Teacher is pick of the bunch
FLORIST WILL HELP STUDENTS’ SKILLS BLOOM
An award-winning florist has proved herself the pick of the bunch.
Katie-Jane Hermes’ stunning creations have seen her compete in the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show as well as Harrogate Flower Show and WorldSkills UK.
She has worked with the likes of leading floral artist Joseph Massie on aweinspiring designs such as a ceiling installation made of 6,000 roses for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and a massive hanging floral creation to celebrate the opening of a swanky Liverpool hotel.
Now, the 27-year-old, who owns wedding flower business The Garden Studio, is planning to pass on her skills by becoming an evening course lecturer at Sunderland College.
Katie-Jane, said: “There is so much more to floristry than simply putting flowers in a vase. You need to be very creative, passionate and have an eye for colour and design – it’s so versatile and really is an art form.
“I’ve always wanted to teach floristry so I’m delighted that Sunderland College has asked me to run these classes.” Katie-Jane has won a host of awards over the years including RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year 2012 Silver Medal, 2014 Sunshine Fund Young Achiever of the year and numerous first, second and third accolades at Harrogate Flower Show.
The talented florist has created her own curriculum for the Level 1 creative crafts course she is teaching at Sunderland College, which includes practical classes in arrangements, hand-tied bouquets, button holes, floral design for occasions, as well as some theory.
From September, the college is looking to introduce a Level 2 adult evening course in floristry, which will build on the knowledge and practical skills achieved through the Level 1 qualification.
Sheree Rymer, the college’s curriculum leader for creative arts, said: “KatieJane is an exceptionally-gifted florist and we are thrilled to have her expertise in the Arts Academy.
The staff within the creative arts department bring a wealth of industry knowledge to their roles which ensures our students have an all-rounded teaching experience and are prepared for their future careers.”
For more information on courses at Sunderland College, call 0191 5116000, email info@sunderlandcollege. ac.uk or visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk.