{"id":15585,"date":"2023-03-22T08:40:03","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T06:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/?p=15585"},"modified":"2023-03-22T08:40:03","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T06:40:03","slug":"flower-fundi-flourishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/blog\/2023\/03\/22\/flower-fundi-flourishes\/","title":{"rendered":"Flower fundi flourishes"},"content":{"rendered":"

At first glance he looks like a typical farmer\u2019s boy. But this farmer is actually a florist. Don\u2019t let his appearance fool you … Stefan Smuts whips up some of the most gorgeous flower arrangements you\u2019ve ever seen!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Stefan Smuts\u2019 lifelong fascination with anything green and growing was sparked at a very young age in his gran\u2019s garden. She used to compose floral arrangements for various functions, and quickly picked up on her grandson\u2019s curiosity when it came to selecting the flowers and foliage. She taught him countless tips and tricks around the garden, how to fold and bend leaves in interesting ways, and how to combine textures and colours for the most exquisite floral arrangements.<\/p>\n

Fast forward a couple of years, and at just 16, Stefan did his first wedding flowers. After school, he was eager to pursue his dreams and became a fully qualified wedding planner and flower and decor specialist. And so Black Tulip Floral & D\u00e9cor Styling was born, a business which specialises in flower arranging, decor rentals, candles and, of course, styling.<\/p>\n

After having seen the first season of kykNET\u2019s The Greenest Fingers – a competition show where amateur gardeners, flower arrangers and enthusiasts compete against each other to be crowned as The Greenest Fingers winner – Stefan\u2019s friends and family knew it was something right up his alley. With some motivation and encouragement, the humble flower fundi was persuaded to take a leap of faith and enter the second season.<\/p>\n

After surprising the judges week after week with his well-planned arrangements and creativity, Stefan was eventually crowned the winner. Giving credit where credit is due, he dedicated his well-deserved win to no one else but his beloved gran.<\/p>\n

Passionate about showcasing the magic of flowers, Stefan tells us more about what it entails\u2026<\/p>\n

Your floral arrangement style?\u00a0<\/strong>I would simply describe it as fine art. Sophisticated, with the finest detail in simplicity, and a touch of drama. I also love accents of black, which I believe is one of my most evident trademarks.<\/p>\n

Fave part of the job?<\/strong> Weddings! Just because I have such a big love for the beauty and creative side of it. I really enjoy working on bridal bouquets\u2026 and with that, the table decorations.<\/p>\n

Most important elements of a good bouquet?\u00a0<\/strong>A good balance of different colour combinations, textures, sizes and shapes. While the bouquet has to be loose and flowing, it\u2019s still important for the focal point to pop. If it\u2019s a bridal bouquet, it has to compliment the bride\u2019s look and dress. One also has to be very careful for it not to overwhelm her overall look.<\/p>\n

Your secret to the perfect flower arrangement?\u00a0<\/strong>I usually start off with some good music. Then, I identify my focal point, and work my way around. I make sure to spread everything in a way that creates the perfect balance and rhythm. I then work in different levels and layers for some depth, and finish off by cutting the stems at a 45 deg angle. I frequently stand back and look at my arrangement through a mirror, to make sure I didn\u2019t miss anything.<\/p>\n

In a field of flowers, which one would you pick? <\/strong>I have not just one favourite flower, but four. I absolutely love a dahlia, old fashioned garden roses, ranunculus (the buttercup) and agrostemma (better known as the ocean pearl). These are by far my top four flowers. I think each one is very strong in its simplicity, offering such a beautiful focal and texture.<\/p>\n

Which flower will always be in fashion?\u00a0<\/strong>For me, an old-fashioned garden rose is the definition of timeless. For so long it\u2019s been a favourite for many, and probably the most used and best-known flower at weddings.<\/p>\n

If not in the garden, where can you be found?<\/strong> I really like spending time in the bushveld with my camera, photographing African wildlife. There is no better way for me to just relax. Even just visiting the farm in the heart of the bushveld and smelling the boma fire does it for me. Sometimes I might just sketch the African wildlife scenery and do artwork with dry, natural materials \u2013 hence my side business,\u00a0Stofpad Fine Arts<\/em>. Lastly, I really like to play piano when I get the opportunity.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your gran like?\u00a0<\/strong>My grandmother, Esme Claassens, is an ordinary, humble \u2018boere tannie\u2019 who doesn\u2019t stand back for anything. She is an incredibly artistic person and can make anything creative with just her hands. She is obsessed with flowers and plants and so it goes without saying that she\u2019s had a beautiful garden all these years. It was always so impressive to me as a little boy, always thinking \u2018how can she be so good at what she does?\u2019. It was magic to me! In my eyes, no one could ever compete with my gran \u2013 she\u2019s just the very best.<\/p>\n

What inspires you?\u00a0<\/strong>I am certainly inspired by our exquisite African bushveld, and incredibly fond of our continent\u2019s landscapes, shapes, colours and textures.<\/p>\n

Competition highlights?\u00a0<\/strong>My favourite part was the team challenge, which was actually something I was not looking forward to. I am not a person who likes to work in teams. I prefer to work alone because I have a very strong personality in the sense that I know exactly what I want something to look like. It can be difficult for me to make someone else\u2019s visions a part of mine. Ironically enough, I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the team challenge was the most enjoyable one. It definitely changed my misperception of team work.<\/p>\n

What did you learn from The Greenest Fingers?\u00a0<\/strong>The\u00a0biggest lesson I took home is the fact that I should not underestimate myself and my work. I need to believe in myself and my talents. I also shouldn\u2019t be afraid to work under pressure because that\u2019s exactly where, I realised, I excel. It\u2019s important to hold on, push through, give your best and never give up. Oh, and have fun! The rest will take care of itself.<\/p>\n

Details: Follow Black Tulip Floral & D\u00e9cor Styling<\/a> on Facebook and black_tulip_styling<\/a> on Insta.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em>Must-know floral arranging tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n