By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Springtime can be a busy time of the year for florists, and Rebecca Bond Nichols, owner of Shabby and Chic Events, knows that all too well.

Shabby and Chic Events partnered with Gallery 905 Thursday evening to host a two-hour flower social. Nichols provided hydrangeas, roses, lisianthus and bells of Ireland flowers as well as other materials to make a floral arrangement.

The gallery floor was lined with tables as participants smiled and held light conversation while creating their masterpieces.

Nichols instructed the group of 12 on how to make the arrangement, but also gave the group the opportunity to personalize it to their liking.

She said it was a fun time and she was excited to see that so many people were excited about the sold out event.

“I thought it would be a fun way to teach [them] how they could do their own [arrangement],” she said.

Nichols said springtime is so busy for them because of graduations, parties and weddings. She also said no matter the time of the year flowers are a good addition to the home.

“It’s always nice to have a flower arrangement on your table,” she said.

Now a resident of Prattville, Nichols said Selma is her home and the community always welcomes her with open arms.

“I appreciate the people of Selma so much,” she said.

Nikki Gilmore, director of Gallery 905, said she was “super excited” about the event this time, because even she will be participating in the workshop.

This was the second time the gallery has hosted this type of event and both times it was a hit with the community.

Gilmore said Nichols does a great job incorporating flowers that can be found at local shops as well as making the workshops simple enough that every person in attendance, experienced or not, will be able to make a nice arrangement.

“Every single participant leaves with something beautiful,” she said.

Mother and daughter Virginia Roberts and Angie Yeargan were among the group. Yeargan said she and her mother were excited to spend time together and were happy to be at the social.

“We always do things together,” she said. “I’m her only child.”

This will not be the last workshop Gallery 905 hosts. Later in April, they plan to host an Impressionistic painting workshop with national award winning artist Toska Courbron.

The gallery is currently still accepting registrations for participants, and the cost is $95 per person. Much like the floral social, Toska Courbon will be leading the group on their paintings. To register for the workshop call (334) 878-1905 or email gallery905@yahoo.com