5 Things I Can't Live Without
When I think of the things that are most important to me when creating flowers, the first that comes to mind is a skewer. Yes, a skewer. I use it to shape all of the petals for my flowers and I couldn’t imagine using anything else. It’s just thick enough to curl petals big or small. The pointy edge is perfect for smaller tasks, but not too pointy where I might stab my hands or fingers. I also use the pointy side to help me maneuver very tiny parts of paper where my fingers can’t reach. The best part . . . I have a bunch in my kitchen, so I practically have a lifetime supply, unless my husband decides to grill some meat on skewers (chances are small). I still use the same one since I’ve started making flowers and I have no need to change it.
Another thing that I can’t live without are my scissors. I’ve been fortunate to have been introduced to Kai brand scissors by another paper florist and the quality is amazing. The cut is precise and sharp and is very kind to the hands. These scissors make it easy to cut layers of paper at a time, which helps work go a lot faster, which means more flowers!
I have a few coloring tools I’m my tool kit. When I make flowers, it’s very hard for me to leave the paper I use as it is. I have to bring life into my flowers, give them personalities and depth. That’s why, color tools are on my list of must haves. I use Pan Pastels artist chalk which come in so many different shades. They are very easy to use and can be blended with other colors to make different ombre effects or it can simply be used to add just a hint of color. I also use alcohol inks when I want the color to travel throughout an entire petal. It’s easy to use and quick to dry. I just make sure to wear gloves so that my fingers don’t get stained in reds and blues and blacks. One last coloring tool I use is Design Master color sprays. These were originally meant for real flower florists to add life or boost of color to real flowers. It provides a very soft touch to the paper petals making them extra realistic.
The number one ingredient for paper flowers is the paper, but of course. The quality of the paper is very important. I mostly use double sided paper from Lia Griffith, which are made in Germany. It has just enough stretch for a lot of my flowers and has a smoother texture. I also like using a heavier crepe paper, made in Italy, that has a bigger stretch and is quite sturdy. These are perfect for my irises! The sturdiness and shaping qualities from its stretch give them so much character.
Lastly, hands down, the most important thing that I can’t live without is YOU! You are the reason why I create. You are who inspire me. I get so much joy, tingly feelings everywhere, when I get to create for you. My work and my product are done with so much love. I don’t just put paper, glue, and wires together. I dedicate a lot of my time to make beautiful blooms just for you, every petal has its own story, no flower is the same. Every flower can only be a piece of art and nothing less, just for you.
R & L
Picture with Lia Griffith from The Paper Florist Masterclass in May 2019