The elements and principles of design are the building blocks of every successful composition. 

Introduction:  Elements and principles of design are not only restricted to floral design but rather, consistent with any art form, whether landscape design, painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, etc.

As you work through the Elements and Principles think the following questions:

1. How do the elements of design differ from the principles of design?

2. Can the elements exist without the principles?

3. Can the principles exist without the elements?

The Design Technique and Applications course gathers together the terms related to the "nuts and bolts" of assembling a flower arrangement; from the container it goes into, to the tools and techniques needed to put it together. Combined with the elements and principles of design, this helps give you an understanding of the practical applications involved in creating successful floral design.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with basic information about the floral industry, including; its origins from a historical perspective, basic floristry tools, supplies, and mechanics, identification of commonly used cut flowers/foliage, and an overview of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). 

This course is recommended prior to enrolling (or concurrently) in any other AIFD online course.