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Michael Gaffney

Teaches at American School of Flower Design

Michael Gaffney spent years deciphering the methods, patterns, formulas of great design. He has taught class on the Today Show, Hallmark Channel and every major network! Why? Because his methods work. We include lots of flowers, tons of information and most of all, an understanding of design. An approach that produces spectacular results.

Mike has written 3 Floral Design Books, American in Paris: Lessons from the Paris School of Flower Design , Design Star: Lessons from the New York School of Flower Design and Flower Power: Lessons from the Los Angeles School of Flower Design.

Reviews of Michael Gaffney

(109 Reviews)
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Lydia S. on 3/5/2024
    Amazing class. Love it!!
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Maria F. on 2/22/2024
    A great introduction to flower design. The course is easy to follow.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Christine C. on 2/21/2024
    My mom, aunt, and I had such a great time learning to make 3 types of floral arrangements. Michael had such great tips and was so very entertaining. We now plan to check out his 3 or 5 day floral classes. Highly recommend taking this course.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 12/5/2023
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Susan L. on 9/27/2023
    Fun Great instructor Loved every minute
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Audrey Q. on 9/26/2023
    Last night, I had an amazing workshop @The Floral Design Sampler with Michael Gaffney. I learned so much from This Master, I can not wait to take more workshops with him. Michael was such a pleasure! We even went home with gifts besides our completed projects! WOW!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Lizeth R. on 6/20/2023
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Rebecca N. on 5/29/2023
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Daniela M. on 5/29/2023
    The class was very interesting. Michael is very knowledgable. He gave us practical tips for arranging flowers and making them last. The flowers he provided were beautiful and did, indeed last a long time. I recommend this class. FYI - please bring $20 with you to buy his book.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Stephanie F. on 5/23/2023
    I loved it! Learned so much more than I expected. Mr. Gaffney is a great teacher and makes it fun!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 5/23/2023
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Theresa C. on 5/16/2023
    Great value
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Theresa C. on 5/15/2023
    Worth the price.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 5/9/2023
    The instructor is obviously talented and experienced in the floral design, however, his approach, in many ways was detrimental to the class learning. The 1:00PM class started at 1:20, as he decided to wait for stragglers to come in, leaving the rest of us to sit and wait. It is likely that 35-45% of Michael Gaffney's conversation with us was him boasting about his past successes with Hollywood, brides and celebrity clients, and how everyone has gushed over his work. The arrogance was overwhelming, resulting in an environment where question asking was not encourage. The time spent telling us how great his work is could have/should have been used actually teaching us. He gave no eye contact throughout the day, definitely providing an environment of fear (calling out someone who may have started a step too early). He had a medical condition he was dealing with so we were all trying to be sympathetic to his pretty curt and unfriendly approach. He did not bother to get the names of the two girls assisting him that day, summoning them to bring him flower stems, simply calling ,"Girls....Girls". We did come home with three floral creations, so that was good, but I (and others) felt cheated with the time spent on self-promoting.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by A.C. on 5/9/2023
    Super informative! Michael Gaffney teaches simple and useful techniques and I was amazed at how pretty my arrangements were! I recommend this class!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Karen M. on 4/25/2023
    Michael is the wonder instructor and floral designer, the class is informative and fun. We enjoy the class very much.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Marilyn B. on 3/21/2023
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Joreal M. on 3/21/2023
    The Sampler course was awesome! We got to learn 3 bouquet styles and immediately made one of each. Michael provided helpful tips, feedback and encouragement along the way. Great experience!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/7/2023
    It was very informative and hands on with great use of the time. Excellent supplies included.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Crandell W. on 2/27/2023
    The flower design teacher for this class was fantastic. He explained each of the three flower designs that we arranged in class very well. He had such an outgoing way about his self. I love that he explained flower design in a way I could understand. Would I take this class again? Yes. For sure I would. Excellent class!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Sarah A. on 2/21/2023
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 2/15/2023
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Carol H. on 2/13/2023
    Loved the experience! Michael Gaffney was Great and such a good teacher!I had a Ball!!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Mary F. on 10/4/2022
    Fantastic teacher! Had a great time and learned a ton’
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 9/18/2022
    The teacher was funny, knowledgeable, and you get to take home three bouquets at the end of the class!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 9/16/2022
    The class was ok, I liked that we left with beautiful flowers and a vase. The instructor wasn’t so great, he was constantly on his phone and eating. He even went in to the back away from the class and sat down to eat and go on his phone whilst everyone was struggling with the task. There was an older lady who had questions for him and he just seemed annoyed to be having to answer them. I wouldn’t do it again for this reason.
    Response from Michael Gaffney: Verified Educator

