News

Beautiful bouquets for California College of the Arts in Oakland

Lovely photos of some designs for a local photo shoot

A continuation of the photos of the yellow, cream and plum wedding at the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club.

A visual tour of a local wedding at the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club.

SLOW FLOWERS Podcast: Meet Berkeley’s Eco-Floral Maven, Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green

We've been really busy making beautiful locally grown flower arrangements (using organic when available)!  And if you didn't know, we offer local bicycle gift delivery via our friends at Pedal Express!

Did I mention we were awarded the Best of Berkeley 2013 Award?

Here are a few samples of what's been coming out of the boutique:

The new "April Blooms" available for a limited time from the online store for local delivery

Some beautiful and bright arrangements for an event at the David Brower Center in Berkeley

A fun local calla and tulip bouquet for a local delivery

Pedal Express doing the local delivery thing!



A sampling of some of our flowers at the boutique

In Local Green Beauty, bikes and health,

G&G

Yesterday Gorgeous and Green created a tablescape for a rustic English Garden styled wedding, and where did I choose to set it?  At the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden of course!  I love the location because it's so close to home, I'm super familiar because I've done a load of weddings and events here, and it's beautiful.  For local couples and anyone looking to throw a party, it's a great and fairly inexpensive place to have your event.  I chose to set the table in the Redwood Grove, and the setting was almost magical. Here's the magazine layout from the photographer, Brittany Waddell:

 

I have decided to start blogging again about the creative arrangements we create for local businesses and corporate offices.  Here's a look at two arrangements that Gorgeous and Green provided for Origen, a local sustainable farm to fork restaurant in Berkeley that just opened last fall.  We love partnering with local green and sustainable businesses, and appreciate the support when local businesses ask us to provide decor and designs for their business needs.

Here's the large arrangement we created for the main dining room.  We love including locally grown flowers and produce and try to use organic when possible.  Check out the pop of yellow from the lemons...

And here's a smaller arrangement for the bar that also has the lovely blooming branches, flowering kale and lemons as well as some pops or orange

In Green, Local Business and Health,

G&G

Many people have contacted me about getting the msds sheets for floral foam products, and I have acquired a recent copy of the Smither's Oasis Floral Foam MSDS sheet so I will repost it here for you to view.  Some of it I had to reformat because it is copied from a pdf, so it may look slightly different in print. I have not changed any information other than formatting.

Page 1 of 5 SO-0013 SMITHERS-OASIS NORTH AMERICA 919 MARVIN STREET • P.O. BOX NUMBER 790 • KENT, OHIO 44240   MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET    Oasis® Floral Foam    SECTION 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION  IDENTITY  OASIS® Floral Foam DATE PREPARED       6/08/2009 SYNONYMS, CHEMICAL NAMES, COMMON NAMES  OASIS® Floral Foam USE:   Arrangement of cut flowers   MANUFACTURER'S NAME  Smithers-Oasis TELEPHONE NUMBER - INFORMATION  330-673-5831 ADDRESS  919 Marvin Street P.O. Box 790 Kent, OH 44240  USA EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER  Transportation emergency: CHEMTREC:  800 424-9300 International Transportation: CHEMTREC: 703-527-3887 Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center: 303- 623-5716   SECTION - 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION     EMERGENCY OVERVIEW     Green fine-celled thermoset phenolic plastic foam. May be irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. May contain formaldehyde and/or carbon black. Prolonged exposure may cause cancer.    PRIMARY ROUTE(s) OF EXPOSURE:  Contact and Inhalation of dust.   IRRITATION DATA:  May cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.   INHALATION:  ACUTE: Dust or fumes may cause irritation to the nasal passages, lacrimation, olfactory changes, and pulmonary changes. Inhalation of heptane fumes may irritate the respiratory tract producing light headedness, dizziness, muscle incoordination, CNS depression and narcosis. CHRONIC: Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde and/or carbon black may cause cancer. SKIN CONTACT:  ACUTE: May cause irritation. CHRONIC: May cause dermatitis. Frequent or prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can cause hypersensitivity leading to contact dermatitis. EYE CONTACT:  ACUTE: Contact may be irritating. CHRONIC: May cause conjunctivitis. INGESTION:  ACUTE: May cause mouth irritation due to local pH effect.  Swallowing formaldehyde may cause violent vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of heptane into lungs can produce severe lung damage. CHRONIC: Prolonged exposure may cause symptoms similar to acute effects.   MEDICAL CONDITIONS GENERALLY AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE  None known.   SECTION 3 – COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS  HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS CAS# % Acid catalysts Proprietary 8-12 % Barium sulfate 7727-43-7 2-3 % Heptane 142-82-5 < 1.5 % Formaldehyde 50-00-0  < 0.15 % Other components, if any, are not hazardous or hazardous components are present at less than 1% (0.1% for carcinogens).   SECTION 4 - EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES INHALATION: Remove from exposure to fresh air.  If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration.  Oxygen may be given if breathing is difficult.  Get medical attention. SKIN CONTACT: Wash affected area with soap and water until no evidence of the material remains.  Get medical attention if irritation develops. EYE CONTACT: Flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the material remains.  Get medical attention if irritation develops.  If wearing contact lens, remove immediately and flush eyes as above. INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Treat symptomatically and supportively.  If a large quantity is ingested, get medical attention since there could be a problem with physical blockage.   SECTION 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES  Flash Point:  Not applicable. Flammable Limits UEL:  Not applicable. Flammable Limits LEL:  Not applicable. Autoignition Temperature:  ~600°F. Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical. Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Avoid breathing smoke.  Firefighters should wear full protective NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus. Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Finished foam will support combustion if it is ignited by direct contact with an open flame or exposed to temperatures in the range of 600°F.  If foam is placed in a microwave for an extended period, it will begin to burn.  Combustion occurs at the center of the brick and due to the insulating effect of the foam, can proceed unnoticed until an appreciable heat buildup occurs.   SECTION 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Wear suitable protective equipment.  Reclaim or place in suitable container for disposal.   SECTION 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE Store in a cool, dry well ventilated area, out of direct sunlight.  Foam stored in stagnant or hot enclosures may result in off gassing of residual formaldehyde gas.   Wash thoroughly after handling.  Observe good personal and industrial hygiene procedures.  When foam is soaked or used in water, some low levels of residual formaldehyde may accumulate in tub water.   Repeated skin immersion in water containing formaldehyde has caused skin rashes, particularly in sensitive persons.  It is recommended that impervious latex or chemical resistant gloves be worn and water tubs be emptied regularly. SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION RESPIRATORY PROTECTION  A dust mask is recommended if dust is excessive.  Where airborne concentrations may exceed guidelines for permissible air concentrations, choose a respirator in accordance with OSHA Respirator Standard 29 CFR 1910.134. VENTILATION  Use general dilution ventilation to maintain exposure below the exposure limits. PROTECTIVE GLOVES  Use barrier cream or choose appropriate gloves in accordance with OSHA Subpart I Personal Protective Equipment Hand Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.138. EYE PROTECTION  Safety glasses are recommended or choose in accordance with OSHA Eye and Face Protection Standard      29 CFR 1910.133. OTHER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING OR EQUIPMENT  Not normally required. RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE LIMITS  OSHA and ACGIH have not set exposure limits for this material.  .   COMPONENTS------------------ OSHA PEL --------------------ACGIH TLV  Formaldehyde                                    0.75 ppm TWA                             0.3 ppm CEILING CAS# 50-00-0                              2 ppm STEL Acid catalysts: inorganic acid      1 mg/m 3 TWA                             1 mg/m3 TWA CAS # Propriatary                                                                                 3 mg/m3 STEL Barium sulfate                     15 mg/m 3 TWA as Ba (Total dust)    10 mg/m3 TWA CAS# 7727-43-7          5 mg/m3 TWA as Ba  (Respirable fraction) Heptane                                       500 ppm TWA                                     400 ppm TWA 500 ppm STEL   SECTION 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES  Appearance:  Green, fine-celled thermoset phenolic plastic foam Odor:  None. Odor Threshold: Not applicable. Physical State:  Solid pH:  3.0 in 5% slurry Melting/Freezing Point:: Not  available Boiling Point:: Not applicable Flash Point:  Not applicable. Evaporation Rate:  Not applicable Flammability:  Will burn. Upper Explosive Limits:  Not applicable. Lower Explosive Limits:  Not applicable. Vapor Pressure:  Not applicable Vapor Density:  Not applicable Specific Gravity or Relative Density:  Not available Solubility:  Not soluble Oil/Water Coefficient:  Not applicable Autoignition Temperature:  Not kn9own. Decomposition Temperature: Not known.   SECTION 10 -  STABILITY AND REACTIVITY  CHEMICAL STABILITY:  Stable. CONDITIONS TO AVOID:  Stable at normal room temperature.  INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:  Normally unreactive. HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:  Smoke, oxides of carbon, and possible trace amounts of formaldehyde, phenol, cresols, xylenols, and sulfur dioxide. POSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS REACTIONS:  Will not occur. SECTION 11 – TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION  Toxicity studies on a similar compound indicate that the Oral LD50 (rat): >5000 mg/kg Primary Dermal Irritation Study in Albino Rabbits on a similar compound: Non irritant Inhalation LC50 (rat):  103 gm/m3/4H   Heptane TDLo (rat): 60 gm/kg/3W  Heptane: Changes in liver weight TDLo (rat): 260 gm/kg/13W: Heptane:  Changes in bladder weight; Changes in brain and coverings. Carcinogenicity: Formaldehyde has been classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by IARC, is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by NTP, and is a suspected human carcinogen by ACGIH. Carbon black has been classified as an IARC2B carcinogen. Tumorigenic data (RTECS) Formaldehyde; barium sulfate; carbon black Reproductive data (RTECS): Formaldehyde Mutagenic data (RTECS): Formaldehyde; barium sulfate; green dye Teratology data (RTECS): Formaldehyde SECTION 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION  This formulation has not been tested for environmental effects.  It is a thermoset plastic and is not biodegradable.   SECTION 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS  Dispose in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Recycling is recommended. It can be cut up and used as a soil conditioner. Since it dries faster than regular soils, it can be used to aerate tightly packed clay type soils.   If discarded in its original form, material is not regulated by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as a hazardous waste. Passes TCLP test requirements.   SECTION 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION  Material is not regulated as a DOT Marine Pollutant Proper Shipping Name:   Not regulated. Hazard Class:   Not applicable. ID Number:   Not applicable. Packing Group:   Not applicable. Marine Pollutant:   Not regulated by 49 CFR 172.101. SECTION 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION  OSHA: This material may be classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations.    TSCA: All components are listed or exempt from listing on the TSCA 8(b) inventory.    DSL: All components are listed or exempt from listing.   EINECS: All components are listed or exempt from listing.   SARA Title III - Toxic chemicals list 40 CFR 372.65  Formaldehyde CAS# 50-00-0 <0.2 % Barium sulfate is exempt from reporting under the category “Barium compounds” (59FR33208).    SARA Hazard Categories:  Acute Health Hazard : Yes Chronic Health Hazard: Yes Fire Hazard: No Reactive Hazard: No Sudden Release of Pressure: No   CERCLA Toxic Chemicals List 40 CFR 302:   Formaldehyde RQ: 100#     A spill in excess of 66,000 pounds would require reporting to the National Response Center based on the maximum residual content of formaldehyde in the foam.   CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: The following statement is made in order to comply with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive harm. SECTION 16 – OTHER INFORMATION  HMIS Ratings: Health                1 Flammability      1 Reactivity           0 where 0=minimal,    1=slight,    2=moderate,    3=serious,    4=severe European Risk Phrases: R: 20, 45    Key/Legend:    ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACGIH TLV: ACGIH Threshold Limit Values   CAS: Chemical Abstract Service CERCLA:  Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR: Code of Federal Regulations CNS: Central Nervous System CPR: Controlled Product Regulations DSL:  Domestic Substances List EINECS: European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer IDL: Ingredient Disclosure List NIOSH: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA PEL: OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits RCRA:: Resource Conservation and  Recovery Act RTECS:  Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act TSCA: Toxic Substances Control Act TWA: Time Weighted Average WHMIS: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System     The information and recommendations set forth herein are made in good faith and are believed to be accurate as of the date of preparation.  Smithers-Oasis makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, with respect to this information and disclaims all liability from reliance on it.            

This week at Revival bar and kitchen, the flower arrangements Gorgeous and Green created included some bright protea and local berries.  Here are a few pictures of the week's arrangements.

 

The host table has one yellow pincusion in a vintage candlewick drinking glass.

 

The Large French bucket in the back is stacked with bushy branches and some bright organic and local sunflowers.

 

The vintage vase (my favorite vase) has some pink protea and lovely local amaranth, organic bells of ireland and local branches and berries.  

  In green and health, G&G