by Claire Cowling
The Thrive Story
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Over my thirty years in the floral industry, I've learnt so very much, constantly developed and honed my skills, competed in countless competitions and developed my own unique style.
I've always had a passion for flowers, learning techniques and developing my skills... and just love to share this with my fellow florists and those who share in my love of flowers.
Hi, I'm Claire Cowling and I'd love to welcome you to Thrive, it's so nice to have you here!
So let me tell you a little about my floristry business.
Why Thrive? Well - to Thrive :
Thrive ( θraɪv) vb ( intr) , thrives, thriving, 1. to grow strongly and vigorously 2. to do well; flourish, prosper.
In a nutshell that's it - that's my aim - it's a place where I can share my love of flowers - so you can all Thrive, flourish and prosper - whether on a personal level where we create the most magical designs for our clients - whether for their wedding day, funerals, birthday or just because...with flowers as a therapy for a friend, colleague or family member... or a fellow florist wanted to have a flourishing business where I can pass on my years of knowledge, skills and know-how in our tutorials, workshops and books, and for you too to be able to create beautiful florals, so you too can Thrive and flourish.
We've had the honour to compete at the world renowned Chelsea Flower Show and awarded three Gold medals for professional floristry (with two Best in Shows), of which we're immensley proud.
I’ve been a florist for all of my working life. If I’m not making up a floral design, you’ll find me talking flowers in one way another – maybe to a bride – creating floral heaven for their most special of days; maybe suggesting a book or two to someone starting out on their floristry journey, mastering a new technique... or it might just be cajoling our dog to pose for a picture in a field of flowers like the one above!!
I love nature and am constantly inspired by it and its versatility, ingenuity and adaptability - and this you'll see creeps into my work on many occasions! The changing seasons brings me so much joy - with the latest favourite flower unfurling its petals… yes, I’m fickle – I have so many favourite flowers, but then who wouldn’t when there are so many to choose from each and every season!
I love to include local grown, seasonal blooms in my designs, alongside natural treasures, cones and seed heads, trails of delicate vines and feathery grasses, but if that's not your thing - that's fine - just say and we'll create the perfect design for you - with your favourite flowers, colours and a snippetts of your personality.
Working so closely with nature, it is extremely important to look after the world that we live in and give back in spades... so we work as sustainably as time allows, opting for more sustainable techniques as much as we can. We pioneered this in the UK floristry industry with our natural bases and eco designs created for our first Sympathy floristry book some 20 years ago and continue sharing these brilliant and emotive techniques today.
Our range of floristry books are used by florists all around the globe as a source of inspiration and design.
We hope to inspire you on your journey with flowers.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Claire and the Thrive Team Xx
The most beautiful wedding florals – from small and intimate weddings with just a buttonhole and bridal bouquet, to the whole full and amazing affair – bridal party florals, church and reception decorations – and we love it! You can view our wedding gallery for a glimpse of our the designs we've had the honour to create.
FLORISTRY
Gift bouquets for a birthday, thank you, I love you… or any other reason; stylish arrangements and planters; and the most emotive and memorable funeral designs for that last goodbye - my heart and soul goes into each and every design.
We teach WORKSHOPS
Love to learn? Our floristry workshops are small and intimate, where we create the most gorgeous designs, you’ll learn new skills and techniques in a relaxed and informal way – right from beginners to advanced designs workshops - group and one to one sessions, plus our brilliant Workshop Kit Boxes for those of you further afield, but love our style.
We sell BOOKS
Books - well, we have one of the widest ranges of floristry and flower related books in the country! We have instructional books if you're looking to get into floristry or develop and extend your repertoire; books to inspire and push your boundaries and techniques and business books to get your teeth into too. Our own floristry books can be found by clicking here.
Personally recommended - our small but superb range of floristry tools are a cut above the rest! The most amazing Knives, secateurs, florist scissors and wire cutters around, that I've used myself for the last twenty years. I'd be totally lost without them!!
GIFTS
You'll find our gorgeous range of gifts, homewares and art, cards and prints from my talented husband - Ed Stokes Art in our online shop.
and lastly, THRIVE HIRE
Our range of hire items is just superb - from lanterns, vases and candelabras… vases, charger plates to chair sashes, available to hire for your wedding or any other celebration.
So that’s us – we hope you enjoy browsing our site – if you need any help, please just give us a shout.
Thank you,
Claire x