    "the student is incorrect in her observance.  There was no ignoring of questions or phone calls.  That's why I have assistants.  As they can answer calls or take a lunch break. What an odd thing to comment on from a fantastic class. ''. Her work was beautiful and she learned a lot. That should have been her focus"

  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Samantha M. on 9/15/2022
    The class was enjoyable, the price was good. It was a bit challenging to find the location though.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Tracey W. on 9/14/2022
    I am happy I found CourseHorse. I travel for work, am based for periods of times in different cities. I came across CourseHorse while looking for something to do on a free day in NYC. I found a floral design class. It was extremely easy to book and pay through CourseHorse and I enjoyed the class very much. Now I look at Course Horse whatever city to which I am traveling.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Kristin G. on 7/15/2022
    I went for the intro class, and stayed for 3 days! I learned so much in such a short amount of time and I can’t wait to go back. Lots of tips and tricks. Highly recommend.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Roxana S. on 5/10/2022
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 11/16/2021
    This class was fantastic! I was really surprised at how much I learned in such a short time. I left with three very professional bouquets and confidence that I can replicate and even build on these on my own in the future. I also learned about some great ways to care for cut flowers and extend their life. Would definitely recommend this class!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Zarya R. on 11/16/2021
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 11/2/2021
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Patricia S. on 9/14/2021
    Michael Gaffney is a witty, engaging, and talented designer. Great info about floral design with a very nice group of people. Thanks so much, Tricia
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Julia M. on 9/1/2021
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Linda M. on 8/31/2021
    Great experience. The instructor was highly experienced and seemed to truly enjoy teaching. He was informative and encouraging. Highly recommend this class.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/10/2020
    I loved that I got to bring home 3 different arrangements that I made and a beautiful book. However I felt the class was more about how much money the instructor made doing flower arrangements for weddings etc., and name dropping and all the money he made and how fabulous he is and did I mention all the money. I would do this class again but maybe with a different instructor.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by michal k. on 3/10/2020
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 3/9/2020
    This class changed my life! Michael was great, the materials were all provided for and you really learn a lot. I ended up taking the extended course as well. Everything was fantastic.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/3/2020
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Denise V. on 1/21/2020
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Becky H. on 10/19/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 10/8/2019
    I liked the class the teacher was helpful and showed and gave easy directions how to make floral arrangements. I think they needed to have better nippers to cut the flowers, with otherwise it was a fun class. Also I think the money situations should be taken care of in advance of the class, or at least in the beginning not after the instructor starts talking about the class
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Vera S. on 10/8/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Vanessa D. on 10/8/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 8/18/2019
    My daughter and I really enjoyed the class and thought the arrangements we did were lovely and enjoyed Michael as a teacher. He made it fun and now we know the basics of making beautiful flower arrangements. I thought the space was a bit tight where the class was held. Also, we booked through Coarse Horse and the wrong address for the class was on the confirmation that was sent. (it was a private home) Fortunately, we called a floral shop we found online and they were able to give us the correct address; otherwise it would have been very dissappointing since I came from Arizona to attend the class. Hopefully you have fixed that error.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Angela H. on 7/10/2019
    great tips. Enjoyed instructor Michael Gaffney.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 7/8/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 6/24/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Eliza G. on 6/19/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 6/18/2019
