Olivia Lucas Design

10/31/2023

Today is the last day to sign up!
Join me and to experience the power of flowers!
The Zen of Flower Arranging
floral design + meditation
Sunday, November 12th
12-2:30
Wynnewood

After sharing a delicious and healthy lunch, I will demo an autumn compote arrangement using mostly locally grown flowers and talk about sustainability in floral design. Then I’ll show you how to pull together a holiday tablescape from everyday items.
​Next, it’s your turn to play with flowers!
Finally, throughout the afternoon, Sheri will guide us through a few grounding meditations that will connect us to the natural world, adding a touch of serenity to our floral afternoon.

Limited to 15 people. Cost: $200
Afternoon includes:
Healthy lunch, flower arrangement demo, supplies to make your own masterpiece, tools, meditation and joy. Private address provided upon registration.
Register now. Space is limited. Link in bio.
Hope to see you there!

10/24/2023

A few details from a very special night.
Photos by
with event planner extraordinaire!

Big thanks to for working so hard to bring my vision to life.
Mostly local flowers. Palms and orchids from Hawaii. Roses from a sustainable farm in Equador. All foam free.
Event Planning and Coordination:
Florals and Event Design:
Catering:
Lighting:
Tent and Flooring:
Entertainment:
Photography:
Hair and Makeup:
Photobooth:
Photo Backdrop Printing:
Furniture and Decor Rentals:
Linens:
Palm Tree Rental:
Florals:

10/23/2023

Join me and to experience the power of flowers!
The Zen of Flower Arranging
floral design + meditation
Sunday, November 12th
12-2:30
Wynnewood

After sharing a delicious and healthy lunch, I will demo an autumn compote arrangement using mostly locally grown flowers and talk about sustainability in floral design. Then I’ll show you how to pull together a holiday tablescape from everyday items.
​Next, it’s your turn to play with flowers!
Finally, throughout the afternoon, Sheri will guide us through a few grounding meditations that will connect us to the natural world, adding a touch of serenity to our floral afternoon.

Limited to 15 people. Cost: $200
Afternoon includes:
Healthy lunch, flower arrangement demo, supplies to make your own masterpiece, tools, meditation and joy. Private address provided upon registration.
Register now. Space is limited. Link in bio.
Hope to see you there!

10/13/2023

I love an arts and crafts project! I recently heard some people talking about ‘if they weren’t doing what they’re doing, what would they do?’ I think if I didn’t have a floral business, I’d like to be a set designer. How fun would that be?! Dreaming up a set design and then building props—dream job! I love coming up with an idea and then figuring out how to execute it. Usually there’s some problem to solve, and this one started with metal tent poles. Of course, there are fabric tent pole covers, but I knew that wouldn’t enhance the overall design, and would more likely detract from it. So what to do—palm trees, of course! I went in search of some inspiration photos. I found some good ones but couldn’t figure out how they did it, and no one would share their trade secrets! 😂 I experimented with a few things and then I can up with the idea of using corrugated drain pipe to create the trunks. A few layers of paper mache and a bit of paint and palm tree pole covers came to life! They slipped right over the metal poles and then we added gorgeous arching palm fronds from to finish the look.
How do you think I did with my arts and crafts project?
Thanks to and for helping bring my vision to life!
Amazing palm fronds from !

10/13/2023

I love an arts and crafts project! I recently heard some people talking about ‘if they weren’t doing what they’re doing, what would they do?’ I think if I didn’t have a floral business, I’d like to be a set designer. How fun would that be?! Dreaming up a set design and then building props—dream job! I love coming up with an idea and then figuring out how to execute it. Usually there’s some problem to solve, and this one started with metal tent poles. Of course, there are fabric tent pole covers, but I knew that wouldn’t enhance the overall design, and would more likely detract from it. So what to do—palm trees, of course! I went in search of some inspiration photos. I found some good ones but couldn’t figure out how they did it, and no one would share their trade secrets! 😂 I experimented with a few things and then I can up with the idea of using corrugated drain pipe to create the trunks. A few layers of paper mache and a bit of paint and palm tree pole covers came to life! They slipped right over the metal poles and then we added gorgeous arching palm fronds from to finish the look.
How do you think I did with my arts and crafts project?

10/10/2023

A glimpse at the space we created to celebrate a very special couple. Many more details to come.
Big thanks to for working so hard to bring my vision to life.
And to the vendor team, you guys are truly the best!
Mostly local flowers. Palms and orchids from Hawaii. Roses from a sustainable farm in Equador. All foam free.

