Here at Glake, our morning was spent filming a handful of upcoming segments for Fusion NW with the ever adorable Robin Burke and David Musial. We always have a blast with this crew and thought it would be fun to show you some behind the scenes shots of Kim and the gang at work.

Want to see more?   Catch Fusion NW on Saturday mornings at 8am on KOIN 6!  The segments that were taped here in the store will air on April 21st, April 28th, and May 5th.

And many, many thanks to Jeff &  Therese Gustin of Gustin Creative Group for always thinking of us!

Want more DIY? Check out our Spring classes, beginning Wednesday, April 11!

In honor of today being the LAST day of yucky, old, winter, we are thrilled to announce our Spring class schedule! As always, please check our calendar of events for updated information or give us a call at 503.228.1920 to reserve your space.

Wednesday, April 11

Spring Flower Arranging With A Twist!

Join us for an evening of flower arranging and fun as Kim teaches the basics of Spring floral arranging with a twist. This is a hands on class and you will leave with your own creation. We will supply all of your tools, flowers, and glassware, nibbles and sips. All you have to do is show up and get inspired!

When: 6-8pm
Where: Geranium Lake Flowers – 555 SW Oak St, Portland OR
Cost: $45

*Pre-registration is REQUIRED and space is limited. Please call 503.228.1920 to reserve your spot!

Thursday, April 26

DIY Terrariums

Love the look of terrariums and want one of your own? This is a hands on class and you will leave with your own creation. We will supply all of your tools, 3 succulents of your choice, sand, nibbles and sips.

Please Note: You will need to bring your own glassware.

When: 6-8pm
Where: Geranium Lake Flowers – 555 SW Oak St, Portland OR
Cost: $55

*Pre-registration is REQUIRED and space is limited. Please call 503.228.1920 to reserve your spot!

Thursday, May 3

Spring Floral Arranging

Join us for an evening of flower arranging and fun as Kim teaches the basics of floral arranging with the seasons best and most bountiful flowers. This is a hands on class and you will leave with your own creation. We will supply all of your tools, flowers, and glassware, nibbles and sips. All you have to do is show up and get inspired!

When: 6-8pm
Where: Geranium Lake Flowers – 555 SW Oak St, Portland OR
Cost: $45

*Pre-registration is REQUIRED and space is limited. Please call 503.228.1920 to reserve your spot!

Our gorgeous flowers made the cover of “The Winged M” – official magazine of the Multnomah Athletic Club!

We are still getting used to the fact that Portland is now on the national style radar so you can imagine how surprised we were to get a call from Weddings In Houston magazine asking for Kim’s expert opinion on all things centerpiece related!

Her top recommendations?

Embrace the Eclectic.
“We are doing a lot of eclectic groupings of mercury glass, antique French juice glasses, and sterling-silver family keepsakes. It’s comforting, gorgeous, and the best part is that there is so much diversity. Challenge your florist to include something special to you as a couple. We recently did a wedding using elk and deer antlers collected by the groom, incorporated with succulents, roses,and orchids.

Go Nuts with Fruit
Berries are a great wintery accent, but think beyond the traditional red and green. We are using lots of grey berzilla, bluish mountain ash, and even white berries. Our brides love to mix berries and big magnolia leaves with romantic blooms. For spring and summer weddings, try glass vases filled with citrus fruits {sliced or whole}, artichokes combined with succulents, or a scattering of pomegranates or pretty apples at the base of floral containers – especially lovely on long banquet tables.

Think Big
For major floral impact, we are huge fans of large, opulent blooms, with plenty of texture. Think white roses and parrot tulips. They are perfect for any type of centerpiece and work well as a single bloom in a vase or in a tightly bunched, pave arrangement.

We are so excited to offer this new, seven part DIY Course on weddings! Please call to reserve your space at 503.228.1920

Tuesday, January 24th

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Where to begin?

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 1st in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

This class is designed to kick start your wedding planning in an effective and organized manner. You’ll learn how to wade through the multitude of choices – from colors, themes, vendors, dresses, venues, and much more. In this class, you’ll formulate your own “wedding manifesto” which will then help focus the choices that you make for your big day.

As a professional, with over 18 years of experience, Kim is an absolute genius at this process. It’s one of the many reasons that hundreds of brides choose us every year. Join us for this fun filled evening and let’s start the process together!