    Michael Gaffney taught 3 different arrangements/techniques in one night very efficiently. Fun, fast-paced, low-key class. Beautiful results!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 6/18/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 6/18/2019
    Loved the class. I can’t believe I made such beautiful arrangements. Definitely planning on taking the 3 day class next.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by ELIZABETH M. on 6/18/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Andrea P. on 6/18/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 5/14/2019
    Learned some good tips, but the flowers we designed did not hold up as Mr. Gaffney said they would.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Valerie G. on 3/11/2019
    The experience was one I’ll never forget I loved it want to stay for the other half but will definitely take it again and recommend it to others still practicing the techniques and using them in my business
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Norma H. on 3/7/2019
    I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Michael exudes excellence. His assistant, Josh was very efficient. They were organized and professional. The class was prompt and ran like a well oiled machine. Listen, I learned more in 4 hours and walked away with 3 arrangements. I took an 8 hour course in December and walked away angry! Michael also interjected humor, while still being firm. Kudos! I look forward to taking the 101.
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by yaqiong s. on 3/7/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Rivky F. on 3/4/2019
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Meri C. on 3/3/2019
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 2/6/2019
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Ebi I. on 1/29/2019
    Really so inspiring! The simplicity of his teaching to the interactions and do-it-yourself style is highly recommendable. I had an awesome experience!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by ronit l. on 1/22/2019
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 10/8/2018
    The instructor was excellent: extremely knowledgeable, approachable, supportive and a sense of humor. I would recommend this course to those interested in Event Planning or Interior Design.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 10/8/2018
    Mr. Michael Gaffney was funny and artistic. I enjoyed his flower arrangement class. Only one thing if I may, I was expected the book included for “Design Star” which that book they promised in. But he gave us “American in Paris”. That was very much disappointed.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 10/2/2018
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 9/30/2018
    Just loved it ... overall great experience...
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Eb L. on 9/11/2018
    Well, I just looked at my Visa...I was charged the full amount $150.00 on August 23, 2018 and then the instructor told me I had only been charged $100.00 and he charged me an extra $50.00 yesterday(Sept.10, 2018). PLEASE credit the extra $50.00 to my credit card!!! The Class was very good and the instructor was great!!! There were a few problems...We was told there would be about 15-20 in the class and there were close to 40 people in the class! They had combined several classes together... The class began about 30 min late because they had to keep adding chairs and supplies and the instructor was collecting all of the money.( maybe he should have had a helper take the money) They also had a very nice lady talking about herb oils but my friend and I weren't interested in learning about oils because we came to learn about flower arranging. Please feel free to contact me! I look forward to getting my $50.00 credit ASAP... I would like to sign up for future classes. Thank you very much.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 9/11/2018
    Really good class but a lot of time was wasted as the instructor ran people’s credit cards. I paid online, so I just sat there waiting.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Jane S. on 8/28/2018
    Lots of good tips
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Brooke G. on 5/8/2018
    I had so much fun! This was my first class with course horse and I can’t wait to sign up for more!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 5/1/2018
    The teacher is quite a character and he could do with listening to his students more and being a bit more patient but he is clearly very talented.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/5/2018
    Informative and entertaining. Good mix of demonstrations, discussion and hands-on practice. Not sure tips work quite as well as advertised.
  • Flower Design Star: 1 Week Comprehensive

