By Kay Schlaefli AIFD AAMF AMF
Announcing the 2025 Frankie Shelton Cup Competition: A Celebration of “Connections”
The South Central AIFD Chapter is thrilled to announce an exciting new opportunity for floral designers and enthusiasts alike—the beloved Frankie Shelton Cup Competition is going online for 2025! This means that for the first time, floral designers from anywhere can participate in this prestigious event, honoring the legacy of the late, great Frankie Shelton.
Frankie was more than a floral designer—she was a mentor, an innovator, and a passionate advocate for the artistry of flowers. Her love for the floral industry extended beyond arranging blooms; she cherished the connections she built with people, sharing knowledge and experiences with colleagues and students alike. This year’s competition theme, “Connections,” is inspired by Frankie’s passion for bringing people together through floral. Flowers have long been a symbol of relationships, emotions, and meaningful moments. This year, the competition invites participants to explore the concept of “Connections” through their floral designs. Whether it’s the connection between:
• People and nature,
• Generations of florists passing down knowledge,
• Cultural traditions expressed through floral artistry, or
• The emotional impact flowers have in moments of joy and sorrow,
the theme is open to creative interpretation, allowing designers to tell their own stories through their arrangement.
Entries will be judged on creativity, technique, use of flowers and how well they capture the essence of the theme, “Connections.”
More details, including submission guidelines and deadlines, will be available on our new Facebook page: AIFD South Central Chapter. Be sure to like and follow the page to stay updated with announcements and important dates.
The winner of the Frankie Shelton Cup Competition will receive a general registration to Reflections 2025, the highly anticipated AIFD Symposium in Palm Springs.
This competition is more than just a contest—it’s a chance to connect with fellow designers, honor Frankie Shelton’s legacy, and express your passion for floral artistry. Whether you are an experienced floral designer or an up-and-coming talent, we encourage you to embrace the theme of “Connections” and create something truly inspiring.
For more details, visit our Facebook page, email kay@expressionsflowers.com and get ready to share your creativity with the world!
Happy April!
