Tiffany van Lenten: A living painting

Hi, my name is Tiffany van Lenten. With "By Tiffany, Concept and Design," I create a variety of floral designs. While each challenge is different, the process remains the same. It starts with a good conversation. A listening ear. Because it makes quite a difference whether you're working on a modern bridal bouquet or a traditional funeral arrangement. And a series of bouquets for a grower's promotion and a bold concept for the finals of the NK floral design are not exactly the same either.

And then once it's clear what the customer wants, once the brief has been properly heard, then it comes down to the products. And I prefer to work with products from the best growers. Fortunately, I can always do that, because I have a close network of growers and buyers around me with whom I have good contact. Combine that with my skilled and creative eye and it may be clear; every bunch of flowers is a winner!

I get my inspiration from encounters and places I visit. By constantly challenging myself I keep learning and creating. I love being able to use all the experience I have gained to create new things. Nothing is more beautiful than working with flowers and making people happy every day with a beautiful product. The profession is still a real craft. I love going to the hardware store to buy materials, because I get a lot of satisfaction from making my own bases and structures.

When you work with lilies it gives a lot of perception and movement in the arrangement made. Something is still growing and happening every day with the lily. My favorite is the lily  Apricot Fudge. A cool shape and different-than-other. I am always looking for novelties, which is why this one is among my favorites.

For Bredefleur's booth at the FloraHolland Trade Fair, which took place from November 7 to 9 at Royal FloraHolland in Aalsmeer, I created something three-dimensional: An object with a lot of depth and because the lily opens up more each day, it is a living painting.

I had the opportunity to use many varieties of lilies, including: Albufeira, Honesty,  Rodin, Viva la Vida and Zelmira.