Fresh Floral Revenue Streams: My Paper Flower Pivot
Beauty is found in many mediums, and artists tend to see it in some unusual places.
One such medium is paper. Paper flowers have been crafted for many years and recently have come back into style.
I’ve been experimenting with paper flowers for a few years. A recent pause in my wedding floral business allowed me to get serious about this art form.
Creating a line of 15+ different flowers has been so much fun! Some examples of the paper flowers I’ve been able to offer are:
Peonies
Ranunculuses
Tulips
Bearded Iris
Sunflowers
Sweet Peas
and more!
I am currently working on developing a gorgeous Phalenopsis Orchid. These flowers are so realistic, people actually try to smell them, thinking they are the real thing! It is very important to me as a florist to make blooms that look as botanically correct as possible.
Finding this new way of expressing myself has helped get my business through a difficult phase. When my usual revenue stream had slowed to a halt, developing a new aspect of creativity opened new doors of opportunity.
I believe that things happen for a reason, and it is in uncertain times we must not give up. Hours spent cutting tiny, intricate petals have given me a new appreciation for how amazing flowers are. The Creator knew what He was doing, and I get to recreate His perfect designs.
“When my usual revenue stream had slowed to a halt, developing a new aspect of creativity opened new doors of opportunity.”
Getting Started With Paper Flower Artistry
There are several ways to get started in paper flower artistry. Following artisans on Instagram such as @flowerandjane and @tiffanieturner is an excellent place to begin.
Many artists offer free and paid tutorials. YouTube videos are a good way to learn techniques. I also subscribe to the Paper Talk Podcast. It has been helpful to learn techniques and marketing ideas for paper flowers! I always marvel at the creativity of others.
Tools Needed
Many of the tools and supplies needed for paper flowers are already in a florist toolkit. Stem wrap tape, sharp scissors, and various glues are just a few basic supplies. You’ll need these—along with paper, of course!
Paper Type
Crepe paper comes in a rainbow of vibrant colors and various weights. It can be formed and stretched into naturally shaped petals and leaves.
The very best crepe comes from Italy and Germany. Carte Fini is an example of an Italian crepe paper company on the forefront of beautiful papers and pan pastels for color enhancing.
This paper comes in wide rolls with ample space to cut petals, large and small. It is truly amazing what can be created from something most folks only use to decorate children’s parties.
The Creative Process
After learning many techniques, I now enjoy taking a fresh flower, deconstructing it, and recreating each detail with paper. Adding pan pastel accents bring the flower to life. It is essential to finish the flowers with a UV/moisture protectant spray. I use a spray from Krylon. This is important because crepe paper is vulnerable to fading and moisture damage, and the spray helps protect it and makes it last longer.
Weddings are back, but the paper flower business will continue to be a growing aspect of Bixler Blooms. I recently decided to include one paper flower in every bridal bouquet I design. What a lovely keepsake and a very special surprise! Watching a bride realize the significance of that one bloom is so fulfilling and will always remind me of a time when hope came in the form of crepe paper.
