Great News! Sunday 09/10/17 Ania Norwood AIFD & Darrell Poper AIFD will be custom designing throughout the day. Come learn some of the latest design tips and see our new products with fresh & silk flowers at our Free Christmas Design Show. They will show the step by step process to create amazing holiday designs. They will design several arrangements throughout the day, so come anytime 9am-3pm. We look forward to seeing you! Show Details
Ania began her formal Floral Design training in California at ROP in 2002 followed by Floral Design and Shop Management courses at Golden West College. While studying she gained hands on experience in a busy florist shop. She uses every opportunity to advance her floral skills and techniques, and she has taken part in many presentations, workshops, shows, and training courses.
In 2009 Ania went to the International Floral seminar held in Paris and Belgium where she took several workshops with European master designers. Shortly after she got certified as a CCF (California Certified Florist) which lead her to gain her accreditation as a member of AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) in 2012. Most recently in 2013 Ania obtained her EMC (European Master Certification) the prestigious certification program by Master Florist Tomas De Bruyne and Hitomi Gilliam AIFD. Ania is on the Advisory Committee Board for the Floral Department Program at GWC, and she is an active member of the California State Floral Association. Also, she is an occasional guest speaker for classes at Golden West College.
Ania has entered many floral competitions, and she has won numerous awards at events at the Orange County Fair 2004-2007 and at the California Top Ten Design Competition 2005-2009. Also, she was an assistant designer for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena 2005-2006. She was a presenter at the AIFD Symposium 2009 in Kansas and at another AIFD Symposium 2013 in Las Vegas where she also created décor for the hotel lobby and lounge areas. At this year’s AIFD Symposium in Seattle she co-presented the main stage program “Xcel with Armatures”.
Ania travels internationally to take part in industry events like Fleur Amour in Alden Biesen Belgium, IPM Essen International Horticultural Trade Show and IFTF and Royal Flora Holland trade show in Aalsmeer Holland. She also teaches workshops at some of the events she participates. Her background in technical design, work experience with several architectural firms, as well as her love of interior design, photography and art have proven extremely beneficial in the creation of her designs. Currently, Ania works as a free-lance designer for several prestigious event companies, and she has her own business Ania Norwood Design.
Darrell Poper AIFD established and owned Standing Ovation Flower Gallery in Los Alamitos until he recently retired. He has served on the board of Southwest Region AIFD, and he was also a past President. Darrell presented a headdress production for AIFD National Symposium in Palm Desert, California. He is best known for his floral headdresses, and his credits include two Grand Sweepstakes and three People’s Choice Awards. His store, prop creations, and floral artistry have been featured in numerous national publications including “Flowers &” and “Inside Weddings”. Darrell is most proud of winning “Wedding Of The Year” in Florist Review magazine. He has also been a featured keynote designer/speaker for the Los Angeles Gift Mart, and he is also the first person to receive their prestigious “Marty” award for floral design. To date Darrell continues to judge, design, and assist in many of the southlands floral events.