Event Planning and Coordination:
Florals and Event Design:
Catering:
Lighting:
Tent and Flooring:
Entertainment:
Photography:
Hair and Makeup:
Photobooth:
Photo Backdrop Printing:
Furniture and Decor Rentals:
Linens:
Palm Tree Rental:
Florals:

08/29/2023

Flowers connect us to that tender part of ourselves — to our creativity, our need for beauty and our love of nature.
— Ariella Chezar

The Zen of Flower Arranging
with Jennifer Fiss & Sheri Resnik
flower arranging + meditation

Wednesday, September 13th
Noon — 2:30pm

Join us to experience the power of flowers! I will teach you to create a beautiful compote arrangement using locally grown flowers and sustainable techniques. Then we will design a holiday tablescape from everyday items. Next it’s your turn to play with flowers and create your own masterpiece.
Throughout the afternoon, Sheri will guide us through a few grounding meditations that will connect us to the natural world, adding a touch of serenity to our floral afternoon.

Afternoon includes:
Healthy lunch, flower arrangement demo, supplies to make your own masterpiece, tools, meditation and joy.

Space is limited so message me or click the link in my bio to sign up!

08/28/2023

bridesmaid’s bouquets 🌸

08/17/2023

My second favorite drink of all time is a margarita. I like them over ice or frozen, fruit flavored or classic. I’ll drink one any way you want to make one! So let’s make one with flowers!

Marigolds have a citrusy, spicy flavor. They can be used in savory and sweet dishes and add a vibrant pop of color to any recipe.

Marigold Margarita
2 oz tequila75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz marigold syrup
Serve over ice.
Salt rim with marigold salt (chopped petals and course salt)
and garnish with a lime.

To make the marigold syrup, place the petals from 8 marigold flowers in a blender with 2 cups of a 2:1 simple syrup (see pink buck post for recipe) and blend until smooth. Strain to remove solids.

Enjoy!

08/14/2023

A few details from K&M’s wedding.

07/27/2023

Such a gorgeous bride! And such a gorgeous photo by
Congratulations J & I!

Photography: Florals:
Hair and Makeup:
Photo Booth:
Music:
Videographer:
Venue:
Planner:

07/26/2023

I’m definitely a clear liquor kind of gal, but I have secret aspirations of becoming a master mixologist so I’m going to have to broaden my horizons a bit. For today, I’m sticking with my kinda drink though-vodka, some citrus and something sweet, but not too sweet, and fruity. I call it the Pink Buck.
“What’s a buck?,” you may ask. Well it’s a broad cocktail category of drinks prepared with ginger beers or ginger ales and citrus juices mixed with any type of liquor. A Moscow Mule is a buck and similar to this drink with just a couple twists.
It’s crisp and refreshing, and I think it’s a perfect summer cocktail. Let me know what you think.

Pink Buck
1 1/2 oz Ketel One Peach & Orange
Blossom Vodka
1/2 oz Peony Simple Syrup
3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
4 Basil Leaves
4 oz Ginger Beer

Method:
•Put vodka, simple syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
•“Slap” basil leaves between your palms to release the natural oils and add to shaker.
•Shake well to chill, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
•Top with ginger beer.
•Garnish with an edible flower.

Peony Syrup
(this is a 2:1 syrup; if you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can make a 1:1 syrup by cutting the sugar to 2 c)
2 c peony petals (make sure to use only flowers grown without pesticides)
2 c water
4 c sugar

Boil water; remove from heat and add petals. Cover with lid and allow to steep overnight. Strain cooled liquid; compost petals. Place liquid in a saucepan and add sugar. Heat to a simmer and swirl until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool, then place in an jar, and store in the refrigerator.

06/08/2023

Some dreamy bouquet photos by
Planning by

06/07/2023

Floating floral islands from Artful Installations workshop with and
What an incredible couple of days getting a chance to get creative, collaborate with really talented artists, and learn from the best with armfuls of gorgeous sustainably grown flowers in the most beautiful setting.

Swipe to see the first iteration my team created.




Then Sue jumped in and helped us create something even more magical.

Photographs by .martin.photography

05/18/2023

“We shouldn’t be afraid to embrace whimsy, that nagging idea that life could be magical; it could be special if we were only willing to take a few risks.”
— Donald Miller

Wells First Birthday

05/17/2023

Yellow inspires hope, clear mindedness, and overall cheerfulness. I used to wear yellow to take any big test I had because I read it improved mental clarity resulting in higher test scores. Just an odd tidbit about me. 😂

Flowers by
Bowl by me

05/16/2023

Yesterday’s garden bounty. Peonies have always been and always will be my favorite flower. I don’t think anything comes close to their fleeting beauty. And they’re edible too! Making peony syrup and a peony cordial too. *corrected 🤦🏻‍♀️

04/25/2023

poppies just feel like a party

Poppies:
Mechanic: pin frog
Compote:

04/22/2023

All set up for the Spring Fling Market 1800 N American Street. Lots of incredible vendors. Lots of parking. Beautiful weather. Come out and grab some locally grown blooms and other goodies for Earth Day!