    Reviewed by Marcella T. on 3/4/2018
    It was a great and fun class ! I suggest it to everyone
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 3/4/2018
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Janette C. on 2/28/2018
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Yoko S. on 1/29/2018
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by hanna o. on 1/23/2018
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 7/31/2017
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Lorena L. on 7/26/2017
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 7/26/2017
    very enjoyable class, however, it was a very large class (approximately 30 students) - smaller size as it was so hands-on would have been preferable. Instructor was personable, knowledgeable, and the class was well planned out, with materials at the ready. It would have been helpful to have been told to bring a bag or bin to take projects home in!
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Natalia P. on 7/26/2017
    I love it
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 7/25/2017
    The class was very good but I was new to floral design and was trying to write down some important facts such as increasing the life of the arrangement.It would be helpful if the instructor had given printed sheets with important info so we can focus on the hands on part.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 7/25/2017
    It was a great class, I learned a lot and it was fun.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/20/2017
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Reviewed by Jennifer M. on 3/19/2017
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Anonymous review on 3/15/2017
    The class was a lot of fun and Mark was a fabulous teacher
  • xxxFloral Design Sampler Course (Night)

    Reviewed by Susan K. on 3/14/2017
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Cindy H. on 3/14/2017
    Instructor was entertaining and was hands on in assisting students with their work. Floral arrangements were great. Would highly recommend this class.
  • Introduction to Flower Design

    Anonymous review on 3/5/2017
    Interesting and fun class! It was mostly focused on bridal bouquets for the three day course and I wish it were more general arrangements but still very fun.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by romom t. on 2/20/2017
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Victoria B. on 10/18/2016
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Naomi M. on 7/17/2015
    The class was part of a program already running. I as the only student who was not part of the program and therefore did not know what to do with the flowers, how to cut them ,what to use knife or a pare of siccors .Also the subject of that class was FUNERALS ARRANGEMENT. It was not a regular flower arrangement like the description of the class indicates. It was a big dessapoiment ! Please make sure you change your concept. I wont recommend this class to anyone. Sincerely, Naomi Martell
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by Annmarie M. on 7/9/2015
    I had a lot of fun with this class. The instructor knew so much about design and how to apply it to the business world. The students were pretty great as well. When I felt lost, they would just help out. I would like to take this class again.
  • Floral Design Sampler

    Reviewed by liz k. on 6/30/2015
    Will this class be available next summer?I learned so much just in one class,and possible would like to take the whole coarse next summer
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Ella L. on 3/24/2015
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Esther S. on 3/23/2015
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Yoona J. on 3/19/2015
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Olga N. on 3/18/2015
  • Design Day #6: Vases, Vases, Vases!

    Anonymous review on 2/19/2015
  • Design Day #8: Sculptural Design

    Anonymous review on 12/1/2014
  • Design Day #7: Event Designing

    Reviewed by Virginia I. on 10/18/2014
  • Design Day #6: Vases, Vases, Vases!

    Reviewed by isabel m. on 10/13/2014
  • Design Day #3: Wedding Personals 'Flowers to Wear'

    Reviewed by Elaine R. on 10/7/2014
    Fantastic day of designing at the school. This New York School of Flower Design was a great time. What I liked about it was they explain the whys and hows of design.. Instead of copying which I did at other places. I'd seen Michael on the Today Show, so to meet him and learn from him was also very nice. I arrived and was greeted with a copy of his book that was included in the fee for this class. The class was really amazing. I left there understanding so much. I learned more in one day than the 2 weeks I've spent else where, having spent a lot more. Great education, tons of flowers and small classes. What else could I want?. My designs were included on Michael's webpage: www.flowerschol101.com. Thanks for a really great day of design, highly recommended......
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Candice Miller on 9/23/2014
    Awesome class - Amazing teacher! Went to this class looking to learn just a few things about how to arrange flowers - left with a wealth of knowledge and 3 beautiful flower arrangements! The teacher is amazing and makes the class fun - not to mention he is a genius with flowers! Looking forward to taking more classes with him.
  • Design Day #1: Vasing for Everyday Events

    Reviewed by Teresa on 9/22/2014
    Had a lot of fun and took home 3 absolutely beautiful pieces of work. We will go back to take more classes.
  • Design Day #5: Simply Elegant Designing

    Reviewed by Pilar Currea on 5/13/2014
  • Design Day #2: Here Comes the Bride

    Reviewed by Sunyoung Baek on 5/2/2014

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