Liz Vayda, Plant Building Instructor

Learn more about our instructor Liz Vayda, Owner of B. Willow designs..and sign up for her upcoming classes HERE

Name and profession:

Liz Vayda, Owner of B.Willow Interior Plant Design

Where do you live: County or region is cool…

– Baltimore, MD.

How did you find out about On the Purple Couch, A Place to Create?

– Bahia got in touch with me after seeing advertisements of my plant-building workshops in D.C! Soon after, I came to check out her store & chat about ways to collaborate. 

How long have you been teaching your course work? 

– B.Willow will have been around for 3 years in August of 2013, and we had our first terrarium workshop in June 2014. We have taught several plant-making workshops since, ranging from succulent arrangements to pressed flowers! 

What do you like most about creating?

– Using nature as a means to create is a really therapeutic, enjoyable experience. When I’m in the studio building my arrangements and terrariums, I feel extremely grateful to be doing such relaxing work. I love using my creativity to create one-of-a-kind pieces. We plant in repurposed, hand-made, or natural materials, so everything we make is unique. It’s a lot of fun to breath new life into an old coffee pot or tea cup. 

Where do you create and what does it look like? Is it in your home, garage studio or whatever…tell us about your creative space

My studio is currently in a private residence, though we are hoping to move to a larger studio/storefront in Baltimore within the year. If you came to my house you’d probably guess that I work with plants (they’re everywhere!). My work tends to spread out beyond just my studio… you might find me creating pressed flower arrangements at my dining room table!

Can you share a favorite quote?

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein. 

Tell us about your class..anything…what will a student learn?

I love to speak initially about my mission, and why I do the type of work I do. I hope that my workshops provide attendees with an opportunity to turn off their cell phones, relax, and marvel at the wonder of nature. For each workshop, students will learn the science behind the plants we are working with, whether they’re succulents, tropicals, air plants etc. From there, we go over basic steps for building planters or terrariums, which also includes lots of little creative/technical directions (especially for terrariums!). After everyone has finished creating their planters, we reconvene to go over care. I also send everyone home with care instructions.

Are you taking a class yourself and if so what is it?

I am in the works of creating my own workshop/lecture series, in conjunction with another small business in Baltimore, Wax & Wane. The idea is to provide people with meaningful, informative classes and workshops, within the realm of nature-based wellness. I’m really excited for these, so I can start learning some new skills!

What does creating “do” for you?

Creating has always been a large part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine what life would look like without it. It definitely gives me a feeling of accomplishment and pride to create things that other people seem to enjoy. I’m just glad that I can do something I truly love, and share it with others.

Anything else you want to add….Your time to share/shine…

I am excited to connect with another community, and I hope to build some new relationships along the way. Thank you for having me!