Ƶ

faviconFleuraMEtz USA  Large logo
Stay up-to-date
US
favicon
US

Hanneke Frankema: “I bring my imagination to life!”

Monday 13 January 2025

Hanneke Frankema is a true influencer in the floral world. She is invited all over the globe to host workshops, compete in contests, and demonstrate her unique techniques. Leading up to the World Floral Cup in The Hague, she shares her sources of inspiration, creative process, and unwavering love for nature.

Hanneke interview LR-23

Learning Young, Succeeding Old

From an early age, around five or six, Hanneke could be found in the garden with her parents—planting seeds, growing flowers. Her love for nature was already deeply rooted. Later, she got the chance to attend a preparatory course.

Hanneke: “I took a preliminary course, one hour of floral design per week. I was hooked from the start.”

She HAD to pursue this passion.

After completing her vocational training as a florist, Hanneke started working in a flower shop. Soon, she discovered the world of freelancing and competitions. Through hard work and talent, she grew into an international floral artist. Today, she travels the world, conducts workshops, and even holds the title of European Champion.

Hanneke EK 2022 1316

Bound by nature

Hanneke draws inspiration from everything around her. She adores Art Nouveau, with its rounded lines and organic shapes. When working with growers, the product itself often becomes her starting point—orchids being one of her favorites. Her creations seamlessly combine her love for nature with non-living materials such as (aluminum) wire, which she uses to build reusable constructions.

This philosophy perfectly aligns with her motto: reuse to reduce.

Check out her previous creations with orchids here!

Discovericon

Hanneke sees flowers as a true asset to life. “Flowers are emotion,” she explains. “They’re there for births, birthdays, weddings, and even funerals. Flowers are part of the most beautiful and challenging moments of life.”

This perfectly matches Hanneke’s goal: to create as much beauty as possible. She designs floral works that touch people, straight from her imagination.

“I essentially bring my imagination to life.”

Hanneke's Creations

0228 kopie
HannekeFrankema 1039
Hanneke EK 2022 1501
HannekeFrankema 1011
DSC4700
HannekeFrankema 1068
Hanneke EK 2022 1428
Hanneke NK2018 0067
Bloomshare 2024 Hanneke Frankema LR-162
Pook 2022 NicoAlsemgeest 0102
DSC8476

Overcoming Great Obstacles

The floral industry comes with its challenges, particularly in international competitions. These contests impose restrictions, such as time limits and specific themes.

Hanneke explains: “If I had all the time in the world and could do whatever I wanted, the possibilities would be endless. But competitions come with specific themes, dimensions, and time constraints. It limits your creativity—but that’s also part of the challenge.”

Another obstacle is logistics, especially for competitions and workshops abroad. How do you ensure that all flowers arrive fresh and undamaged at their destination? Hanneke could probably write a book about it—and we’d love to read it!

DecorumSummerfair 2018 NicoAlsemgeest 0488
Hanneke EK 2022 1514

Despite these challenges, Hanneke wouldn’t trade her work for anything. She receives incredible support from companies, giving her access to the finest materials. In return, she credits these companies in her photos—like a true influencer would.

A few years ago, the idea of being an influencer would have made Hanneke laugh. But now, she sees her impact everywhere: in the floral industry, among colleagues, in schools, and even as a competition judge.

Bloomshare 2024 Hanneke Frankema LR-58

TIP!

Would you like to follow in Hanneke’s footsteps and compete? Hanneke shares her advice: “You can’t win every time, and that’s okay. If you don’t win the first time, don’t give up. Everything you learn during a competition goes into your ‘toolbox,’ and one day, you’ll draw from that knowledge. Your moment will come. You often learn the most from competitions you don’t win.”

Sharing is caring

Other news

Also read

We use cookies (and other similar technology) to make visits and purchasing more personal. These cookies keep track of your preferences within and beyond our website. By clicking ‘accept all’, you agree to an optimal settings of these cookies. Adjusting your preferences can disadvantage your experience. Read our for more information.