Throughout this book, you will be given step-by-step direction on how to create a number of different floral arrangements. You will gain information about colour, texture, shape, form, placement and the principles of design and art in floral arranging. The journey of learning about flowers and deeply looking at the flower as an individual creation of beauty is a good way to reduce stress while learning new creative skills. Flowers have been used for many thousands of years for celebrations, offerings and to help people express their emotions. The flowers we use today have been in creation and evolution for millions of years; as you work with these creations, please give respect to the treasures and gifts you are working with. As a trained florist and educator, I can say with all my heart, '...to create a beautiful piece of floral art is a personal journey; it gives me great personal rewards and satisfaction'.