Masterclass with Sue McLeary: Artful Armatures + Adaptable Mechanics
Join Sue McLeary, world-renowned floral designer, artist and dedicated educator for two full days of intimate learning, hands-on skill-building, NYC inspiration, and community in our Sunset Park studio in Brooklyn, NY. Please read on below for details.
We will be joined on Day 2 by Chaz Cruz. Chaz Cruz is an editorial portrait and wedding photographer with a thoughtful approach to documenting process, texture, and human connection. Based in Mexico City, he photographs weddings and creative work across New York, Mexico, and California.
- All workshops take place rain or shine at our studio in Sunset Park!
- Our studio address is 14 53rd St. Suite 405N Brooklyn, NY
- All tickets are nonrefundable
- Each ticket covers all materials and 2 meals a day
In the exceptionally rare circumstance that the workshop does not reach capacity by 3/5/26, or due to an unforeseen emergency, the workshop may be canceled and a full refund will be issued.
Schedule - Day 1
Monday, March 30th, 9am - 5pm
Bouquet Masterclass all day! Monday will be a full day of learning and designing, immersing ourselves in Sue’s latest wire armature techniques. Instruction will cover numerous ways to create modern, durable wire frame bouquet armatures that can be used to create all manner of artful bouquets. Material selection, proper conditioning, necessary tools and techniques, and versatile design applications will be covered. After the demonstration portion of the day, attendees will complete two bouquet armature works that also double as fashion-forward headpieces. Day one will conclude in creating wire tulip “constellations” that will be used to embellish a floating arch the following day. The skills shared will allow designers to solve design challenges, stretch materials further, and elevate their offerings.
All works will be professionally modeled and photographed on Day 2 of the workshop.
Skills learned: Wire Frame Cascade Bouquet, Shape Shifting Constellation Cascade Bouquet, Double Duty Handle Bouquet, Wire Spine Bouquet Armature.
Schedule - Day 2
Tuesday, March 31st, 9am - 5pm
On Day 2, we’ll begin by creating a floating arch installation embellished with wire tulip “constellations.” Approachable, yet innovative, this design is offered to spark creativity, stretch materials to their max, and challenge conventional design applications. Day 2 will continue with a demonstration on modern bracelet bouquets and floral jewelry. After lunch, all student works will be modeled and photographed by Chaz Cruz.
During the afternoon photography session, all attendees will have one on one time with Sue, the model, and photographer to ensure their works are captured perfectly for use in their portfolio.
What's Included
- Two full days of guided instruction from Sue McLeary and support/assistance from Molly Oliver
- All flowers and materials for 2 bouquets, 1 joint installation, and a floral jewelry demo
- Delicious, thoughtfully sourced meals (breakfast and lunch both days, snacks and non alcoholic beverages; dietary needs will be taken into consideration
- Professional photography of your work by Chaz Cruz
- Comingling, networking, and relationship building with like-minded florists and flower enthusiasts
About Sue McLeary
Susan is a floral designer, artist, and instructor who creates unusual, boundary-pushing floral art, including elaborate headpieces, floral wearables, and large-scale floral installations. Her soulful, seasonally- inspired creations have been described as exquisite living artwork. A passionate teacher, Susan offers instruction for new and professional florists through her online classes, “Virtual Studio,” membership, and through destination workshops.
Susan’s work has been featured in leading industry publications and websites, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Cosmopolitan, SELF, Flower magazine, Florist’s Review, The Knot, My Modern Met, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Belle Armoire, Midwest Living, and Fusion Flowers. She is the author of two books: “The Art of Wearable Flowers” and “Flowers for All,” both with Chronicle Books.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is open to all curious florists and floral enthusiasts. All skill levels are welcome. The techniques are designed to be approachable to new florists while still engaging and challenging for those more experienced.
For Out of Towners
***Molly's NYC recs coming soon***