Angie Schmid of Garden Art Studios

Coffee Talk with Angie Schmid of Garden Art Studios

WC: Can you tell us a little bit about how GardenArt Studios got started?

AS: The principal owner (Terry Schweikart) has had a passion and love for flowers since she was child and gardened with her mother. Over the years Terry experimented with various preservation methods and then started transforming flowers into artwork -- this is ultimately how GardenArt Studios was created. There was a need for unique preservation and GardenArt Studios filled that need. After years of having only one studio in the metro market (O'Fallon IL), in 2008 GardenArt Studios expanded with a studio in West County to better serve the entire metro market.

WC: Can you tell us briefly about the process of flower preservation?

AS: Well - without giving away top secret trade information... our method is completely different from the traditional freeze-dried preservation process. We will take your flowers through a pressing and drying process. Once ready, the fun begins... the artwork is designed on the keepsake items of your choosing. Depending on the keepsake you have chosen, the best method to seal the flowers is selected. Our sealing process, if properly cared for, will protect your fresh flowers and their colors for many years. Our entire process takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks to complete.

WC: What other services do you offer to brides?

AS: GardenArt Studios is a one stop shop for all your preservation needs. Because we are so focused on ensuring that every keepsake we create is a masterful work of personalized art, we offer only flower preservation. We do, however, offer pick up service of the flowers if this helps out the extra busy brides. We also offer peace of mind to the bride in knowing she has selected the best of the best in preserving the flowers from her most treasured wedding day.

WC:. What advice can you offer a bride that is considering preservation of her flowers?

AS: Most important -- plan ahead. We highly recommend brides treat preservation services like any other wedding service they are retaining. Planning ahead allows us time to work with the bride and those most important in her life to ensure everyone is getting the keepsake that is perfect for them. We have time to not only discuss the items and ideas but to also find those items so the process goes smoothly from flower drop off to keepsake pick up.

Don't disgard the idea of preserving your bouquet - you will regret having nothing done.

WC: What is the most common misconception brides tend to have regarding preserving flowers?

AS: We are finding most people want to have preservation done but are only aware of the traditional method of preservation. They do not realize they have choices or don't know where to begin to have preservation done. Call us -- we make it simple and stress free. Brides have enough to handle before their wedding.

They think it is too expensive and out of their budget. We can work with any budget and offer keepsakes starting at $20.00 for a simple petal gem charm.

If the flowers have either been kept in water or refrigerated after the wedding, they can still have preservation done if they have not pre-arranged to do so. We prefer the flowers within a day or two of the wedding BUT don't not contact us because you feel it has been TOO LONG. Let us make that decision.

WC: Which flowers are the best to work with in terms of preservation? Which flowers are the most difficult to preserve?

AS: This question could also be answered under misconceptions because actually with our method of preservation, we can preserve all flowers. The obvious answer is FRESH. Under some situations, we can and have used permanent flowers in some artwork. Each and every flower we preserve is unique and the end results vary depending on the flower and quality. My personal favorites to work with are sweetheart roses.

WC: Do you offer services outside of St. Louis / Illinois area?

AS: We actually do. Flowers can be packaged and shipped to us from anywhere. We can then also ship the completed keepsake. We provide direction on how to package the flowers. This service has been very popular for us.

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