04/17/2023

Moody

Local flowers:





Bowl:

Mechanic: pin frog

04/13/2023

Picked up my first locally grown flower order of the season yesterday! Uncovering the dahlias today!
Bouquet from the autumn wedding with the last of our locally grown flowers. So happy they are back!

Beautiful photo by Nina Lily Photography]

Featuring mostly locally grown flowers from with American grown flowers from and

Venue:
Catering:
Photography: Nina Lily Photography]
Florals:

04/02/2023

I shared post in my stories today. Becky is an inspirational voice in sustainable floristry and someone I look to when I am struggling. And I have to admit I’m struggling. I have a commitment in my business to be as sustainable as I can be. Last week I did a post about pricing in the floral industry which put another way is economic sustainability. Mostly, I focus on environmental sustainability- caring for my garden in regenerative ways and focusing on the the health of the soil first, composting my floral waste, designing without floral foam, reducing single use plastic, and prioritizing local flowers. But there’s a third piece to sustainability and that’s me. Personal sustainability is an important, and often overlooked, part of a business’s long term success.
For me, this means having my work fit into the rest of my life in a way that is fulfilling and meaningful; finding a balance between family time, my household responsibilities, my creative side, and running a profitable business; and prioritizing my health and well-being.
The way I’ve managed this is limiting the number of large events that I do in any given month to one. That means for me to have a financially successful business, I take events all throughout the year. I would much rather only do events in the months when local flowers are available but the grind of weddings every weekend is unsustainable for me. So I use imported flowers when I can’t get local or American grown, and I continue to be conflicted about this. I will continue to wrestle with this choice and periodically reevaluate all my choices as they relate to all the aspects of sustainability. And seek out the advice of those much wiser than myself like Becky and .j._mcgrath_design .
For now, I will revel in the beauty and magic of local flowers since they are back in my life as of this week!!

03/24/2023

The Wonderful Things You Will Be
What a fun theme for a first birthday party! Design dreamed up by Erin . Loved creating the florals for this one!

Event Planner/Designer:
Photographer:
Florals:
Rentals:
Caterer:
Cotton Candy Cart:
Soft Play Set:
Stationery:

03/22/2023

Yesterday I shared a story by .flowers about the high price of flowers. Today I thought I’d give a few of my own thoughts.

Flowers are expensive.

It is a joy to go out in our yards and cut some flowers that just appear as the seasons change, but annual cultivated flowers take planning, seeding, planting, caring, staking, pruning, cutting, processing. There’s a lot to growing those perfect stems. Flowers are a labor intensive product to grow and the people who do that, often back breaking, labor deserve to get paid a living wage.

Another reason we don’t think flowers should cost much is because of those supermarket bouquets. Supermarket flowers have gone a long way in devaluing flowers. We are so used to going in to our local grocery store or Trader Joe’s and picking up a bouquet of flowers for under $10. That is not what flowers cost! Trader Joe’s, for example, sells their flowers at a loss because it’s a great way to get people into their stores. But that hurts the industry as a whole.

Local farmers and florists have an uphill battle to climb to fight that expectation. How do we explain to our customers that a single peony in a bridal bouquet costs $10.80 when you can pick up 10 stems for $9 at Trader Joe’s?? That’s one-third the wholesale cost of peonies.

So you start with a $3 wholesale cost for a peony, how does it get to $10.80?
CONTINUED IN CAPTION

03/20/2023

Happy Spring! Can’t wait for buckets of local flowers like these!

Creating Your Story, Flowers and Photography Master Class with Lucy Hunter] and

Location
Catering
Photography Lucy Hunter]







florist

03/18/2023

May peace and plenty
bless your world
With a joy that long endures
And may all life’s passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours.
☘️Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️

03/17/2023

The kids table at Sloane’s equestrian themed bat mitzvah.

03/13/2023

Well another
Philadelphia Flower Show is in the books. It was a wonderful week of beautiful flowers, reconnecting with flower friends and way too many way too early mornings! But can’t wait to do it again next year!

03/06/2023

Stop using dyed flowers!
When you know better you do better…unless you get fooled or don’t ask the right questions. This is what happened with the flowers in the photo above. When I was shopping online at my local wholesaler planning for this event, I stumbled on a foliage called Eucalyptus stuartiana. It was the absolute perfect thing for my plan and palette. I actually thought to myself, “is that real?” I had never seen a eucalyptus that looked like that. It wasn’t labeled as dyed on the website and lots of dyed product is labeled at my wholesaler. So I looked it up online. All of the information I could find listed it as autumn eucalyptus preserved. I’ve preserved lots of things in food grade glycerine and water so I naively (or stupidly) took it at face value and excitedly ordered a bunch. BIG MISTAKE! Not only did I immediately realize it was dyed (and likely preserved in toxic chemicals), it was actually leaking dye. It was all over me, my workspace and the other flowers. I made a decision to use it because I am an hour from the wholesaler and didn’t have time to replace it with something else-a decision I would not make again. Afterwards I messaged the wholesaler to please accurately include bleached, dyed or chemically altered flowers in the item descriptions. Transparency is key and one of the reasons, I’m sharing this long story with you about the single stem of “autumn eucalyptus” in the photo.

