Theme:

Battle of the Blooms: Petals of the Past~Blooms of the future

 Designs must clearly interpret the "Swan Island Dahlias" theme.

A composition suitable for a tabletop.

Size: up to but no more than a 3’ Wide x 3’ Tall × 3’ Deep

Your design should be a floral composition that expresses the theme of “Petals of the Past~Blooms of the Future”.

Materials:

All structural elements must be sound. Floral foam (if used), wires, tapes, and tubes must be secure and, unless intended as a decorative feature, completely professional and hidden.

We ask that you create a structure at home and bring it with you. 50 various Dahlia colors, sizes, and varieties will be provided along with some greens and alternative Flower Varieties. 60% of dahlias are used in your composition.

Tools: Bring your own tools.

Entry Fee:

One entry per person, a $50 (USD) fee for Beginners and $75(USD) for Advanced submission cost. All monies collected are for fundraising purposes that benefit scholarships and educational events organized by the Northwest AIFD Chapter. Payments and submissions are to be submitted via our webpage: No REFUNDS once purchased www.nwaifdfloristry.com.

**No exceptions will be made after the submission.

TO ENTER: tap the “Beginners” or “Advanced” button on the Shop web page. This will take you to the entry fee submission page

*ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED Friday after 4 pm, Sept 18th, 2026

Judging Criteria

• All Category Criteria

  A score of 1-10 Points may be given in each of the 8 category criteria listed below by each of the 3 judges. Prize packages will be awarded for the 1st and 2nd highest scores, and ‘People’s Pick’ will be voted on through a ticketed ballot system. Plus~ Swan Island Staff will pick a “Best in Show”.

• Theme/Category Development: The design should be a botanical expression that interprets Petals of the Past~Blooms of the Future. Celebrating 100 years

• Balance/Proportion: Balance should be physically and visually stabilized by placement of flowers, foliage, and other materials. Proportion relates to the comparative size of various components in relation to other elements within the design. Balance: The design must be both physically stable and visually balanced (symmetrical or asymmetrical). Proportion: The size of the flowers must relate well to each other and to the container/structure. Rhythm/Form

• Display of Line/Rhythm/Form: The creative use of line within the form should create tension and interest within the arrangement. Rhythm is necessary for the visual flow of all components in relation to each other. Form refers to the overall shape of the arrangement created. Line: Use line materials to create a visual path for the eye to follow. Rhythm should be established through the repetition of colors, shapes, or placements. /Unity

• Harmony/Unity: Harmony in floral design refers to the aesthetic quality created by the placement of materials. Unity is the cohesive relationship of the materials and elements to each other. All components—flowers, foliage, container, and accessories—must look like they belong together. Color/Texture

• Use of Color/Texture: The creative use of color and texture in relation to the overall appeal created by the arrangement. Texture should create tactile and visual interest within the design. Use the color wheel to create pleasing or striking harmonies (e.g., monochromatic, analogous, complementary). Incorporate a variety of textures (rough, smooth, velvety, shiny) to add depth. Value/Originality

• Aesthetic Value/Originality: The overall impression of sense of beauty, creativity, and originality is inspired by the completed arrangement. This is the "Wow" factor. It rewards innovation, the unique use of materials, and the artistic impact of the finished piece.

  
  Now that you have all the specific details, we hope you will join in on the FUN. The most important factor for your creativity to work for you is to find joy in the process! Now, if you are ready to take the plunge, click the button below. You will be able to fill out your entry form and pay your entry fee all in one place at the same time, safely and securely. Just be sure to get it all submitted by Sept 1, 2026

Design Specifics:

Pre build your structure so all you have to do is place your flowers.

Time: Check in between 11:00-11:45 am

Start Time: 12 noon sharp

Design time 1.5 hours ~ends at 1:30

We encourage the use of natural, sustainable materials as much as possible, as well as eco-conscious mechanics.

Focal:The design must have a clear point of visual interest that naturally draws the eye.

Submissions:

• You and your design will be given a number for a blind Judging process

  Design Evaluation Guidelines

Design Evaluation: Judges look for a creative "story" or concept that aligns with the event. The design should not just be beautiful but must be a purposeful representation of this year's theme.

Technical Evaluation: Points are deducted for visible mechanics (e.g., exposed glue, loose wires) or unstable structures that risk the integrity of the design.

Focal Evaluation: Judges assess if the focal area is well-defined and if the rest of the materials support that center of interest without competing with it.

Balance Evaluation: A design that looks "top-heavy" or too small for its 3' x 3' x 3' space will score lower in this category.

Line Rhythm & Form Evaluation: Judges look for a "flow" that moves the viewer's eye through the entire composition. The overall 3D shape (Form) should be distinct and intentional.

Harmony & Unity Evaluation: Unity is the "blending" of all parts into a whole. If one element feels "out of place" or contradicts the theme, the score will be affected.

Color & Texture Evaluation: Since the requirement is 60% Dahlias, judges will look at how the competitor uses the various colors and textures of the dahlia varieties provided.

Aesthetics & Originality Evaluation: Judges look for something they haven't seen before—a signature style or a clever twist on traditional techniques.

Judging:

Entries will be blindly judged by three qualified floral design professionals. The winner of the designs will be announced Wednesday, Sept 18th 4 pm

Judging criteria will be based on the AIFD Elements of Principle and Design

Scoring Summary

Each of the 8 categories above will be scored on a scale of 1 to 10, for a maximum possible score of 80 points.

9–10: Exceptional (Exceeds AIFD standards)7

7–8: Commendable (Strong professional execution)

5–6: Average (Meets basic requirements)

1–4: Below Standard (Significant technical or design flaws)

Opportunities Awarded:

There will be ONE top award, a runner-up, as well as a “People’s Pick” and “Best in Show.”

Awarded Gifted Opportunities:

Top scoring designs:

Top PRIZE: $300

2nd place: Floral Design Institute Class

Swan Island Staff pick: Best In Show:

$100 Gift Certificate to Swan Island Dahlias

People’s Pick: $50 Gift Certificate to Swan Island Dahlias

Each contestant will be given 5 lottery-style tickets for their voting box. If contestant friends or family would like to purchase additional ticket, they can do so for $10 for 10 tickets

All the entries will be eligible to win the ‘People’s Pick’ award. Images of all participants will be featured on our NW AIFD Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Mandatory Disqualifications

Exceeding the dimensions: 3’ Height, 3’ Depth, 3’ Length.

Failing to meet the 60% Dahlia product requirement.

Finishing after the allotted 1:30 PM setup time on Friday.