A Co Antrim florist has created classes to allow children to use their creativity.
36-year-old Pat Halas, originally from Poland, has been a florist for around 15 years and has worked all over the world.
She now owns PH Flowers in Carrickfergus and offers 'Little Florist' classes for children aged 3 to 9.
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Pat told Be : "After giving birth to my boy I have decided it was time for me to start my own business. I started the company with my fiancé in June 2019 whilst I was on maternity leave and have not looked back since.
"For over two years I’ve been focusing on delivering arrangements to my client’s homes, décor pieces as well as gifts. Recently I decided to do something a little different and we created PH Flowers Little Florist Classes.
"Little Florist activity class is a one-hour session during which the children experience a day in the life of a florist. The children are welcomed at the venue and handed their little florist apron, not only to keep their clothes nice and clean, but also as a part of the experience.
"They will not only learn facts about different types of flowers and greenery, but will also create, step by step, their very own arrangement using everlasting and scented faux flowers. We introduce them to the art of flower arranging through fun.
"The March classes focus on designing an arrangement for Mother's Day. Children will use faux flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, lavender, peonies and arrange them in a wicker basket.
"The children not only have great fun, but also learn new skills such as developing a sense of beauty and also improve their co-ordination when working with different flowers and materials. We encourage the children to love and enjoy flowers - maybe even inspire them to become a florist one day.
"At the end of the session, all children gift wrap their arrangement to take home and receive a Little Florist certificate of completion."
Pat added: "As a mum of a toddler, I always look for activities in the local area that we could attend. Unfortunately, there were not that many options allowing my son to be creative.
"My little boy and my step daughter love helping me with flowers, so one afternoon whilst having fun with some floral creations, the idea for Little Florist classes was born."
Classes are priced at £19.99. March classes take place at YMCA Carrickfergus, Activity Room, 30-34 Irish Quarter W, Carrickfergus, BT38 8AT. Bookings can be made HERE.
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