Chicago - December 16, 2004

Petal Pusher

Flower Design Classes

You’ve booked facials to combat dry skin, paraffin dips for cracking extremities, and massages for shoveling induced aches and pains.

But when it comes to countering the gloom brought on by winter’s gray skies and subzero temps, you need more than a fresh mani-pedi.

Casey Cooper, It-event stylist to the glitterati (including—gasp!—Oprah), is opening up her 6,500-square-foot floral design studio to teach you a few tricks of the trade.

Starting in January, Cooper will offer a four-course series on flower design, covering basic floral care, uses for greens (not just filler!), centerpieces, and a final project created specifically with your home in mind. She provides all materials, including flowers, foliage, and a toolbox, plus guidance to help you blossom into an expert. And at the end of each class you take home a fabulous floral creation — as well as some truly valuable knowledge. (Lesson number one: Nothing brightens a day like a hand-tied bouquet of gerber daisies.)

Around this time of year, we could all use a little spring in our step.

‘Cause that’s the only spring we’ll see for a while.

Botanicals, 2214 North Elston Avenue at Webster Avenue (773-269-3142 or botanicalschicago.com); $375 for four classes or $95 for a single session.