After getting her first job in high school at a florist shop, Sarah Tedford was hooked. She went on to work as a floral designer at Hilton Inverness Hotel and The Brown Palace before opening her own shop, Ladybird Poppy, in 2008. The business, like her flowers, has bloomed wonderfully over the years. Tedford now works regularly with businesses, hotels and restaurants in Denver on elaborate bouquets as well as custom designing arrangements, wreaths and more for private clients.
How do you make the wreaths?
The wreaths can be circles or asymmetrical poofs. I always prefer having variations of evergreen and incorporating some sort of accent—dried flowers, pine cones, delicate ribbon or ornaments. I tend to go more toward abstract stuff versus red Christmas balls and a big bow. I want my creations to be peaceful, festive and complement the client’s home.
What do you love about the holidays?
I love the changing of the seasons and the excitement leading up to Christmas. I always think about when I was a little kid growing up in Castle Rock, anxious to wake up and hopefully catch Santa. In the mornings, we would get up early, have a sweet and savory breakfast with my three other siblings and parents and open presents. Nowadays, I still love Christmas, but it is definitely one of my busiest times of the year.
Where should people hang the wreath?
People always think of hanging the wreath on their front door. But many of my clients like to enjoy the fragrance inside their homes. This way, the wreath doesn’t get snowed on and frozen as well. You can hang it over the mantle or I can design the wreath as a centerpiece for your table.
Do you conduct workshops?
I do! I conduct one or two every week or you can request a private session. During November and December, these will, of course, focus on wreaths and I will have all the supplies you need to make them. You can also pick up a supply kit from me and watch the online tutorial to design in the comfort of your home. We also proudly donate 10% of the proceeds from each workshop to The Cure Starts Now, a cause for pediatric cancer research. If you go to my website, you can choose a day to book the workshop.
Tell me more about Ladybird Poppy.
Ladybird Poppy offers full floral design services. We have local and ethically sourced farm fresh flowers for all of our bouquets. The studio space is by appointment only but you can also order online. During December, I will be making wreaths, Christmas bouquets, centerpieces, garlands and anything and everything holiday. Floral design is therapeutic for me—I love creating and thinking outside the box, making each individual order inspired.
