Monday, May 24, 2010

The Sketchbook-Wishing Tree


Working up an idea for a modern take on a "Wish Tree"...platinum and pewter are prominent in a lot of pieces of mine lately and this is one inspired by a cool stand I just got in from Accent Decor.

Friday, May 21, 2010

...and now let's Revitalize!




To get this year started with another bang! and keep the creative juices flowing, we have enlisted a group of up and comings in the industry to collaborate on a thrilling new project! Stay tuned to find out more and when we will have our "Reveal Party" to unleash the madness!

Let's Revamp


Life. Challenges. 180's.

When our journey began, our founders were three: Shelly, Brenna & Marlo. Because sometimes what one plans can get flipped upside down, we take life as it comes and roll with it! Although still stepping in from time to time to assist with our extended team, Marlo has "revamped" her life to spend more time dedicated to family and her new baby Beckett (who has the bluest eyes on the block!)

Shelly Huynh AIFD (right) is now the Director of Education, working on a full curriculum for students who would like to pursue floral design as a profession. Kado Design School has a planned launch date for September, 2010. Contact us now to reserve a spot (the list is getting long!) and be the first graduates of the program!

Brenna Quan AIFD (left) is the Design Director for all Kado Weddings and Events. Eager to push the creative boundaries, she is looking for any and all brides who wish to shake it up and have a wedding that will have their guests buzzing about the event till the bees come home!

Let's Reflect


Just to share a few highlights of the past year...

We've had many wonderful opportunities to get creative, without boundaries, in various issues of Utah Bride & Groom and Utah Style & Design. Brad, Tessa and Adam make up a lovely bunch to collaborate with, making for a very pleasant afternoon in the midst of a busy and chaotic work week!

Several weddings and events have given us the opportunity to explore design, challenging us to show diversity and creativity within the realms of today's tight economy budgets. With even higher expectations, some of our larger events have proven the most challenging! In the end, happy brides made for happy designers!

We also received the honor of having been given the title of "Best Flowers as Art" in the 2009 City Weekly Arty Awards. It was a pleasant surprise and we are humbled by the recognition. It truly sought out the heart of it all, "Kado", meaning "way of the flower", in it's most artful form.

Reflect. Revamp. Revitalize!

Launching Kado last year sparked a frenzy of activity!

While executing many exciting projects, Shelly, along with her husband Clint, relocated their retail shop, Orchid Dynasty, to celebrate nine successful years established. Now in the heart of the 9th & 9th District, faces from all walks of life can enjoy the beauty of artfully designed orchids in a setting like no other in the valley.

On the other side of town, Brenna opened up Blooming Pearl, a retail flower and gift shop, formerly owned by her beloved friend and mentor who, sadly, lost his tremendously courageous battle with cancer. A new life though, was brought into the world and baby Jett brings a ton of fun (and energy) to the plate! With shops, kids & baby in tow, it's the promise of another exciting year for Kado!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

UTAH STYLE AND DESIGN


A feature in the Summer 2009 Issue of Utah Style & Design tells of a little secret about floral design: sometimes "less" is so much more! In this contemporary piece that Brenna created, a crisp, clean look was designed which could brighten up any table or entryway for a warm, summer gathering. Keeping the lines clean with fewer materials keeps the senses at ease, yet adds excitement to the environment for your guests!

AIFD INDUCTION










A big congrats to Brenna, who just returned from Kansas City, where she was officially inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design!

She joins fellow member (and business partner) Shelly Huynh AIFD into a prestigious group of designers, who have actively worked towards bettering their skills to keep the industry moving forward with innovation and creativity.

A rigorous testing process consists of a 4 hour hands-on Accreditation Evaluation Session, which she attended in Chicago last year. Only an hour before the session begins, the candidates are informed of what types of designs they must complete with the materials provided...think of a floral version of "Iron Chef" or "Chopped" on Food Network if you will!

The "AES" coincides with an annual National Floral Symposium, the "Oscars" of the floral industry they say, where there are incredibly inspiring demonstrations and presentations that would blow your socks off! All with a passion for this industry should be encouraged to attend this summer convention held in a different city each July. We are already looking forward to Boston next year!
For more info on the American Institute of Floral Designers, check out www.aifd.org.