*notebook and pen suggested

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $25
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, January 31st

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Bouquets

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 2nd in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

This hands-on class is designed to introduce you to the techniques involved in assembling your bridal bouquet. We will discuss floral choices, color schemes, shapes, and sizes to determine what suites your wedding the best. One of the best parts of this class is that you will get to leave with a bouquet that you made!

{We will provide all supplies}

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $75
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, February 7th

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Bouts, Corsages, and Floral Accessories

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 3rd in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

This hands-on class is designed to introduce you to the techniques involved in assembling boutonnieres, pin on corsages, wristlets, and hair pieces. You will learn the importance of mechanics, wiring, and choosing the right flowers that will stand up against hugs and lots of dancing! You will get to leave with the bout and corsage that you make.

{We will provide all supplies}

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $45
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, February 21st

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Mastering the Ceremony

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 4th in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

In the DIY wedding world, you’ll quickly realize that there are millions of decisions to be made! How would you like your ceremony set up? In the round or aisles? Will there be an altar? Chuppah? Do you want/need an aisle runner? Rose petals? Unity candles? And the list goes on…

This class is designed to utilize the manifesto that was created in the first class {Where to begin?} to determine the layout of your ceremony. Certain things should be taken into consideration, such as formality, religious traditions, guest count, venue, etc. We will help walk you through the options and show you a few suggestions.

*notebook and pen suggested

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $25
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, March 6th

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Centerpieces

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 5th in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

This hands-on class is all about creating centerpieces for your reception! We will show you various options, price points, and formality levels as well as provide instruction on creating your own floral centerpieces if you dare… You’ll get to leave with your own lovely creation for inspiration.

{We will provide all supplies}

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $75
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, March 13th

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Tablescaping/Settings & Paper Projects

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the 6th in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

One of the most important things to remember when you are planning your big day is that DETAILS MATTER. It is so easy to become overwhelmed with tiny projects that you just decide to scrap them altogether, but trust us – you’ll wish you would have made the effort!

In this class we will discuss the importance of creating a tablescape for your guests and the intricacies of setting the proper table {according to level of formality}. We will help you decide what elements you can save on and which to splurge on.

We will also cover some easy paper projects that will lend your event a personal and custom touch.

*notebook and pen suggested

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $25
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

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Tuesday, March 20th

Class Series: DIY Wedding – Creating a Timeline

One of the most popular trends we have seen in the last few years has been the DIY movement. Sometimes it’s about saving a few dollars and sometimes it’s just because you’re crafty! Either way, taking on your own wedding can be daunting and, let’s face it, best left to the professionals. That’s where we come in.

We’re the professionals and we’re willing to teach you some of the tricks of our trade! Join us for the last in a series of 7 classes each designed to help you be better prepared as you craft the biggest day of your life.

As a DIY’er you’ll find yourself googling a lot of random information. Have you ever really considered how long your walk down the aisle will take? When should your dad make the first toast? What is traditional in terms of the length of a ceremony? Where will you and the groom go immediately after the ceremony – and do you need a drink delivered to you?

In this final class, Kim will cover the basics of creating a “day of” timeline to insure that your day goes as smoothly as possible. The worst thing you can be on your wedding day is a ball of stress. Remember: Failing to plan is planning to fail.

*notebook and pen suggested

When: 6-8pm
Registration: $25
Instructors: Owner, Kim Foren

We don’t usually post wedding videos because, well, it seems like “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all”. But just in time to pull us out of our ho-hum state of mind is this beautiful glimpse into one of our favorite summer weddings. Must watch.

Sam + Devin // Wedding Film | Portland from Moetic Films on Vimeo.

So excited to be featured in the Jan/Feb edition of Bridal Guide!

Oh, can’t read the tiny print? Here’s what she has to say:

FLOWER OF THE YEAR? No surprise here – it’s the peony. “I don’t know if anything will ever upstage the peony,” says Beth. Kim Foren, a Portland, OR, event designer agrees, and also gives nod to other fluffy blooms such as garden roses, ranunculus, and even frilly massed carnations. Kim predicts that white mini callas will have a moment, and Beth expects a resurgence for a wedding classic – the elegant orchid.

THE AGE OF THE SINGLE CENTERPIECE IS OVER. 2012 will be all about collections says Kim – lots of vessels, flowers, and candles on the table to create a full landscape. Instead of one vase of calla lilies, she might do a scattering of different mercury glass vases filled with mini bouquets of flowers. “The look is tons and tons of flowers, abundance is super sexy,” says Kim.

BEYOND THE BLOOM. Flowers won’t be the only botanicals peeping out from centerpieces this year. Succulents and herbs will both take a turn in the spotlight. Kim especially likes grouping clutches of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or purple basil on a table.

NATURAL STILL LOOKS NEW. A wild-card centerpiece look from last year is still going strong. Terrariums – glass-domed arrangements of pebbles, flowers, succulents, and found objects such as shells or bird’s nests – keep popping up on the wish lists of Kim’s chicest brides.

Haven’t you heard?? Geranium Lake now hosts events! Since our grand opening in May 2011, we have hosted a literal smorgasbord of gatherings from wine tastings, bridal showers, restaurant industry seminars, and even a pizza party for the US Forest Service.

We are happy to open our doors to host your next event so let your imagination run wild and let us take care of the details.

Wondering the cost? Here’s a basic breakdown of what we offer and everything is available for customization.

Basic Layout $500

This rental fee covers the rental of our flower shop and adjacent event space for use under 3 hours total {including set up and take down}. This rate is available almost any time of the year and any day of the week. At this rate, we will not be responsible for rearranging shelving, tables, etc. You agree to use the space as is. You may bring in additional tables, chairs, sound, etc. which is subject to Geranium Lake approval. As with every package, you are responsible for set up and take down, including any cleaning that may be necessary. If the space is not returned in the original condition, we will assess a cleaning fee determined after the event and is subject to our cost*.

Medium Layout $750

This rental fee covers the rental of our flower shop and adjacent event space for use under 5 hours total {including set up and take down}. This rate is available almost any time of the year and any day of the week. At this rate, our space is subject to your special needs and we can reorganize our shop to fit your needs. Depending on the amount of furniture moving that you require, there may be additional set up fees applied. You may bring in additional tables, chairs, sound, etc. which is also subject to Geranium Lake approval. As with every package, you are responsible for set up and take down, including any cleaning that may be necessary. If the space is not returned in the original condition, we will assess a cleaning fee determined after the event and is subject to our cost*.

Large Layout $1000

This rental fee covers the rental of our flower shop and adjacent event space for use under 8 hours total {including set up and take down}. This timeframe is only available at certain times/dates. Please call to confirm that your date is available. At this rate, our space is subject to your special needs and we can reorganize our shop to fit your needs. Depending on the amount of movement you require, there may be additional set up fees applied. You may bring in additional tables, chairs, sound, etc. which is also subject to Geranium Lake approval. As with every package, you are responsible for set up and take down, including any cleaning that may be necessary. If the space is not returned in the original condition, we will assess a cleaning fee determined after the event and is subject to our cost*.

*We use a cleaning service and will pass any charges acquired on to you per your rental agreement. This fee varies according to the cleaning needed.

Feel free to stop by anytime to take a peek at our amazing space!

Last week we hosted DIY class #3 – officially titled:

“How to make gorgeous bouquets form Farmer’s market bouquets and grocery store flowers“.

Of course, we happened to schedule this class on the Thursday in which the Pioneer Square market had NO FLOWERS.  So, we quickly changed gears {with minutes to spare} and Kim invited the whole group of women to her home to cut flowers from her own garden!

The class was a ginormous success and the group loved seeing Kim behind-the-scenes and “keepin’ it real” {dog poop  in the yard and all!}.  The women spent time outdoors learning how and when to cut certain blooms and then they returned to the shop to learn proper floral processing techniques before sitting down to a light lunch {summer salad with pecans and new potatoes, fresh asparagus, yummy bread, lemonade!}.  After lunch, the group set work creating arrangements with their flower loot and enjoyed a few brownies.

We loved hosting this class and especially this group of women.  We received rave reviews about the revised format and have decided to add another of these classes to our September schedule… this time appropriately titled:

“DIY Garden Tour & Floral Arranging“.

{click here for the schedule of upcoming events at Geranium Lake}