Join award-winning floral designer and educator Sharon Ivey, who has over 40 years of experience in floral design. As a mentor and judge, she offers invaluable insights through her floral classes and floral tutorials.
"I love flowers and designing. My passion is sharing and teaching floral design through engaging floral classes." Sharon Ivey AIFD, PFCI, AAF, CEJ, CFD, FSMD, GMF is an AIFD certified evaluator/judge and an award-winning designer. Some of her achievements include the 2024 Mid Americas Cup winner, 2024 Iron Designer winner, and 2024 AIFD Designs Through the Decades 1960's winner. Sharon is 4 time winner of Burton Cup for interpretive design, 5 time peoples choice award winner for interpretive design, 1st runner up for Sylvia cup 2024, 1st place winner tablescape @ FSFA 2024, plus many 2nd and 3rd place awards. Sharon has also competed in the Gateway to Americas Cup in 2022, which is by invitation only. Sharon has been a featured presenter, on over a hundred design programs, including the prestigious AIFD National Symposium in Chicago in 2014. Sharon's extensive resume spans more than 40 pages, proving her dedication and contributions to floral design and the floral industry. She continually encourages, mentors and coaches others who are pursuing their floral dreams & goals. She strives to help strengthen and continue the floral industry by helping others.
"I TEACH YOU TO BE A DESIGNER - NOT JUST A COPIER - I TEACH HOW TO CREATE YOUR FLORAL VISIONS - MY CLASSES ARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FLORAL GOALS AND DREAMS."
* With so many individuals offering floral classes online, how do you choose a credible and knowledgeable instructor? Here are some important qualifications to consider:
1) How long has the instructor been in the floral industry, and in what area?
Sharon has over 40 years of experience in retail, wholesale, and import. In floral and event design, merchandising, retail florist consultant, floral director, supervisor and manager, display artist, buyer, product developer, evaluator, judge, mentor, coach and much more.
2) What are the instructor's certifications?
Sharon holds multiple accreditations including AIFD, PFCI, AAF, CEJ, CFD, FSMD, GMF.
3) Did the instructor fast track their certification? How long did they study?
Sharon had already been in the floral industry for over 30 years before she tested for AIFD and studied the AIFD book for two years prior to testing. She continues to study and learn even after 40+ years in the industry, believing that instructors must always strive to stay updated on new trends and techniques to effectively teach their students.
4) Is the instructor a certified evaluator/judge?
Sharon is a certified AIFD evaluator/judge and mentor, which equips her to help YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS by understanding how designs are evaluated.
5) What does the instructor teach?
Are they focused on just one type of design?
Sharon emphasizes teaching "DESIGN" from basic mechanics to certification and competition, ensuring her students have the skills to build their own unique floral creations. "You cannot build a good structure without a good foundation. That's why I focus on strong mechanics."
6) Does the instructor prioritize good floral mechanics and the Elements and Principles of design?
As an evaluator and mentor, Sharon is dedicated to teaching the importance of good mechanics and UNDERSTANDING the elements & principles of design, which distinguishes between mediocre and exceptional designs.
7) Does the instructor compete in floral competitions? Have they won?
Sharon actively participates in competitions, which encourage her to push her creative boundaries. She has received numerous awards, and she views competitions as learning experiences. I learn something with each competition I participate in. "The more I learn, the more I can share my knowledge with others.
TEACHING IS MY PASSION. "MY GOAL IS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR FLORAL DREAMS AND GOALS."
At Sharing Floral Adventures, I am passionate about sharing my floral knowledge with you. Whether you are just starting out in the floral industry or are a seasoned designer, our floral classes and tutorials are designed for everyone. We believe in continuous learning. As an AIFD evaluator, judge, and mentor, I am here to encourage you and guide you along your path to certification in floral design. My goal is to work with you, mentor, and coach you to help bring your floral dreams to life. Check out our floral tutorials and classes, and follow us for updates on classes and other floral news.