Bastian+Skoog

For Gus, the mannish boy. <3

2012-02-14T17:12:00.001-06:00

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Cymbidiums + rosemary = yum

2012-02-14T14:17:00.003-06:00

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Cymbidiums + rosemary = yum

2012-02-14T14:17:00.001-06:00

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Oh Lord. #treats Thanks, @mgmcneil!

2012-02-14T13:24:00.001-06:00

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Cut us some slack. #today

2012-02-14T09:09:00.001-06:00

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Hyacinth masquerading as leek.

2012-02-13T19:58:00.001-06:00

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Untitled

2012-02-13T18:41:00.001-06:00

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Untitled

2012-02-13T18:32:00.001-06:00

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Hittin' it hard soundtrack. #dreday

2012-02-13T13:32:00.001-06:00

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Untitled

2012-02-13T11:35:00.001-06:00

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First V-day arrangement is out the door.

2012-02-13T10:12:00.001-06:00

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Flower delivery (!!!)

2012-02-12T12:32:00.001-06:00

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#romantical

2012-02-12T10:55:00.001-06:00

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Lucky dogs.

2012-02-12T09:59:00.001-06:00

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Macaron delivery from Patisserie 46. Thanks @kern2d!

2012-02-11T16:01:00.001-06:00

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'Woodstock' hyacinth. SO sexy.

2012-02-11T13:35:00.001-06:00

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Boxes from Holland smell of soil and spring.

2012-02-11T13:29:00.001-06:00

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Shameless reminder.

2012-02-10T13:35:00.001-06:00

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Untitled

2012-02-10T12:18:00.001-06:00

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This is only a test (does posterous still work?)

2012-02-10T11:16:00.001-06:00

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This is only a test (does posterous still work?)

2012-02-10T11:15:00.001-06:00

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Vote for Bastian+Skoog for the Diamond Awards, won't you please?

2011-10-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

Bastian+Skoog is thrilled to be nominated by a national panel of judges for the first ever Mpls/St. Paul Weddings' Diamond Awards.

Look for us in the Outstanding Flower Design category, and cast your vote here in our favor. Voting begins now and ends November 15 at midnight. The People's Choice winners will be announced in the Spring/Summer issue of Mpls/St. Paul Weddings Magazine. It's based solely on popular vote, so vote early, vote often (Okay, we jest. But if you love us, please tell your friends, moms, etc.)

Eli, no!

2011-10-17T12:01:00.000-05:00

Our dear friend, brilliant illustrator and the designer of our website, Katie Kirk (of Eight Hour Day fame), has a new children's book out, titled Eli, no!

You've have an opportunity to pick up her new tome, eat cake and listen to her read it this Saturday, October 22nd at the Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Grab your favorite kid and get ready to shout along: Eli, no!

NEW AD. NEW AD. NEW AD.

2011-07-14T16:19:00.001-05:00

Last night we attended the Minnesota Bride Best of Bride party at which the Fall/Winter issue of the magazine AND OUR NEW AD were unveiled. Undying gratitude goes to Kern Nickerson and Emily Snyder of Queen Quills.

Beth Bowman at Mitrebox

2011-07-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

In a fortuitous pileup of our best lady friends, Beth Bowman's work will be gracing the windows at Mitrebox Framing Studio for the month of July. A talented Twin Cities painter, she is this month's featured artist at Mitrebox. Experience and have the opportunity to purchase her work at our hands down favorite frame shop (and bring that stack of 20x200 pieces that have been hanging out frameless for years, and let Mary and Sara give them the respect they deserve.)

Midway Contemporary Art Benefit Installation

2011-06-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while we create something that wows even us. At the top of our list right now is an installation that we did for Midway Contemporary Art's benefit event we sponsored, entitled Judgement of Paris, recently held at Theatre de la Jeune Lune. This annual event is always a thrill for us to work on, as Midway is such an amazing organization and Laura Mullen is one of our favorite people with whom to collaborate. This year, in the midst of a super busy week, we pulled out all the stops and made something amazing (that actually made me shed a tear with pride and love for our wicked-good peeps.)

We've been caught up in the paper phenomenon for our wedding designs for a while now -- the lanterns, the pinwheels, the paper flowers, etc. We wanted to work with these elements, but in a less (and more) precious way, so we pulled out newspaper, parasols, bamboo, 6 foot fringe and about six shades of gold spray paint, and went to town creating an enormous hanging installation.

Flowerwise, we used a combination of soft shades -- spicy peach stock, fleshy parrot tulips, huge amber cymbidium orchids and gold James Storie orchids, all of which contrasted against ridiculous, but rad black lace covered vases for cocktail tables, a huge zinc vessel and dramatic lengths of contorted chestnut and French pussy willow branches as part of the center installation.

The result was kind of miraculous, and the piece received a lot of attention at the event. We also got the world's nicest and most flattering thank you note from the director of the gallery, John Rasmussen, someone we wildly respect:

Hi Liz and Heidi,

This is a little late in coming, but I wanted to thank you and your entire team for the absolutely unbelievable work you did for the benefit again this year.

I have had so many compliments on the floral and the ceiling centerpiece from guest that night. It went so far beyond anything we expected and worked so wonderfully with all the other elements of Judgement of Paris. I'm not sure how to say this without detracting from the auction works, but it was right up there with the best pieces - we should have talked to you about auctioning it off! (:

We can't thank you all enough for all you have done for Midway over the past few years for our benefits and look forward to working together throughout the year!

Fondly,

John

Attention RePUBlicans!

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

Attention RePUBlicans, we're happy to announce that the lovely new RePUBlic at Seven Corners (formerly the infamous Sgt. Preston's) will be open for lunch starting TODAY! Come and join us on their lovely patio (amidst our jolly plantings) and have one of about a billion tap beers and some summery fish tacos. A don't miss is their two dollar petite desserts by our dear heart, the lovely and amazing Sheela Nammakal. They also have a great happy hour from 4-6pm. We'll see you there (we'll be the girls in dresses looking suspicious and digging in their planters.)

16,000 Square Feet of Endless Potential

2011-06-03T11:44:00.002-05:00

Notably, this emblem, repeated throughout the space, symbolizes avarice.

Not for those with a fear of heights. Awesome(!) for those without.

This will remain and be turned into a rockin' mural. Each of these thousands of pieces needs to be tediously flipped by hand.

Yesterday we had the privilege of walking through CoCo's newest project in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Still smelling of stress, sawdust and type-A men, this historic space is being transformed into a non-traditional (and entirely brilliant) work environment for freelance professionals, small businesses and corporate workgroups. We're so thrilled to be involved with such a talented team in the creation of a lush new home, ripe for creation and collaboration. For more information about this project, check out CoCo's blog post here.

We've Done It Now.

2011-06-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

A pat on the back and a raise of our glass to everyone who helped make our new ad happen (at the thirteenth hour.) We can't say enough good things about our partners in crime -- Kern Nickerson, Aaron Hansen, and Emily Snyder of Queen Quills Calligraphy. There's nothing hotter and more exhilarating than the freshness, urgency and synergy of seat of your pants design, and we certainly don't deserve the luxury of such great collaborators who share our vision and make things happen so effortlessly.

Here's a tease of our new ad. Because we're like that. You'll find it on page one of Minnesota Bride Magazine's Fall/Winter issue on newsstands at the beginning of July.

Our Favorite Things: Nurseries (or A Day of Running Around with Liz and Heidi)

2011-05-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

Some days we do nothing but run around. Yesterday was hopelessly devoted to our foodie clients, Aster Cafe and Republic, for whom we are planting outdoor containers. After a quick trip to the Aster to size up the situation, we checked in on progress at Republic, where we found Billy O'Reilly pitching in on the painting. We heartily approve of how things are shaping up (and we daresay our paint selections are stellar in the space). After a quick stop at the Seven Corners geyser, we headed on to shop plants, including a stop at the lovely Tangletown Gardens for inspiration.

As usual, we got gawked at at the nursery for our non-garish carts full of foliage plants. It's okay. We're cool with that. If you need smart and sexy container gardens, you know where to find us. We'd love to set you up.

Black and White and Soft All Over

2011-05-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

Misha and Nick's wedding was an event loaded with interesting details. Starting with black and white toile linens, we kept the floral and decor soft and antique feeling with some modern elements mixed in. The result was a lush, eclectic and and very elegant event.

We designed the personal flowers with a very light hand. Pristine roses and orchids in pale shades and little bits of texture from white nerine lilies, freesia, dusty miller, bunnytail grass, and andromeda heather resulted in restful, but highly intricate bouquets.

Having the ceremony and reception in the same room is always a challenge for event designers. Trying to create a striking and sacred space against a backlit wall of glass also requires considerable creativity. For the ceremony we envisioned a light and twinkly backdrop incorporating lucite, glass, candlelight, succulents, gardenias, orchids, terrariums, raw silk ribbon and glass bubble garland. The results were stunning.

The space was quickly turned during cocktail hour. The neutral palette was warmed up with lighting and luscious florals in soft, antique fall shades. Elevated centerpieces of peegee hydrangea, magnolia and dendrobium orchids were designed in birdfeeders. Low arrangements of roses, andromeda heather, peegee hydrangea, scabiosa pods and echeveria were held by cast iron urns.

Kudos to some of our favorite peeps who worked on this event with us: Bungalow 6 Design, Linen Effects, Minneapolis Golf Club and photography by Red Ribbon Studio.

Labor Days

2011-05-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

Black eyes, bruises, cardboard cuts, blisters from lighters, embedded thorns, spray painted fingers, flooded cars and laps...our devoted peeps take one for the team everyday in a job that is deceptively physical. Now that we finally have a moment to take a breath, we wanted to again proclaim our eternal devotion to the people who never quit on us and make us look SO good, even when it's 10pm, when working conditions are 40 degrees and full of fumes, when lunch is pretzel m&ms and dinner is whisky and animal crackers. We couldn't possibly deserve you, but we're so glad you're here!

Frocktails Featured on Secrets of the City

2011-05-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

Summer of Dresses, which I helped to start last year is back for it's second season of prettiness. The kick off Frocktail party is tonight from 5-8 at everyone's favorite, Aster Cafe. If you're someone who prefers 'dapper' to dresses (or just wants to surround yourself with scads of pretty ladies), you are cordially invited to join us! Follow Summer of Dresses on twitter to get your fix of eyecandy. More info can be found in Secrets of the City's feature, too.

Midway Contemporary Art Benefit Art Auction Sneak Peek

2011-04-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

Today we are beginning to set up for the magic that is Midway Contemporary Art's Annual Art Auction Benefit event. Titled The Judgement of Paris, this 7th Annual event for them will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2011 at the totally cool and slightly creepy Theatre de la Jeune Lune. We scoped out the cavernous space weeks ago, and immediately climbed for the rafters (into which we are now no longer allowed to go). We can't wait to suspend "cool shit" and help to transform this amazing and underused space in the Warehouse District. Here are a few pics from our first mission:

Ours is the Orange One. 'Nuff Said.

2011-04-27T11:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of our installation for Minneapolis Institute of Arts ART IN BLOOM. Suffice it to say, ours is the orange one. The event starts Thursday, April 28th and runs through Sunday, May 1st.

Up Early for Mpls/St. Paul Magazine Weddings

2011-04-27T11:12:00.000-05:00

We started the day early this morning, preparing bouquets for a photo shoot for Weddings | Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. They asked for hot and bright, and we gave them just that -- a vibrant yellow and a shocking fuchsia bridal bouquet. Were mohair and wax dipped succulents involved? Well, you'll just have to wait and see.

Blizzard Wedding: Nothing Short of Epic.

2011-04-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Finally on this beautiful spring day we have jolly images for you from a technicolor winter wedding during the biggest snowstorm of the year (18 inches in one day!) A testament to the toughness, flexibility and devotion of their friends, families (and vendors!), Debra and Alex literally had wedding guests shovel their driveways with cookie sheets (!!!) to make it to their wedding. The one thing Debra kept repeating during our meetings was that they wanted it to be "fun". And it was. When we came back to tear down after their event, they were still dancing up a storm to an amazeballs band. We ran into old clients and friends, met new clients, and were SO warmly received by everyone involved. It was one of those nights we felt so lucky to get to do what we do.

A brilliant team of people worked on this event including Amy Zaroff Events + Design, the staff at The Depot, and of course Red Ribbon Studio, who captured the vibrant and joyful images you've seen here. For even more of their images of this event, click here.

Thumbs up for new Blu Dot desks

2011-03-07T13:32:00.000-06:00

We've been searching high and low for the perfect desks for our office. As if on cue, our hometown favorite Blu Dot is conveniently having a brilliant event. They are holding an online swap meet where people offer up their talents and/or first borns in the hopes of trading for a sweet piece of furniture. At risk of overkill (I also have a strut table in my library) we've got our eyes on their medium strut tables. A pair, back to back, makes a perfect 56" square, which satisfies us to no end.

We're offering a swap for a season of weekly flower arrangements (and we're cautiously optimistic that they'll go for it -- Lord knows that we are their people, and vice versa.) If you want to help our cause, please follow the link and give our offer a "thumbs up" and then check out the other propositions ranging from wildly awesome to downright creepy. Better yet, give 'em your best offer!

Bastian+Skoog is featured in the new South of Canada

2011-02-14T10:38:00.000-06:00

There's a new weekly online magazine in town, South of Canada, and this week we are featured as part of their Valentine's Day edition. Read more of our Valentine's tips and general musings here.

Crunch Time: Valentine's Day Edition

2011-02-10T09:00:00.003-06:00

Okay kids. For realz. Now is the time to place your Valentine's Day flower orders so that your favorite Bastian+Skoog ladies can whip up something fabulous for your sweetie AND get a few hours of sleep between now and the big Day o' Love. Because Valentine's Day lands on a Monday this year, we need your orders in by Friday the 11th. NO exceptions. Not even if we really reeeealy like you. Here are the deets we need in order to set you up in fine style:

Arrangements start at $50 plus tax and delivery (but wouldn'tcha like to see what kind of luck you'd have with a hundred?) Delivery is $12 within the metro area, or pick up from our studio if you'd prefer.

+ Name, address and phone number of recipient

+ Date you would like delivery (Sunday is not an option. If you want flowers delivered on Monday the 14th we MUST have your order by Friday the 11th.)

+ Credit card number

+ Billing name/address/phone/email

+ Sentiment for card -- we can hand write your specific request, or we can include a fancy pre-written one from our amazing calligrapher, Queen Quills (while supplies last!)

+ Any flower and/or color requests (Smart kids don't buy roses on V-day. Trust us on this one)

+ Amount you would like to spend before tax and delivery ($50 minimum)

If you'd like to see more of our work, check out our site.
If you need hand holding, have special needs, or just want to say "hi", dial us at 612.333.6450.
If you trust us implicitly, just drop us an email with the above information to studio(at)bastianskoog.com. Something fresh and fabulous will be delivered wrapped in our signature sexy black paper, and you'll get all the credit.
If you know people who might require prompting for this sort of thing (i.e. spouses, clueless coworkers), please forward or re-post/tweet this message.

Radar Favorites

2011-02-09T16:04:00.000-06:00

"Best flowers ever" are how we are described by Jen Knoch in her virtual concierge service, Radar's, What's the Deal listings. Check out her recommendations for other great local and independent Valentine's Day events, ideas and retailers including our friends at pH OREM, Mitrebox Framing and Chowgirls.

Bastian+Skoog is featured on Stuff I ♥

2011-02-09T09:00:00.001-06:00

We were just informed by our friend and sweet bride, Carla Fahden, that Bastian+Skoog is featured on Stuff I ♥, a blog by the super stylish Quinn Risdall. Thanks ladies, for keeping us in the know!

Valentine's Contest Revisited: Coco de Mer

2011-02-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

A couple of years ago we ran a contest offering free flowers for the cheekiest Valentine's sentiment. This year we couldn't help but notice that Coco de Mer is continuing our great idea. We thought we'd take this opportunity to A.) introduce you to (or remind you of) one of our favorite skivvies stockists where you can get little ditties like this one that I'm longing for with the hotsy totsy zipper in the back (hint, hint) and B.) reinspire you for this Valentine's Day with the greatness that was received by a lucky one of our clients from her beau:

Tied up in knots
a bite on the shoulder
i tugged at her hair
e’re my heart ‘gan to smoulder

‘twixt sheets, silken black
lo! - a spank on the bum!
nervous.. am i naughty?
mayhaps too tame?
mayhaps ho-hum!!

then, a crash!$%
my friends,
- a cloud of smoke! -
i hung from the ceiling
prisoner,
to gravity’s heavy yoke

and in this moment she approacheth
e’re my moment of despair
kisses to my forehead
gentle strokes to my hair

she cackled with delight
bit hard on my lip.
candles and oils…
- hey-o! what’s with the whip? -

t’would kiss her
would i could
like a great prince of yore
be kama to her sutra
make her cry out “more! more!”

my situation you see, was desperate but not dire
distance it seemed, sparked my heart’s russian fire

and so, i waited,
bound but still brave
to plot Act II
self cast
as Handsome Knave

So it will go,
through months and years
the drama will unfold
many climaxes - few tears

and as I gaze to the West
I wait for a sign.
for the curtain to rise,
‘tween me and
my heart’s rowdy Valentine.

It'd be a great day to place your Valentine's Day flower order

2011-02-07T09:00:00.019-06:00

Valentine's Day breathing down your neck? We've got you covered. If you'd like to order flowers for your sweeties please place your orders with us by Friday the 11th. Arrangements start at $50 plus tax and delivery (but wouldn'tcha like to see what kind of luck you'd have with a hundred?) Delivery is $12 within the metro area, or pick up from our studio if you'd prefer.

Give us a holler with this essential info by Friday the 11th:

+ Name, address and phone number of recipient

+ Date you would like delivery (Sunday is not an option. If you want flowers delivered on Monday the 14th we MUST have your order by Friday the 11th.)

+ Credit card number

+ Billing name/address/phone/email

+ Sentiment for card (we can hand write your specific request, or we can include a fancy pre-written one from our amazing calligrapher, Queen Quills)

+ Any flower and/or color requests (Smart kids don't buy roses on V-day. Trust us on this one)

+ Amount you would like to spend before tax and delivery ($50 minimum)

If you'd like to see more of our work, check out our site.
If you need hand holding, have special needs, or just want to say "hi", dial us at 612.333.6450.
If you trust us implicitly, just drop us an email with the above information to studio(at)bastianskoog.com. Something fresh and fabulous will be delivered wrapped in our signature sexy black paper, and you'll get all the credit.
If you know people who might require prompting for this sort of thing (i.e. spouses, clueless coworkers), please forward or re-post/tweet this message.

Out of Town Honeys?

2011-02-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

Do you have an out-of-towner who deserves something gorgeous for Valentine's Day? We'd like nothing more than to set you up. Bastian+Skoog is part of an elite wire service that allows us to arrange for delivery of flowers (that meet our high standards) across the country. Phew. One less thing to worry about. Contact us for details.

There Will Be Masks

2011-02-05T09:00:00.001-06:00

Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)

Venus Rising from the Sea ('Venus Anadyomene') about 1520

As I write Heidi is busy doing arrangements for the visiting bigwigs who are in town for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' new exhibit: Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. We are also in a heated discussion about what to wear to the 'Bella Naughty' opening party tonight (Saturday February 5th), inspired by the city of Venice and its Carnevale. We've got our heads covered, and that's about it. Suggestions welcome...we'll see you there.

For further details, check out the MIA's site.

Featured in Minnesota Bride: Museum Weddings

2011-02-04T10:57:00.002-06:00

Our sweet bride and groom Jill and Mark who were wed at the Basilica and had their reception at the Walker Art Center were featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Minnesota Bride as part of an article on museum weddings. Lace/Hanky did such a stellar job capturing the sweetness and fun of this wedding. See more of their ceremony images here.

Our Words of Valentine's Wisdom on City's Best.

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

We got a foxy write up in a Valentine's Day article this week on City's Best. Oh Lord in heaven, did I really use the word 'harbinger'? Ugh, yes. Yes I did. Nonetheless, it's a lovely little blip of our tips for buying flowers on Valentine's Day and very kind words about our studio from Kristen Aeikens.

Bastian+Skoog is featured in The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook

2011-02-03T15:00:00.001-06:00

We’re so thrilled to announce we've made it into our first coffee table book! The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook is now out. The book is available online at The Knot Wedding Shop and at Amazon.com. You’ll also find it at Barnes & Noble and Borders (but try your indie bookstore first, please!)

This deliciously red and aqua wedding which was previously published in Martha Stewart Weddings, was photographed by the crazy-talented Liz Banfield. It was a great example of modern floral design working in very traditional spaces (Wayzata Community Church and Wayzata Country Club). We loved the lushness and fine texture of carnations contrasted by slick aqua satin. Divine stationery to complement was created by Watermark.

Aren't our Cosies Cosy?

2011-02-03T09:00:00.006-06:00

We promised you sneak peeks of our handknit cosies, and here they are. #swoon A hug for your vase and clearly something you never knew you needed. Until now.

And will you take a look at the little cards? Our mind-blowingly great in-house calligrapher Emily Snyder, the queen of Queen Quills, is creating squeal-worthy sentiments that we can attach to our arrangements for you.

Handknit Valentine Cosies

2011-02-02T12:09:00.000-06:00

You may not yet be thinking of Valentine's Day, but we at Bastian+Skoog are already up to our eyeballs in it. This year we are employing one of our favorite crafty ladies, Bertie (AKA the mother-in-law of the Skoog), to design and handknit delicious vase cosies for our Valentine arrangements. Flossy magenta mohair and superthick undyed wool are just a couple of options adding gorgeous texture and psychological warmth to our already optimistic fresh flower arrangements. Foxy, Scandi, modern, unexpected: stay tuned, we'll have sneak peeks of the finished designs for you soon.

Bastian+Skoog Sponsors Raccoon Rally #boysbikesyay

2010-04-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

We're superproud sponsors of the Raccoon Rally, an alley cat race through Minneapolis, created by Greg at Urban Bean Coffee. Sign up and ride! The event is on Friday May 7th, and ends at the 30 Days of Biking Party, an event not to be missed.

*Note: 30 Days of Biking was inspired by my 30 Days of Yoga. They get all the glory as there were only three of us who did yoga (fistbumps to @MissHQ and @cevono) vs. about a million who are biking, yet we coexist peacefully and have made a lot of new friends in the Twin Cities biking community.

Art in Bloom 2010

2010-04-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

Our pal Amanda Hankerson was taking super-sly photos of us today as we did our installation for Art in Bloom 2010 "Hello Toyko" at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. It runs through Sunday May 2nd, but go early for "freshness"!

Want more preview photos? Check out the MIA's photostream.

Here We Go.

2010-04-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

We got a chance to set up a sweet springtime-y fresh event on the stage of the McGuire Theater at the Walker Art Center yesterday. Our event season starts with a bang. Right. Now.

Speaking of the Walker, we're so excited to find out that Juana Molina will be performing there on June 26th with her brand of Argentinian/electronic wickywacky awesomeness. Trust us on this one. We'll see you there.

What's Under There?

2010-04-07T09:29:00.003-05:00

There's no good morning like the kind that delivers an email from Agent Provocateur touting their wares. In this case, it's a new bridal collection. Oh, to have another wedding night (or just to pretend).

Posted via email from Bastian Skoog

Valentine's Day is a-comin'.

2010-02-09T16:02:00.001-06:00

This Sunday, February 14th is everybody's 'favorite' holiday. Let Bastian+Skoog make Valentine's Day sweet and slick for you this year. If you'd like flowers for your sweeties, please place your orders with us by noon on Friday the 12th.

Arrangements start at $50 plus tax and delivery (but wouldn'tcha like to see what kind of luck you'd have with a hundred?). Delivery is $10 within the metro area, or you may pick up from our studio if you'd prefer.

Got an out of town sweetheart? Bastian+Skoog can now have foxy flowers delivered for you across the US through a super chic wire service. Contact us if you've got a long distance love, and we'll give you the details.

Give us a holler with this essential info by Friday the 12th at noon:

Name, address and phone number of recipient
Date you would like delivery (Friday the 12th, Saturday the 13th, or Sunday the 14th)
Method of payment
Complete billing address and phone number
Sentiment for card
Any flower and/or color requests (Smart kids don't buy roses on V-day. Trust us on this one)
Amount you would like to spend before tax and delivery ($50 minimum)

If you'd like to see more of our work, check out our site.
If you need hand holding, have special needs, or just want to say "hi", dial us at 612.333.6450.
If you trust us implicitly, just drop us an email with the above information to studio(at)bastianskoog.com. Something fresh and fabulous will be delivered wrapped in sexy black paper, and you'll get all the credit.
If you know people who might require prompting for this sort of thing (i.e. spouses, clueless coworkers), please forward or re-post/tweet this message.

Lisa and Rich (+Heidi) on Madeline Island

2009-09-08T12:50:00.009-05:00

One of Heidi's oldest friends was recently wed on Madeline Island. Perfect weather, the perfect setting, sweet, small, and intimate; this was one of our favorite weddings of the summer.

We had the pleasure of designing details of Lisa's wedding. The sweet touches of luminaries along the dock, coral-hued lanterns on the porch, turquoise and royal coral printed votives flickering on the tables, and of course, the super-striking color palette of corals and blues made this an ever-so-photogenic event. And it didn't hurt that Heidi was a bridesmaid (check out her shoes).

View more photos of the eye candy on Lace/Hanky's blog.

Studio Nitty Gritty (or yes, we do all of our work on that little table...)

2009-08-10T09:31:00.004-05:00

We've explained it a million times, but still get asked WHAT exactly we are. "Are you a flower shop?"...nope. We're a floral design studio. All of our work is custom, and all of our flowers are purchased from our wholesaler to your order. What this means is that while you can't walk in and pick up an arrangement without contacting us ahead of time, if you give us a jingle or shoot us an email, you'll get crazy fresh flowers -- anything that strikes your fancy. Want to see the guts of our space? Check it...

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Bastian Skoog

Bastian+Skoog is on the teevee

2009-05-08T13:30:00.002-05:00

We escaped what could have been major public humiliation with this teevee appearance for Metromix on KARE 11. Big thanks to the charming Chris Kallal for making it (relatively) painless and easy and to Taylor Carik for his tireless promotion on our behalf.

B+S lands in the Secrets of the City Mother's Day Guide

2009-05-07T15:57:00.003-05:00

Our favorite know-it-all Kate Iverson listed Bastian+Skoog in Secrets of the City's Secrets to Mom's Heart: Mother's Day Guide 2009. Check our her exhaustive list of fresh ideas on how to treat your mom. Whether it's a recipe for "Heart Attack Potatoes" or a field trip to secret local sanctuary, the amazing Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, she's got just the right idea for your mom.

Front Page News

2009-05-07T15:30:00.003-05:00

A Bastian+Skoog winter wedding (photographed by Sally from LaVie Photography) was featured today on the front page of that bottomless pit of brilliant ideas, Style Me Pretty. Sweet words from the article:

The second wedding that we are featuring today is pure gorgeousness. Which is exactly what we’d expect from the amazing ladies at Bastian+Skoog.

Aw, shucks...

2009-05-07T14:49:00.004-05:00

The heart melting thank you note of the day comes from Jill and Mark, a couple whose wedding we recently designed.

Dear Liz + Heidi,

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing pieces of art you created for our wedding! From our first meeting, I was dazzled by your creativity, and I knew you would bring beauty to our day. But, what appeared that snowy February Saturday overwhelmed me. You completely captured the essence of our wedding...and pushed it beyond my dreams. I will forever remember my bouquet and our table arrangements as pieces of sculpture...and I will forever be thankful to both of you for creating them for us.

Thank you!
Jill and Mark

Call Your Mother

2009-05-05T14:19:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, May 10th is Mother's Day. Guess what -- she'd really like some flowers. Guess what else -- Bastian+Skoog can set you up. Near or far, we'll arrange something perfect for your most significant other (ask us about long distance orders, and we'll say "yes we can"). We'll also have extra special hand-tied bouquets available for sale at Surdyk's in the cheese shop if you've waited too long and are embarrassed to call us (you know who you are)...

And before the emails start coming in, yes, that's Liz's momma in the middle. And yes, she's cooler than your momma.

Mayday, Mayday!

2009-05-01T13:21:00.003-05:00

How freakin' cute is this May Day basket we delivered today for one of our brides (from one of our favorite grooms)? Oh how we wish that someone had sent us these. Hyacinth, stock, and sweet peas made for the most luscious and fine smellin' basket -- enough to make anyone's nose gay (get it? nosegay? hehe). What a nice holiday. Can we all get it together next year and send some springtime sweetness to someone we dig on May Day? Yes, let's.

26th Annual Art in Bloom

2009-04-30T15:05:00.010-05:00

Check out our "goods" at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Annual Art in Bloom. This splendid spring celebration highlights the talents of Bastian+Skoog as well as more than 160 floral artists, whose work will be on view next to the works of art that inspired them. You're invited to sample the fragrant scents in the museum, enjoy a lecture or demonstration, attend a party or free docent tour, and browse in the Art in Bloom Shop. The event runs Thursday, May 30th through this Sunday, June 3rd.

P.S. The last image is not our design. But you probably guessed that...

Chicks Dig Flowers.

2009-04-08T14:01:00.004-05:00

Passover and Easter are upon us. Are you entertaining? Are you being entertained? Do you need flowers? Of course you do. Whatever you require, we'll set you up.

Bastian+Skoog Studio is available for local deliveries of fabulous centerpieces ($50 and up). Wanna treat a long distance loved one? We have been asked to join a fine flower consortium (a fancy-pants FTD sort of thing), so you can now have Bastian+Skoog style sent across the country (and the world!). Please place your orders by Friday. Our hand-tied bouquets are also available in the cheese shop at Surdyk's Liquor Store ($15-35).

Purple is the New Orange

2009-03-30T10:18:00.009-05:00

We didn't like purple. The bride didn't like purple. She said that purple was the next big thing...that the pantone color of the year was kind of purplish...that all of her bridesmaids looked really good in purple. And so she had a purple wedding. And we all kind of fell in love. Ceremony at the gorgeous Noerenberg Gardens, reception at the Lafayette Club (where purple looks quite great with the pale yellow walls), photos by the (also quite great) Meghan Doll.

Mrs. Liz Gets Married

2009-03-27T15:36:00.007-05:00

Our bride, affectionately nicknamed Mrs. Liz, married her groom on the breathtaking Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theater. The Lace/Hanky lassies created some beautiful photo eye candy with the amazing architecture and lovely view of the Mississippi River and the Stone Arch Bridge. We love Linda's non-traditional orchid-hued wedding dress -- so grown up, so big city, so very Mrs. Liz.

ARTCRANK 2009: A Poster Party for Bike People

2009-03-27T13:58:00.008-05:00

Our wheels are spinning as we plot something fabulous for ARTCRANK 2009
The show opens on Saturday, April 4 at One On One Bicycle Studio, located at 117 Washington Ave. N in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. You'll find foxy posters from the likes of Seventhsin, Aesthetic Apparatus, Joanne Grobe, and Adam Turman, The irresistible Millions Billions will make you shake it (not that there will be room to dance). Oh, and did we mention apps by Chowgirls Killer Catering and free beer? Woo hoo!
We were in earlier this week and, escorted by the always charming Charles Youel, we got to dig through the bowels of the one on one basement to scavenge for bike bits. If you haven't been, you really need to go, but make sure to tell someone where you are -- otherwise you could be lost for days... and a tough girl/greasy metal/lush swampy fresh floral installation from us will make you wish it were (really) spring.

Black and White at the Walker

2009-03-27T11:03:00.009-05:00

Now that we have black and white on the brain, we thought we'd whip out another gorgeous spread of black and white wedding deliciousness. Chambers Hotel and the Walker Art Center make such lovely, graphic backdrops for events and photos. These of Heather and Neal's March wedding, shot by Andrew Vick, are no exception.

We really, really love the face our bride (on the right) made when she saw the bouquets. This face (as well as the teary face) is what makes our job so great.

Black feathers, stephanotis blooms with black pins, fabulous striped ribbon, and black detailing on Heather's dress add serious punch to a white wedding.

It's Official:Our Website Rocks (and don't just take our word for it).

2009-03-25T15:37:00.006-05:00

The Bastian+Skoog website, designed by our friends at the superfab EightHourDay, is officially h-o-t. AIGA Minnesota, a professional association for design, held it's 2009 Design Show of Excellence for print and interactive media last week. Big kudos to EightHourDay who were recognized for their design work on not only our site, but their Minnesota Opera project, as well.

Black and White at the Weisman

2009-03-24T16:12:00.011-05:00

Lovely images by Sally Jorgensen of La Vie Photography of the recent winter wedding of Carla and Jack. Their black and white scheme was punctuated with bursts of color complements of the Weisman Art Museum. Effective touches we loved included custom table runners and table numbers printed on wine bottles -- so graphic and foxy.

My Cheeky Valentine

2009-03-11T13:03:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, we held a contest where we invited out clients to create the cheekiest sentiment for their Valentine's Day flower order. The winner of the contest received their flowers for free. While we had several quality submissions, there was a hands down winner. Originally, we were going to announce the name of the winner and keep the sentiment private, but with only a little prodding our winner is kindly letting us repost his card here for your enjoyment and inspiration.

Tied up in knots
a bite on the shoulder
i tugged at her hair
e’re my heart ‘gan to smoulder

‘twixt sheets, silken black
lo! - a spank on the bum!
nervous.. am i naughty?
mayhaps too tame?
mayhaps ho-hum!!

then, a crash!$%
my friends,
- a cloud of smoke! -
i hung from the ceiling
prisoner,
to gravity’s heavy yoke

and in this moment she approacheth
e’re my moment of despair
kisses to my forehead
gentle strokes to my hair

she cackled with delight
bit hard on my lip.
candles and oils…
- hey-o! what’s with the whip? -

t’would kiss her
would i could
like a great prince of yore
be kama to her sutra
make her cry out “more! more!”

my situation you see, was desperate but not dire
distance it seemed, sparked my heart’s russian fire

and so, i waited,
bound but still brave
to plot Act II
self cast
as Handsome Knave

So it will go,
through months and years
the drama will unfold
many climaxes - few tears

and as I gaze to the West
I wait for a sign.
for the curtain to rise,
‘tween me and
my heart’s rowdy Valentine.

Secrets of the Sweethearts

2009-03-11T12:33:00.003-05:00

Our studio was mentioned by Kate Iverson for Secrets of the City's Valentine's guide. We liked it so much we're reprinting our writeup here, but do check out the entire article for other sweet finds including our cupcake dealer, Sheela, at Miel y Leche.

LOVE IN BLOOM

Forget the red roses this year -- that's been done. If you want your gesture to be original and memorable, we suggest thinking beyond the baby's breath!

Bastian + Skoog Urban Flower Studio

Liz Bastian and Heidi Skoog are green-thumbed art stars. As owners of the hottest floral design studio in the Twin Cities, these ladies share some very key ideals that include "a hunger for good design and culture (and shoes), modern aesthetic sensibilities, and most importantly, discriminating taste." And these qualities are definitely evident in their unusual, custom floral designs, and their long, impressive roster of high-end clients. For those who hold art close to their heart, an arrangement from the contemporary perfectionists at Bastian + Skoog is equally satisfying to give and to get. But, beware. You'll likely become a regular, scheduling artsy arrangements for business, special occasions, and special people.

Vote for Bastian+Skoog (again). Pretty please?

2009-02-24T12:10:00.002-06:00

We, the ladies of Bastian+Skoog, kindly ask you to vote for our studio in the MN Bride Best of Bride contest in the categories of "best overall vendor" and "florist". Note: this is different than the Downtown Journal contest we asked for your help with recently.

Bastian+Skoog won "best florist" the first two years of this competition when it was voted on by wedding vendors. The rules have changed and voting is now done by brides (and the general public), thus favoring the bigger businesses who work with piles of brides. As such, we, who have exponentially fewer wedding clients, rely on you (you, with the impeccable taste) to prettyplease follow the link and fill out the ballot to show your support for our studio.

VOTE HERE: http://www.mnbride.com
for Bastian+Skoog in the categories of "best overall vendor" and "florist".

FINE PRINT:
Voting closes March 1st, 2009.
At least six categories must be completed for your vote to count (not too difficult -- you can vote for your favorite DJ, caterer, spa, restaurant, hotel, jeweler, photographer, etc.)
Only one vote per individual, and you must fill out the starred personal information for your vote to count.

If you really, really like us, please post or forward this note along to other B+S allies.

Eternal gratitude and big kisses from your B+S girls,

Liz and Heidi

Vote for B+S!

2009-02-11T12:56:00.002-06:00

Downtown Journal is having their Reader Raves contest. If you happen to have time and you happen to like us, would you be so kind as to fill out their ballot and vote for Bastian+Skoog as your favorite florist? It's a great opportunity to support and promote your other neighborhood businesses, as well. The deadline for the contest is this Friday, the 13th of February, so be quick about it!

http://www.downtownjournal.com/index.php?&story=13178&page=65&category=105

Big thanks from your girls at Bastian+Skoog,
Liz and Heidi

Almost Famous

2009-02-09T14:46:00.006-06:00

Our flowers are going to be pimped out by the effervescent know it all Alexis Walsko of Lola Red PR. Check her out as she offers tips on foxy Valentine's Day gifts on Kare11 at 4pm today. Image by Dane Cree (danecree@hotmail.com).

Valentine's Day Alert (and a contest for the cheeksters among you!)

2009-02-05T12:55:00.003-06:00

Hey friends,

Valentine's Day is a-comin'. If you'd like flowers for your sweeties please place your orders with us soon.

In an effort to keep ourselves entertained and inspire you to greatness, we are having our first annual racy sentiment contest. For the steamiest, cheekiest, cleverest sender, your flower order will be free! The winning sender will be announced, but all secrets and sentiments are safe with us! We won't think less of you if you don't participate, but we just might think more of you if you do.

In world news, Bastian+Skoog can now have foxy flowers delivered across the US through a super chic wire service. Contact us if you've got a long distance love, and we'll give you the details.

Pricing: Arrangements start at $50 plus tax and delivery (but wouldn'tcha like to see what kind of luck you'd have with a hundred?). Delivery is $10 within the metro area, or you may pick up from our studio if you'd prefer.

Timing: Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year. Consider if you'd prefer a Friday or a Saturday delivery (flowers are like babies: Minnesota winter means someone must be available to receive the delivery). We can accept orders until Thursday the 12th. After this time you are out of luck unless your bribery skills are exceptional, although we will have hand tied bouquets available in the cheese shop at Surdyk's Liquor and Cheese Shop in NE Minneapolis.

Essential Info:
Name of recipient
Address of recipient
Phone number of recipient
Sentiment for card
Method of payment (call us with your credit card number. If you'd rather pay by cash or check, we can send out an invoice)
Billing address/phone
Any flower and/or color requests (Smart kids don't buy roses on V-day. Trust us on this one)
Amount you would like to spend (not including tax+delivery)
Date you would like delivery (Friday the 13th or Saturday the 14th)

If you'd like to see our work, check us out.
If you need hand holding, have special needs, or just want to say "hi", dial us at 612.333.6450.
If you trust us implicitly, just drop us a note with the above information. Something fresh and fabulous will be delivered wrapped in sexy black paper.
If you know people who might require prompting for this sort of thing (i.e. spouses, clueless coworkers), please forward this info along.

A Literary Bride

2009-01-14T15:30:00.003-06:00

Bastian+Skoog's flowers were featured today in Style Me Pretty's blog, in a post titled, "A Literary Bride". A good book, sultry tropical flowers, a most handsome reading chair...perfect recipe for a cold day like today.

2008-12-19T11:38:00.009-06:00

Congratulations to our web design heroes, EightHourDay, who just finished their new website and identity, which is, of course, a triumph. We still are completely enamored with our new Bastian+Skoog site, and they seem to like it, too, as they are featuring it on their selected works page. There really aren't enough good things to say about EightHourDay -- incredible designwork, eternal patience and hand holding, and they're really, really nice kids. Check out their site to be humbled by their coolness.

It's such a shame you're a boy...

2008-12-19T11:21:00.004-06:00

A little ditty to remind you ladies of equal opportunity...

Irresistible: SooVAC's holiday sale event

2008-12-19T09:31:00.006-06:00

If you're anything like me, you are still in denial that Christmas is around the corner. Mercifully, Soo Visual Arts Center is here to the rescue with Irresistible, offering fabulous one of a kind art and crafts (without having to go to a mall) by the likes of local gems such as Amy Rice and Jennifer Davis. Irresistible runs from December 17th through the 24th, with a special sales event on Saturday December 20th which will feature our very own Lindsey Borgerson. Her wares will include these sexy maze puzzles packed up in petite little boxes lined with flocked paper -- a perfect stocking stuffer (yes, Dave and Kern, you will be getting them, so act surprised!). If you haven't yet seen her amazing mazes, check out her blog, maze of the day, for your daily fix. And buy a puzzle or a foxy screenprinted t-shirt, print, or roaring fire dvd (approved for asthma sufferers). Skip the mall, support local artists, give an interesting hand-made gift, will ya?

Style Me Pretty Blog Appearance

2008-12-09T17:55:00.005-06:00

We were pleased (okay, thrilled) to find that one of our images was used recently on Style Me Pretty's new Little Black Book blog. We were fortunate to be asked to be in their Little Black Book, a handpicked directory of an elite group of wedding vendors. The wedding obsessed among you, of course already know about this resource, but in case you are just starting on your wedding planning -- do not pass go, Style Me Pretty is a bottomless pit of brilliant wedding ideas and life styling ideas.

What? You're dreaming of a BROWN Christmas?

2008-12-09T17:33:00.007-06:00

Okay. If you insist...

