Each year, we're amazed by the creativity, artistry, and heart that floral designers bring to the UrnTray Design Contest. This year's winning design stood out not only for its exceptional craftsmanship but also for the deeply personal story behind it.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa Friedrich of Heaven Scent Florist in Havana, Illinois, winner of the 2026 UrnTray Design Contest!
2026 Winning Design created using our Small Floral Wreath Tray.
A Design from the Heart
Some floral designs tell a story. Others preserve a memory. Lisa's winning arrangement accomplished both.
The design was created for her own sister's memorial service, making this award especially meaningful.
"The butterfly is her urn. We have been so impressed with the shape we can achieve using these [trays] and the ease of designing with them! We'll never use anything else for our cremation urn surrounds! Thank you so much!"
Designed using our Small Floral Wreath Tray, the arrangement beautifully showcases how thoughtful mechanics allow designers to create truly one-of-a-kind sympathy tributes that honor the life of a loved one.
Meet the Designer
Heaven Scent Florist is a family-owned and operated flower shop in Havana, Illinois. Owners Mark and Denise Friedrich purchased the business in 2003, and today Denise works alongside her daughter-in-law, Lisa Friedrich, to serve their community with beautiful floral designs for every occasion.
Lisa has been designing professionally for more than 15 years and has developed a passion for creating arrangements that celebrate life's biggest milestones as well as its everyday moments.
Co-owner/designer Denise (left) and daughter-in-law/designer Lisa (right)
"I love the opportunity to not only be a part of someone's most meaningful events like weddings and sympathy work, but also just the everyday moments. In my 15+ years, I've never met anyone that was unhappy to receive an arrangement. It gives someone a smile and makes them feel special. We could definitely use more of that today!" - Lisa
A Family Business with Heart
For Lisa and her family, success isn't measured by long-term business plans or lofty projections. Instead, it's about serving their hometown, creating meaningful floral work, and bringing happiness to others one arrangement at a time.
"Our main goal is just to spread as much happiness and joy for as long as we can. The small business climate is rough these days. I don't have a 5-, 10-, or 15-year plan. We take each day as it comes and are just thankful to serve the community we live in and love."
That same family legacy is something Lisa hopes to continue for generations.
"I have a six-year-old daughter and hope to one day design alongside her as I do with her 'Granny' now!"
Ribbon Cutting at their new location in 2025
Why Heaven Scent Florist Chooses UrnTray
When asked about her experience with our floral risers, Lisa knows exactly why they have become an essential part of her sympathy work. "We'll never use anything else!" she stated, "The shape and design we can achieve using it is so much better than anything we did before."
She also enjoys seeing the creativity of fellow florists and finding inspiration through the UrnTray community. She mentioned, "I love following your page and learning and gaining inspiration from other designers as well!"
Congratulations, Heaven Scent Florist!
Lisa's winning design reminds us that flowers can do more than create beauty; they can tell a story, honor a loved one, and provide comfort during life's most difficult moments.
We're honored that UrnTray could play a small role in helping create such a meaningful tribute, and we're grateful to Lisa and the entire team at Heaven Scent Florist for sharing their talent, passion, and heart with our community.
Congratulations again to Lisa Friedrich and everyone at Heaven Scent Florist on being our 2026 UrnTray Design Contest Champion!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 UrnTray Design Contest.
Your creativity continues to inspire floral designers across the industry, and we can't wait to see what you create next year!