to work towards the things that matter the most in that day and trust that it is enough. I practice the art of letting my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no” when dealing with home life, work life and personal life and sticking to my convictions, remaining present and practicing gratitude have played a major role in me practicing balance.

My favorite flower changes with the seasons, I love bulb flowers, lilacs and frittilaria in the spring, I love English garden roses in the summer, I love all the berries and rich toned textural greenery that comes in the fall and I love the branches and muted tones that arrive in winter. There is so much beauty in every season and as a florist, I get the pleasure of seeing that up close and allowing the seasons to be my main sources of inspiration.

Balance in an arrangement is a critical component of a successful design. There is visual balance and physical balance and both are something I consider greatly when I approach a design. There is a cause and effect function happening so when placing flowers, I stay present and aware that when I place one flower or branch, it has a an effect on everything else. I work in a lot of diagonal patterns to keep an asymmetrical and natural feel but everything should feel visually balanced. I also consider color greatly and how each color in the design is affecting everything else. When components of the design are blending well and the eye moves throughout the design effortlessly, I know I have typically achieved balance in that piece.