Tussie-Mussies: The Language of Flowers (Paperback)

~ Geraldine Adamich Laufer (Author) "It has always been a joy to receive flowers-a sumptuous armful of roses, a trailing bunch of arbutus or honeysuckle, a tiny fistful of wildflowers..." (more)
Key Phrases: Language of Flowers, Long Life, Best Wishes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a complete and informative guide to the graceful art of speaking through flowers." -- Better Homes & Gardens

Product Description

Tussie-Mussies reacquaints readers with the complex and delightful language of flowers, and the art of making them speak through Victorian "talking bouquets" called tussie-mussies. Now Tussie-Mussies is available in a stunning paperback edition.

A celebration of craft, lore, and language, Tussie-Mussies is a full-color guide to tussie-mussies, how to make them, and how the symbolic meanings of flowers and herbs have developed over the centuries. Roses that are red mean only one thing-Love-while a yellow rose may range from Friendship to Jealousy. Daisies are for Innocence, ivy for Fidelity, rosemary for Remembrance. Then comes the delightful task of arranging individual flowers and herbs together to compose a specific message to a friend or loved one. A floral poet, Geraldine Laufer shows how to make 60 bouquets-tussie-mussies to declare Ardent Love, say Happy Birthday, celebrate a Newborn, mark an Anniversary, honor a Mentor, admit an Infatuation, or even announce a Bitter Rivalry. Indeed, any sentiment can be crafted with a few blooms, woolen yarn, and scissors.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761120661
• ISBN-13: 978-0761120667
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #328,003 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully done - tons of info and gorgeous photographs, April 22, 2000

By	K. Simmons (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is chock full of photographs not only of the gorgeous tussies it teaches you how to make, but of the actual process of making them. Very clear and concise directions that are easy to follow for the beginner and give the experienced flower lover something to build on.

I hope this book brings back a bit of the romance of tussies from bygone days - every man who has a woman in his life should surprise her with flowers with meaning and not more insipid scentless hothouse roses. This is a great guide.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting - Very sweet, June 6, 2001

By	C. Rogers "BoPeep75" (TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a very charming book with lots of historical facts as well as beautiful pictures and drawings. The history of the talking bouquet is quite interesting, being influenced from several different countries. Lots of specific bouquets are pictured and labeled, including bouquet examples for "Admiring a Creative Talent", "Embarking on a New Adventure", "First Day in a New School/Job/City", and "Support During a Difficult Divorce" to name a few. There are several dozen more. The step-by-step guide to making these bouquets were easy to follow. A wonderful gift book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As an Event and Party planner in Seattle, this is a must have..., August 30, 2007

By	N. Curry "Magnolia Village Florist" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great little reference book for all professional florists; there is always that customer who wants to know the history or meaning of a certin flower, this is a great book to have on hand.

Magnolia Village Florist, Inc.
Seattle, WA