A little about me....
My crew!
Hello from me...I'm Jo, otherwise known as 'The Alternative Florist'...... I'm a passionate creative for all things felt and floral in particular bespoke wedding bouquets, floral crowns and button holes. I love designing and creating alternative and quirky floral arrangements, especially for your wedding including the animals!
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As a family we love attending festivals and being outdoors. Our VW camper 'Frank' which we bought following our wedding comes with us too!
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Be different, be you!
Where it began....
During my own engagement, I couldn’t quite find the right bouquet. I didn’t like being restricted to seasonal flowers and I definitely didn’t want to spend money on fresh flowers that weren’t going to last, so I decided to make my own (which by the way are still on display 10 years later!).
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Taking skills originally developed in my Art and Design Textiles A-Level course at school, I decided to get creative and make my own! So with a little research and help from the internet my journey into designing our wedding began!
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We married in 2013 in the Lake District after spending almost two years in New Zealand. Being a couple that enjoyed the outdoors with a bit of adventure we knew we wanted to marry in the mountains with an outdoor and relaxed vibe. We found a lovely little pub with accommodation and arranged for a tipi to be built in the grounds. It suited us perfectly.
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Our felt flowers were a big talking point and have been kept by many as a memory of the day. They represented us as a couple, they brought joy to everyone who saw them and looked great in the photos.
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The Alternative Florist was then officially born in 2019 following the birth of our two sons in 2015 and 2016. It was a part time venture which ran alongside my PE teaching role...it was a busy time! Moving into self-employment full time in September 2021 once both boys were in school. A big leap from my 20 year teaching career but it's what I wanted so I jumped in with two feet!
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Located in the rolling hills of Lancashire, a little town called Haslingden which in years gone by was well known for its textile history. I'm the 'chief cook and bottle washer' as they say! You will never speak to anyone else when making an enquiry for your felt florals or at a wedding fair, I like to give the personal touch to all of my customers.
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I pride my small business on the handmade and sustainable nature of my creations, no two wedding bouquets or floral arrangements will ever be the same. Using high quality wool blend felt to create bespoke pieces of floral art which will enrich your wedding with colour, last a lifetime and create many memories. No watering or green fingers needed, ideal for destination weddings!
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My motto 'Bespoke Creation, Everlasting Design' is what makes my business unique and I love discussing ideas with customers to create the perfect gift, wedding bouquet or workshop to meet their needs.
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If you have any questions, queries or bespoke requests please complete the contact me form or better still click the link below to book a 10 minute chat.
Kind Regards,
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Jo
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Weddings | Keepsakes | Workshops