samambaia and maria claudia

the shop: samambaia

location: 145b mcpherson st. bronte

contact: 02 9389 9125

website: samambaiaflowers.com

the florist: maria claudia

number of years in floristry: 16

best thing about being a florist: being able to create; inspired by the forms and tones that nature brings. and the fact that they will be different every single time.

favourite flower combination: so many! i love flowering camellias with cymbidium orchids…but i also love hydrangeas and liguria leaves.

most memorable event/occasion you have done flowers for: a private dinner at the art gallery of nsw. being able to add flowers next to amazing paintings and artworks was a treat.

you are inspired by: nature.

you are passionate about: loving, giving, making people happy.

tracey and her studio

the studio: tracey deep floral sculptures

location: studio G01 59 great buckingham st. redfern

contact: 02 8318 1177

email: floralsculptures@bigpond.com

the florist/sculptor: tracey

number of years in floristry/sculpture: decades!

best thing about being a florist/sculptor: working with organic material. the surprises that come with creativity; you're constantly learning new things and being inspired.

favourite flower combination: i love contrast, shapes, textures. im loving layering textures with splashes of bold sculptural colour.

most memorable event/occasion you have done flowers/sculptures for: too many to choose from. a couple of standouts- creating a sculpture gallery of works for the mission impossible movie; and an international commercial shoot outdoors during low tide in the rock pools of kiama.

you are inspired by: creating living, ephemeral sculptures. nature- its whimsical, playful, natural beauty. i find shadows in nature inspiring. i love the changing light.

you are passionate about: creating new sculpture pieces. they inspire me- food for the soul.