Jan. 21 - Passport to Bloom™: Byron Bay - Bubbles & Natives Workshop
- Description
Trade winter sweaters for sunshine as we escape to the laid-back beaches of Byron Bay, where December means long summer days, native botanicals, and outdoor gatherings by the sea.
Inspired by Australia’s vibrant floral landscape, this immersive flower arranging workshop celebrates the beauty of sculptural native blooms including banksia, kangaroo paw, eucalyptus, waxflower, and other seasonal botanicals. You’ll learn professional floral design techniques while creating a contemporary arrangement inspired by Australia’s effortless, nature-forward style.
Sip Australian sparkling wine and botanical-inspired cocktails, enjoy coastal bites and sweet Australian treats, and discover the fascinating stories behind some of Australia’s most iconic native flowers. It’s a refreshing reminder that while we’re celebrating winter in California, it’s summertime on the other side of the world.
No passport required - just a sense of adventure.
Your Passport Includes
- A professionally guided floral design class
- Premium seasonal flowers
- Destination-inspired drinks & bites
- Cultural traditions and floral stories
- A luxury arrangement to take home
- Two hours of “vacation” without leaving Santa Monica
Level: All levels welcome
Viola Floral Studio: 916 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica
Instructor: Elise Piatkowski, Master Designer
Passport to Bloom™ is Viola Floral’s signature destination-inspired flower arranging series, where flowers become your passport to the world’s most beautiful places. Join us in our Santa Monica studio for an immersive floral design workshop inspired by iconic destinations, seasonal blooms, local flavors, and the joy of travel - no passport required.We’re delighted to partner with DGL Collective, who will bring each destination to life through a thoughtfully curated collection of food and home décor, showcasing globally inspired vintage pieces. Together, Viola Floral and DGL Collective will create an immersive escape where flowers, design, and the spirit of travel come together.
Please note that all workshops are non-refundable, but if something comes up, feel free to send a friend in your place – flower joy is always transferable. We’ll be starting promptly, so plan to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in, sip something refreshing, and get ready to bloom.
Kit Included
Meet Your Instructors
Our flower arranging workshops are taught by:
Viola Floral Founder, Jelena Trifunovic, M.Ed. – entrepreneur, former science educator/professor, and mother of three. Jelena’s passion for floral design is centered around the special bond she shared with her late mom. Jelena’s combined love of flowers, design, travel, and the beauty of life, inspires her to continuously reinvent how we experience flowers. Read Jelena's story
Master Designer, Elise Piatkowski – Weary of the daily grind of commuting to her Manhattan office job, Elise sought a change. With the support of friends and the invaluable guidance of talented mentors, she transformed a passion for floral design into a full-time profession. Almost a decade later, Elise has honed her skills and cultivated a distinctive, authentic style, and enjoys sharing her knowledge through workshops and teaching experiences at Viola Floral.
Floral Designer & Creative Experience Coordinator, Jelena Ogrizovic – Photographer, former professional volleyball player, and lifelong creative. Jelena joined Viola Floral Studio part-time two years ago, where her love for flowers, design, art, and meaningful human connections naturally grew into a full-time role. Shaped by the discipline of professional sports and the storytelling eye of photography, Jelena brings a unique perspective to Viola Floral and loves creating memorable experiences that celebrate art, community, and the beauty found in everyday moments.
Floral Designer & Educator, Patti Pearlman – Patti blends artistry with approachability, creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that help students feel at ease while developing their own creative voice. She brings a refined eye for color, texture, and balance to her work. Prior to joining Viola Floral, Patti founded her own floral businesses, FleurAmis and Sips 'n Stems, where she developed her signature style and offered unique floral experiences for her clientele.
Our Promise
We go beyond providing mere instructions—we offer engaging and interactive sessions, guiding you through creating stunning arrangements. Expect personalized attention, expert tips, and a nurturing environment to enhance your skills. We pledge to nurture your love for flowers, ensuring an inspiring and enriching experience that fuels your artistic journey.
Do Something You Love
- Workshops
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