AFA Education

Floral education for every stage of growth

From foundational design skills to advanced certification preparation, AFA classes help florists build confidence, technique, and creative range.

Current Status

Class registration is closed for this year

This page is ready for the next education season. Program details, dates, and registration links can be reopened when classes begin again.

Programs

Choose the path that fits your experience

Each program is built to support practical design work, professional technique, and the confidence to keep growing in the floral industry.

Introduction to Floral Design

Foundation

Introduction to Floral Design

2026 Education Program - Hot Springs, Arkansas

If you have ever dreamed of becoming a floral designer, this is where it all begins.

$1,695 Membership required Beginner friendly

What You Will Learn

  • Care, handling, and professional processing of fresh flowers
  • Floral foam, basic mechanics, and structural techniques
  • Bow tying, everyday designs, and sympathy arrangements
  • Wearable flowers, basic wedding work, and bridal bouquets

Design Progression

  • Bud vases, 6-rose designs, and 12-rose designs
  • Hospital arrangements, foam-based designs, and glass container designs

Program Weekends

  • Sympathy Weekend: consultations, card messages, and sympathy-based arrangements
  • Flowers to Wear Weekend: pin-on corsages, wrist corsages, and boutonnieres
  • Wedding Weekend: consultations, pricing basics, trends, and bridal bouquet design

Instruction Team: Michelle Red AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF; Jennifer Jones AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF; Kathy Rodocker AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF; Bitsy Carter AMF.

2026 Dates: March 14-15, April 18-19, May 16-17, June 13-14, July 18-19.

Registration is closed for this year.

Registration Closed
Arkansas Master Florist Program

Certification

Arkansas Master Florist

Professional Certification Program

Designed for florists ready to elevate their skills, creativity, and confidence.

$1,695 2 years experience Certification path

This Program Is Perfect For Designers Who Want To:

  • Elevate their design skills and create modern, on-trend styles
  • Compete in design competitions
  • Prepare for AIFD testing
  • Become the best designer they can be

Eligibility: Minimum 2 years experience or graduate of Introduction to Floral Design.

Instruction Team: Kay Schlaefli AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF, CEJ and Chelle Gerhardt AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF.

Registration is closed for this year.

Registration Closed
Advanced Arkansas Master Florist

Advanced

Advanced Arkansas Master Florist

Elite-Level Design Program

An elite course for experienced designers ready to push creativity and mastery.

$1,695 AMF graduates AIFD readiness

Eligibility

Open to Arkansas Master Florist graduates and AIFD members in good standing.

Course Focus

  • Advanced techniques and modern styles
  • Clean, refined design mastery
  • Competition preparation and AIFD testing readiness
  • Designing with intention and confidence

Perfect for designers who want to do more with fewer flowers and elevate their artistic voice.

Instruction Team: Kay Schlaefli AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF, CEJ and Chelle Gerhardt AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF.

2026 Dates: March 14-15, April 18-19, May 16-17, June 13-14, July 18-19.

Registration is closed for this year.

Registration Closed