After completing her professional florist education at Nijmegen and Velp Colleges, Diny completed the prestigious Master Florist Degree (Utrecht). In order to experience and learn about different cultures and design influences, Diny travelled, lived and worked in various countries during the period 1984-1990.
This was both a learning and ‘life’ experience. Diny expanded her international floristry knowledge by attending training in Tokyo on Sogetsu Ikebana(modern Japanese technique/style), regularly following “Theme” courses with the Wegener School and with Annette Kamping in Germany. Her creative skills were enhanced through technical courses such as glue technique, basket weaving in Australia and batik painting in Indonesia.
She also gained extensive work experience, of which the highlights are:
- Worked as a European style freelance florist, consultant and trainer in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary) and the United States (Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco) for a number of different organisations.
- During a period of approximately one year in Australia worked as: Wedding Department Manager for a large florist chain, created special designs for Susan Avery (floral decorator) in Sydney and for Kevin O’Neill (exclusive designs for celebrities) in Melbourne.
- Gave demonstrations on European/Dutch influences to the National Board of Examiners of New Zealand.
- In Japan, worked as florist for Satoh at the Hilton Hotel in Osaka and because of her status as Master Florist, gave demonstrations throughout the country on behalf of the Tokyo Flower Design Centre.
- Worked as the Manager in a busy flower shop in Bad-Sackingen, Germany.
- Spent three years in Switzerland as the Manager of Blumen Schweizer (high end flower shop) in Glarus , gaining a broad range of experience and knowledge. Organised her first large florist show on “Flowers and Living Objects” with demonstrations from invited Japanese florists.
- Organised and delivered “Innovation and Inspiration” tour to Hongkong, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore along with demonstrations, workshops and training courses for florists from various hotels.
These experiences are invaluable in ensuring that both cultural and individual interests are taken into account when designing courses for her international students. You can also see how the Japanese studies influence Diny’s designs to this day. Diny is fluent in Dutch, English and German and improves her Japanese each time she welcomes/introduces Japanese students to the Netherlands.
After returning to Europe in 1990, Diny freelanced in Belgium as a designer for Daniel Ost, the famous flower architect and at BlomBloemen in Loenen.
In 1991, Diny opened Blomatelier to provide leading edge design, a training centre and gallery. For more information see the Home page.
Diny is now an established part of the community in Gouda; initiator of a several art events in Gouda, presenting new developments and ideas in flowers and design annually at the International Pottery Festival, Junior Chamber International Senator and Rotarian.
As a Certified European Judge Floristry, she has judged many competitions such as: the Open European Championship in Slovenia, Dutch Championship, Eurofleurs, Hortifair Aalsmeer and the National Bouquet Competition in the Netherlands.
The success of Blomatelier is the result of Diny’s extensive training, experiences here and abroad, continuous learning and personal development. She considers herself lucky to be working with her passions: flowers and people.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Annual “Flower Christmas Catwalk Show” – Blom Bloemen, Loenen and Gouda Netherlands (from 2008)
Created annual flower fashion show (Anthuriums) using professional models for Rijnplant and in 2009 also designed the stand for Flowers Direct Israel – Hortifair Amsterdam, Netherlands (from 2006)
Created and exhibited “Floral Christmas Show” with models and flowers – Kaarsjesavond (annual evening of candlelight), Gouda, Netherlands (from 2006)
Demonstrations on themes such as “Spring Design” for various clients including a large private bank, museum, fashion designer, hat designer, ceramic-artists, flower wholesalers, flower growers etc.
Demonstrations/workshops on various themes for large groups of students from Japan and UK – Terra Bleiswijk, Bleiswijk, Netherlands (from 2007)
Selected to create floral exhibit for Museumweekend – museumgoudA, Gouda, Netherlands (2009)
Designed/Demonstrated “Amazing Christmas Designs” – New Dimensions Flower Group, UK (2008/9)
Organised “La Dolce Vita” garden fair – museumgoudA, Gouda, Netherlands (2009)
Created unique, giant floral display/objects for Star & van der Gugten Flowerwholesaler at Bleiswijk Terra Springshow, Netherlands (2008 Dutch painters – ZER4U School, Tel Aviv, Israel (2008)
Demonstrations / workshops “Blomatelier design”, follow up on previous students – Kyoto and Osaka, Japan (2008)
Demonstrations / shows, together with Ans Koster, “Dutch Artists” and “Funky Flowers” – St Petersburg and Gouda Rotary, St. Petersburg, Russia (2007)
Demonstrations/Workshops “Organic & Sparkling Christmas Designs” – British Society of Floristry Dazzles annual conference (2006)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Corporate member English Society of Floristry (2005)
Member of the Dutch Florist Society’s Innovation Team (2003/4)
KEY AWARDS
Bronze medal – Presentation Rijnplant stand Hortifair RAI Amsterdam,Netherlands (2008)
Bronze medal – European Florist Competition, Hortiflor Paris, France (1994)
