MAPLETON, Maine — Nearly 20 women gathered at Maple Meadow Farms in Mapleton on Thursday night for a Christmas centerpiece seminar taught by Amy McLellan, owner of Amy’s Flowers in Presque Isle.
The result of the course was a colorful Christmas centerpiece, complete with traditional Maine evergreens including pine and cedar, flowers including miniature carnations and white chrysanthemum, two red candles and a plaid Christmas bow.
The women sipped CK Mondavi chardonnay from small paper cups as they worked. It helped contribute to a jovial atmosphere, with many laughs, as well as several musings about the Christmas season. Those who were hungry could help themselves to Bugles and cheese dip flavored with bacon bits.
That is, when the women weren’t hard at work on their centerpieces. It was quite a process, involving candles, pliers and a whole lot of evergreens. By the end of the night, the floor was a sea of shredded green.
McLellan worked the room throughout, answering questions from crafters about how to make their centerpieces just right. McLellan, who said she had been working in the flower industry since she was 15, said she had always been drawn to the natural elements of flowers.
“Being able to work with God’s creation is pretty cool,” McLellan said.
A completed centerpiece at the Christmas centerpiece class held by Amy’s Flowers and Maple Meadow Farms in Mapleton on Thursday night. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
The women, of various ages, from all walks of life and professions, primarily said that they planned on displaying their centerpiece on their kitchen table through the holidays.
Andrea Gregg, who operates Maple Meadow Farms with her husband Matt, said she was happy that the night would give people with busy lives the opportunity to relax and make something of their own.
“It brings a sense of community,” Gregg said. “We love to support creativity and the arts.”
McLellan said the night was about partnering with fellow small business Maple Meadow Farms to spread awareness of their respective offerings.
“Even though we are now six years in the business, we are still the new kid on the block,” McLellan said. “It is about making people aware of our business, our shop, and a way to touch their creative side.”
She does two such courses a year, one involving the centerpiece, and another that guides people through construction of a Boxwood Tree. Tickets to the centerpiece event were $40.
Carol Soucy said she thoroughly enjoyed the activity, calling it “awesome” and “very creative.” Jennifer Frost agreed. She enjoyed how tranquil the building process was, and the opportunity to try something new.
Ellen Nickerson said her daughter had gifted her a ticket to the seminar. Nickerson, who couldn’t wait to place the centerpiece on her kitchen table, appreciated the guidance given by McLellan.
“There’s not enough time in the day to do it on my own,” Nickerson said.