In my post from the other day, I made a distinction between my botanical art (which is composed of dried plant material that I paint) and flowers I use in floral design, explaining that the distinction in part is because my botanical arts projects will never end up in a landfill. That is part of the reason but not the whole story. Bleached, dyed and painted florals alter what was a natural and compostable thing and turn it into trash. In addition, the chemicals used to alter these botanicals are environmentally toxic and, in many cases, harmful to human health. The time to make change for our health and the health of our environment is now. Stop using, asking for and buying dyed, painted or bleached flowers.

03/04/2023

My entry in Jewelry. Made entirely of dried plant material:

Ranunculus- onion skin, silver brunia
Hellebore- onion skin, silver brunia, quinoa, northern sea oats
Leaves- onion skin
Feather acacia- soybean, quinoa, crape myrtle
Snowberry- allspice, poppy seed, crape myrtle
Agapanthus- cedrela, protea
Poppy- onion, acorn, protea, fennel
Almond blossom- hops, crape myrtle, blue atlas cedar
Scabiosa- sorghum, white brain jelly fungus
Muscari- celosia, sorghum, quinoa, crape myrtle
Bow- crape myrtle

we missed you at the show this year!!

***Note: Yes this is painted plant material, and I am a sustainable florist who does not use bleached, dyed or painted floral material. I make a distinction here because none of this will ever see a landfill. I view this as my art form. The botanical arts pieces that I create end up in frames in my studio or saved for some later use.

02/06/2023

A little romance for your Monday morning.
Arrangement featuring California grown with some imports in the Lita compote by

02/01/2023

dipping my toe back in the instagram pool

10/25/2022

10/14/2022

locally grown goodness

10/10/2022

A petit locally grown arrangement.

10/07/2022

“I think we need to see ourselves simply as servants and ambassadors of nature … we also need to remember that we are responsible, and answerable, for anything that could harm nature, through our decisions and actions.
If we could just absorb those facts, and lose the ego that drives the unsustainable design; the need for accolade; the lies and greenwashing; and the desire to impress; we could truly embrace a more sustainable future.” ~Shane Connolly

Looking back at some of posts, and this message really struck me. It’s so clear and straightforward. Thank you, Shane, for being such a fervent proponent of sustainability. Let’s all take up this charge and make some change.

Gorgeous roses grown in PA by

10/06/2022

My experience a few weeks ago at The Sustainable Flowers Project has been hard to put into words. Those three days were filled with the most special teachers and new friends, challenging and inspiring conversation, fun and laughter, creativity and, of course, beautiful locally grown flowers. I drove away from that magical place feeling the challenge to do better, to find what I have to offer to carry sustainability forward and have spent a lot of time since thinking about that. There are several ideas percolating, but the place I want to start is at home in my garden. My growing this year was a bust. Just too many balls in the air. But I just can’t wait for next year. I believe strongly that we all have a responsibility to be stewards of our place on this planet. Whether we have acres and acres or a tiny city plot, we all can do our part to heal what little (or large) bit of earth we’ve been gifted.

So as I look forward to the next growing season and all the ways I can be a steward of my soil (have I told you lately how much I love soil?!), I’m taking a look back at some spring flowers. When you take care of her, look at what miraculous beauty Mother Nature gives us!

What spring flowers are you looking forward to next year?

A big thanks to my regenerative farming mentors near and far:
Jennie Love
Tony Gaetz
Nigel Palmer
Gabe Brown
Farmer Jesse

10/04/2022

Someone asked me last night what my favorite flower is. That’s not a fair question, but right now it’s definitely a dahlia!
All locally grown blooms from in a compote made by me.

10/01/2022

On this chilly autumn day, I’m trying to focus on all the beauty that the garden is offering right now and not go into panic mode about when the first frost will hit. Will there be flowers for my late October events? This is the struggle with prioritizing local flowers. It’s a challenge and a responsibility to practice sustainable floristry. So I will watch the forecast daily with a little trepidation and ask Mother Nature to please keep the dahlias around for just a little longer. 🤞🏻

Arrangement featuring all local NJ grown blooms and roses from SeJean Tuma, Flores Temporis] in PA, with a color palette inspired by apples.



Workshop organizers: .j._mcgrath_design

Instructor:
Lucy Hunter

Venue:


Flowers:
.cow.farm .florist SeJean Tuma, Flores Temporis]

Bowl:


Sustainable Floristry: