- One flower per recipient
- One card with the statement, "For whatever you are dealing with, you deserve this."
- On the back of the card there must be, youdeserveaflower@gmail.com
- Hand them the flower and be on your way, in other words let the flower and the card speak for themselves so that it's more about the person receiving the flower than yourself.
- Remember this is about genuine human connection so do what you feel will further that concept while following the first four rules.
This is an example of the cards I made they are about 2" by 3.5". Your cards can be different, but follow the guidelines, just think of the project and what would fit it. I chose to rip mine instead of cutting because it adds a soft edge and I like that. I usually put the blog URL so that people can get an idea of the project. I also like to sign the back to make it more personal. I like to use this high quality paper to give the cards more significance.
When I hand out flowers I am alone though you don't have to be, I imagine it would be a lot less intimidating if you were doing it with a friend, it would also make a great date. I make sure to genuinely smile when giving out a flower because I believe in the power of smiles. I like to only have one flower in my hands at a time, leaving the rest in my backpack. I do this because I feel it makes the moment more personal. Generally I don't wear sunglasses so that I can make eye contact. If you are feeling discouraged find an old lady they seem to appreciate the gesture the most.
A good source for flowers is obviously flower shops, or grocery stores. Often they have flowers they can't sell but still look fairly okay that they may give you for free. If you know someone who is getting married ask them if you can use their flowers from the wedding. This is how the project got started in the first place. I have passed cards out to local flower shops describing the project that they give to large events like weddings. The card asks them if they would like to re-purpose their flowers for the project. If you want a copy of that information contact me and I'll email it to you.
When I hand out flowers I am alone though you don't have to be, I imagine it would be a lot less intimidating if you were doing it with a friend, it would also make a great date. I make sure to genuinely smile when giving out a flower because I believe in the power of smiles. I like to only have one flower in my hands at a time, leaving the rest in my backpack. I do this because I feel it makes the moment more personal. Generally I don't wear sunglasses so that I can make eye contact. If you are feeling discouraged find an old lady they seem to appreciate the gesture the most.
A good source for flowers is obviously flower shops, or grocery stores. Often they have flowers they can't sell but still look fairly okay that they may give you for free. If you know someone who is getting married ask them if you can use their flowers from the wedding. This is how the project got started in the first place. I have passed cards out to local flower shops describing the project that they give to large events like weddings. The card asks them if they would like to re-purpose their flowers for the project. If you want a copy of that information contact me and I'll email it to you.
This is the most wonderful display of compassion I've seen in a while. I'd love to be part of it here in Washington. I think your guidelines are perfect.
ReplyDeletethank you! please do it! i can send you some cards if you would like.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a wonderful idea. Just what our beautiful world needs!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are doing this and would love to do the same. My family and I are currently in the process of moving to Okinawa but once we are settled in I plan on finding a nice spot to hangout at by the seawall and contribute to your work. Have a wonderful day!! :)
ReplyDeletewow that would be incredible, you'd be our first international givers.
DeleteHello Nathan!
ReplyDeleteMy sister just sent me the article from the Huffington Post. What a beautiful idea! I would love to do this in NYC and NJ!
The guidelines are perfect!
THANK YOU!
Cyndi
awesome! i can send you some cards if you need. though i think makeing them your self adds something.
DeleteDon't think I can do this with flowers but I will give out a lucky penny, a piece of candy, and a crayon to spark creativity. The kids in my school need a pick me up!
ReplyDeletesometimes flower shops will give out damaged flowers that aren't bad just not sellable check with them
DeleteHey Nathan I love what you are doing. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. What's the various reaction's that you would get from the good to the bad and even the in between? Did you give to guys as well? How much money have you spent on this? Just curious. Keep doing what you're doing this world needs people like you
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, if you are trying to do a mini interview i am more than happy to do it over the phone. if not and you just want these questions answered then tell me and i'll be more than happy to do that for you.
DeleteNathan, this is awesome. I saw it on SourceFed's feelin good video on youtube. I'm going to start doing this as soon as I can get my hands on some flowers. Boston deserves flowers.
ReplyDeleteYAY YAY YAY!!!!! do it! you won't be disappointed!
DeleteI'm going to start this asap! I did something similar with a large pizza and some homeless people.. I LOVE THIS IDEA! the world needs more people like you!
ReplyDeleteyay!!!!!! please do!!!!! the world needs people like you to spread ideas like this!!!!!!
DeleteHi :) let me start this by saying you are an AMAZING person. I would love to do this in Australia after I saw this mentioned on SourceFed. Have a great day and never get disappointed about any 'failures'. Just pick yourself up and try again :) I'm going to tell all my friends and hopefully we will be able to find cheaper flowers and give many out. Just wondering, where do you keep the flowers which you have not yet given but have already bought? Do you wear a backpack or something? Thanks so much for being a wonderful person and sorry about the length of this comment :P
ReplyDelete