The super foxy Dowling Studio

2008-12-09T12:05:00.011-06:00

Attended (and did the flowers for) a holiday party in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie Theater on Saturday. Wow. Fabulous. Gorgeous. Perfect. A totally dramatic and flexible space with black walls, black floors, black linens, disappearing walls, amazing city views and INCREDIBLE lighting. This is simply the hottest space we've seen in a long time. Hot boys not included (big thanks to our unwilling models, Homme and Dave).

Oh, and did I mention the food? How I love thee, Cue.

Christmas has landed at St. Olaf

2008-12-09T11:28:00.010-06:00

We came, we saw, we conquered (the trees at St. Olaf, that is). This year we went for a retro aqua and red combo -- lots of foil, lots of flocking, lots of saturated color. For those of you spying on us with the Hi Mom cam, here is a front-view of the trees, per your requests.

Sea Salt: fresh spot for a wedding

2008-12-09T10:42:00.004-06:00

One of the most unexpected and wonderful weddings of our season this year was that of Lisa Lynch and Tom Pinney. We'd never worked at Sea Salt by Minnehaha Falls, an unorthodox spot for nuptials, but it cleaned up real nice and made for a terrifically relaxed and festive reception. A knockout bride in a $12 dress (!!! Thank you, J. Crew), the most darling flowergirl ever (Hi Lark!), and a perfect day made this wedding truly eyecandy. Thank you to Stephanie Colgan for the fabulous images!

Firs and glitter.

2008-11-30T18:38:00.003-06:00

It's the eve of our annual swoop down upon St. Olaf College. This week, armed with floral boombox upon which the dance music will be turned up to 11, the ladies of Bastian+Skoog will make magic happen. We'll spew forth red and aqua delights on the bloody enormous trees just in time for the legendary Christmas Festival. Yes, all you Oles know what we're talkin' 'bout.

If you want to order any flowers Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, don't. Unless you live in Northfield. Wait, even then don't. We'll be up to our eyeballs in firs and glitter.

If you want to see the action, witness the awesome, sparkly, plastic burden which these trees must bear, then check it out in real time on the Hi Mom Cam, which just so happens to be right on top of us. We'll wave once in a while, just in case you're looking.

Dance Party Alert (sleep in on Thursday)

2008-11-25T15:05:00.005-06:00

Our pally Jake is doing it again: Transmission @ Club Jager. Come dance with us, Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 10:00pm. Here's the scoop from the horse's mouth:

Hey friends,

As the tagline reads...it is the biggest, busiest and best TRANSMISSION of the year! It's a night where everyone lets it all hang out as most can sleep in the next day and not have to go to work.

www.myspace.com/transmissiondj

If you generally have to skip TRANSMISSION on Wednesday nights due to the work week, this is your chance to come and shake it to the sounds you won't hear at any other club in town...especially the new wave and "alternative dance" songs you loved from high school and college...with a few guilty pleasures mixed in (George Michael anyone?)

It's truly going to be one heck of a night this year with great music prizes to give away and drink specials all night!

There's free parking, and the club is off the beaten path in downtown MPLS so you don't have to deal with all of the drunken folks at the cheesy bars in the heart of downtown.

My only advice is to get down there early to find your spot for the evening as people have lined up outside the doors to get in on previous years, and the club is only so big.

I can't wait to provide the soundtrack & play some early MTV vids you haven't seen since Martha Quinn was a VJ!

Cheers,

Jake

Just a taste of some of the artists you may hear. Just don't spill your drink on the floor and make the movers & shakers slip!

Pulp, Stereolab, Interpol, Charlatans, House of Love, La’s, Beatles, Ocean Blue, Velocity Girl, Ladytron, Roxy Music, Ramones, Buzzcocks, Stereophonics, Broadcast, Nick Drake, Lightning Seeds, Bertrand Burgalat, Zombies, David Bowie, Who, Small Faces, Ivy, Magazine, Wire, Gang of Four, Curve, Rapture, Manic Street Preachers, St. Etienne, Teenage Fanclub, Suede, Blur, Wedding Present, Cinerama, Fall, Electronic, New Order, English Beat, Specials, Astronaut Wife, Rolling Stones, Searchers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kitchens of Distinction, Unrest, Farm, Wannadies, Strokes, Hives, Jellyfish, Ian Dury, Lene Lovich, Ultra Vivid Scene, Medicine, Lush, Altered Images, Yardbirds, World Party, Byrds, Posies, Darling Buds, Echo and the Bunnymen, Smiths, Sleeper, Gorillaz, Badly Drawn Boy, Elastica, Placebo, Tourists, Moose, Divine Comedy, Komeda, Magnetic Fields, T.Rex, Radiohead, Supergrass, Oasis, Super Furry Animals, Ash, Space, Autumns, Cocteau Twins, U2, Jam, EBTG, Dubstar, James, Sugarcubes, Pale Saints, My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets, Gomez, Air, Bis, Joy Division , Depeche Mode, White Stripes, Ok Go, Dandy Warhols, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Future Bible Heroes, Apples In Stereo, Fountains of Wayne, Psychedelic Furs, Happy Mondays, Madness, Belle and Sebastian, My Favorite, Human League, Bill Nelson, Birthday Party, Howard Devoto, Material Issue, Japan, Menswear, Them, Kraftwerk, Clinic, Clash, Velvet Underground, Fischerspooner, Blondie, Beta Band, Ultravox, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Madness, Rialto, Jake Rudh, Modern English, Jesus and Mary Chain, Big Star, Cardigans, Catatonia, Libertines, Babybird, Kinks, Squeeze, Komeda, Gene, Peaches, Sex Pistols, Chapterhouse, Liars, Placebo, Cibo Matto, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Cure, Close Lobsters, Laptop, Beach Boys, Chills, Teardrop Explodes, Robert Fripp, April March, Hooverphonic, Serge Gainsbourg, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Morrissey, Le Tigre, Yo La Tango, Duran Duran, Spoon, John Foxx, A Certain Ratio, Wall of Voodoo, Nina Hagen, Hot Hot Heat, Gary Numan, X, XTC, Echobelly, Faint, Cornershop, Cast, Red House Painters, Talking Heads, Barry Gesmo Experience, Status Quo, Boo Radleys, Spiritualized, Paul Weller, Idle Hands, Sundays, Mercury Rev, Snowpony, His Name Is Alive, 12 Rods, International Noise Conspiracy, Shadow Box, My Vitriol, Teenage Fanclub, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Ray Wonder, Grays, Hang Ups, Magnolias, Husker Du, Matthew jay, Wire Train, Cardigans, I Monster, Redd Kross, Linoleum, Ropers, Spongetones, Wedding Present, Lyres, April Showers, Emitt Rhodes, Felt, Helen Love, Bertrand Burgalat, Taxi Girl, Aislers Set, Catherine Wheel, Tahiti 80, Hot, Creation, Dandy Warhols, Doves, Donovan, Stooges, James Taylor Quartet, Panthers, Starsailor, Straglers, Jan, OMD, Magnetic Fields, Shoestrings, Pink Floyd, Free Design, Electrlane, Jacques Dutronc, Plimsouls, Primal Scream, Riverside, Shack, Embrace, Start, Talk Talk, Dodgy, Icicle Works, Barcelona, Martina, MC 5, Auteurs, Club 8, Birthday Party, Salad, Mansun, Yardbirds, Icicle Works, Von Bondies, Sahara Hotnights, Felt, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Selecter, Chameleons, Hellacopters, Runaways, Cramps, Ocean Colour Scene, Psychic TV, A Certain Ratio, Donnas, French Kicks, Cinnamon, Devo, Silver Sun, Tindersticks, Momochrome Set, Durutti Column, Squeeze, Clean, Adorable, Ocean Blue, Death By Chocolate, Dauerfisch, Monograph, Verve, Gentle Waves, Flamin Groovies, Gene, Datsuns, Go-Betweens, Pretenders, Built To Spill, Quasi, Ladybug Transistor, Essex Green, Falling Joys, Flatmates, Ultra Vivid Scene, Jason Falkner, Muse, Venini, Sea and Cake, Electric Soft Parade, Spearmint, Bettie Serveert, Noonday Underground, Sloan, Four Corners, Radio 4, VHS or Beta, Monaco, France Gall, Turtles, Czerkinsky, Momus, Etienne Charry, Blue Aeroplanes, Jazz Butchers, Pale Fountains, Marine Girls, Mazzy Star, Lightning Seeds, Mellow, Lunar 9, Cranes, Aztec Camera, Adorable, and just about any other modern rock band from the 60's - today (does that even make sense?)

And of course a healthy dose of Steely Dan, Little River Band, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Boz Skaggs and/or Hall & Oates. No, I'm not kidding.

7th Annual B+S Halloween Extravaganza

2008-11-25T13:34:00.004-06:00

Believe it or not, our skeleton Paige was the ONLY one who came to our party as Sarah Palin (note, this was a post party shot and she had lost her six pack by this point...).
As always, but perhaps more than usual, we had a rockin' good time. The (already blood red) studio was dressed to the nines, complete with the Terrarium of Terror (we are florists, after all). The cooler was tricked out (and apparently there were some "tricks" going on in the cooler) to serve as our walk-in bar. DJ Jake Rudh was upstairs spinnin' our guilty pleasures. Sheela from Miel y Leche made us amazing cupcakes (with sugar skulls, no less). And lots and lots of kissing was going on in the photobooth. If you want to see it in all of its glory, here are the links:
Halloween 2008, More Halloween 2008, Even More Halloween 2008, OMG There's MORE Halloween 2008, Intoxication Setting In: Halloween 2008, Wrappin Up Halloween 2008.

Thanks Metro Mag, we'll try to sound less dumb moving forward...

2008-11-25T12:58:00.004-06:00

Lovely to find an unexpected mention of us in the December 2008 Metro Magazine's Ultimate, Expert-Recommended Party Resource Guide. Much to our horror, here is what it said:

Bastian Skoog—Hand-picked blooms from owners Liz Bastian, who holds a BS in biology and has done graduate work in plant pathology, and Heidi Skoog, who has experience in all media from pottery to paper, set this floral-design studio apart. 310 N. 2nd St., Mpls.; 612.333.6450.

To our double horror we soon discovered that the ninnies who wrote this were none other than ourselves -- it was taken directly off our our website. Ugh.

At least we were in good company -- many of our favorite peeps were included: Jake Rudh, Corazon, Give My Regards To, Fabulous Catering, Create Catering, Chow Girls, MartinPatrick3, The Soap Factory and Yum.

One Word: Waiver

2008-10-23T20:23:00.003-05:00

The Soap Factory will again this year open up it's doors and welcome you into the bowels of its seriously scary basement. It's so bloody frightening that a waiver must be signed in case you fall and can't get up, have a heart attack, need a lifetime of therapy once you escape, etc. The Haunted Basement runs from October 17th through November 2nd, nightly from 6pm-12am ($15. Not kid-friendly. Not adult-friendly, for that matter). Buy your tickets in advance, or you'll never get in. Greet our Lindsey when you're there. She'll be helping to make your stay more enjoyable...

When they are bad, they are horrid.

2008-10-23T19:57:00.005-05:00

Smitten with this centerpiece we did for a new client having a dinner party. Dahlias are fickle beasts, pooping out on us and turning to mush more often than we're comfortable with. But when they are good, they are very, very good. And wow, this was hot (and maybe just the teeniest bit goth, but 'tis the season).

She's got the whole world in her hands...

2008-10-14T14:50:00.004-05:00

We have very little information on the whys of this huge mossy floral globe we bumped into at our wholesaler. We didn't make it, but it did make us snicker a little. To help orient you, that's New Zealand by Liz's right hand.

Our name here.

2008-10-07T14:12:00.005-05:00

Hooray! We were just named best florist by Minnesota Monthly Magazine in their 2008 Best of the Cities issue. Here's a bit of their write up:

In the world of Bastian+Skoog, there is no flower that can't be transformed into a blossoming work of avant-garde art.
The clever design duo of Liz Bastian and Heidi Skoog enjoys a challenge: Simply suggest a color or a bloom and they'll produce a truly effervescent arrangement...

They had a lovely party to announce the winners (to which we were actually invited -- not naming any names other Twin Cities' magazine: you know who you are) at the Hotel Minneapolis. Bonus points to the lassies from the Midtown Global Market for above and beyond generosity with their perfect figs and goat's cheese and honey. We're fans for life. To Patron, who sponsored the drinks: cosmopolitans served in 12 oz. tumblers is a really, really bad idea. Somehow we ended up dancing our asses off at Aqua (yes, of all places, Aqua). We only had two drinks, we swear...

Meetings

2008-10-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

We were recently interviewed for the Fall 2008 issue of Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal. We got a copy today from the writer, Marni Ginther, over lunch at Be'wiched. The article is ever so nice. Thanks to David Ellis for the photo.

Peachy.

2008-09-18T10:38:00.014-05:00

A wedding of ours was featured in Mpls/St. Paul Magazine in an article titled An Artsy I Do. It was a lovely number on the terrace at the Walker Art Center. Kate and Matt were peachy, the Walker is peachy. It was a beautiful event.

Oh how we love the 112 eatery

2008-09-18T10:38:00.007-05:00

It's high time to sing the praises of the 112 eatery, where people are welcome to eat at a civilized time (late), the service is always impeccable (thank you, Marcus), and the food is, well...perfect (the sea scallops with oyster mushrooms, the mind blowing 112 cheeseburger with brie on an english muffin.) Last night we had an impromptu celebration when my dessert (tres leches cake) arrived with a candle in it. I'm still not sure why, but then again, why not?

Peep in the windows at Mitrebox

2008-09-18T10:38:00.004-05:00

The incredibly wonderful Kate Pabst of velvetpeel is showing her work in the window gallery at equally wonderful Mitrebox Framing Studio for the month of September. Do stop in.

Fetching Backsides

2008-08-20T16:16:00.004-05:00

Do we ever grow weary of cheeky wordplay? Never.

But truly, we've been running into some of the best looking bouquet bottoms lately. It's great to have a good side, but let's face it, in this three dimensional world it's nice to look good from every angle.

And yes, that's our new BFF, baby's breath.
And yes, those are carnations. Yes, that's their natural color. And yes, definitely, the mint green velvet ribbon feels as good as it looks.