A GUEST POST

By Quynh D. Nguyen, Paper Floral Artist, Podcaster, Educator, and Author

Welcome to the world of paper flowers

I’m Quynh D. Nguyen, the creative force behind Pink and Posey, where I channel my love for flowers into crafting exquisite paper floral pieces and elaborate installations. As the founder of The Posey Box, an educational platform designed to inspire and teach the art of paper flowers, and co-host of the Paper Talk Podcast, I’m passionate about elevating our vibrant community of artists and sharing our creative stories.

I’m excited to release my latest book, The New Art of Paper Flowers. This book is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricate art of creating realistic paper floral arrangements with 25 detailed tutorials and five creative projects. It’s perfect for anyone, from beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of paper artistry to seasoned artists seeking new inspiration and techniques. The tutorials cover a wide range of skill levels and feature an array of flowers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy and master.

One of the unique aspects of this book is its encouragement of creative freedom—don’t feel restricted by the suggested paper color or weight choices. Instead, embrace your creativity by selecting the right crepe paper that speaks to your style and vision. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to replicate nature’s hues or experiment with bold, unexpected combinations. This book is not just about following instructions but about inspiring you to make each flower your own, infusing your personal touch into every petal and leaf.

The trend of faux/permanent/paper flowers

I recently attended the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) symposium in Orlando, FL and I was amazed by the vast array of silk flowers being showcased. The popularity of artificial blooms is on the rise. Incorporating lifelike botanicals into your arrangements can be a game-changer for floral designers. These crafted flowers offer the flexibility and durability that fresh blooms sometimes can’t. Whether you’re faced with seasonal limitations, extreme weather conditions, or a client with a specific floral vision that’s hard to achieve with fresh flowers, these realistic alternatives can fill those gaps seamlessly.

Consider the practical benefits of using artificial blossoms. They allow you to offer a peony in the dead of winter or craft a bouquet that doesn’t wilt under the summer sun or freezing cold. Their customizability in terms of color, size, and style ensures you can meet the exact needs of your clients, regardless of the circumstances. Moreover, these everlasting blooms provide a sustainable option for those looking to reduce waste, as they can be reused for multiple events or preserved as keepsakes.

In addition to silk and paper flowers, other materials like preserved florals, high-quality replicas, and even handmade crepe paper creations are becoming increasingly popular. These permanent botanicals offer endless creative possibilities, allowing you to mix and match with fresh elements or create entirely unique designs that stand the test of time. By embracing these alternatives, you can expand your design repertoire, offering clients stunning, beautiful, and everlasting arrangements.

The perfect companion to fresh flowers

Think of faux flowers as a great way to complement and add a base to large floral arches or wall installations—design and add your fresh flowers on top to trick the eye so the viewer cannot even tell which is real or faux. Another advantage is that these faux flowers can be reused repeatedly, significantly reducing overhead expenses.

Did you know that the first wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with paper? Over the years, many husbands have contacted me to recreate their wife’s wedding bouquets because they knew how much those flowers meant to them. These paper flowers become treasured keepsakes, symbolizing love and memories that endure beyond the wedding day. Similarly, florists often contact me to recreate a specific flower with a special meaning for the bride. This thoughtful gesture delights the recipient and strengthens the bond between the florist and their clients, reminding them that the florist is there to assist with all of life’s significant floral moments. These paper recreations are then delivered to the bride as a meaningful anniversary gift, a tangible reminder of her special day.

When tailored to match the original bouquet’s colors and textures, these handcrafted blooms become a lasting, personalized piece of art. They can be proudly displayed in the couple’s home, preserving the essence of their wedding day for years to come. By offering such a service, florists can extend their relationship with the couple beyond the wedding day and demonstrate a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting memories.

Quality faux flowers are not what they used to be

Faux flowers have long been considered an inexpensive alternative to fresh blooms, offering budget-conscious designers and event planners an affordable way to create beautiful arrangements. However, not all faux flowers are created equal. While lower-cost options can serve their purpose in some settings, the market for high-quality, realistic faux flowers—such as paper or silk varieties—has grown significantly in recent years. These superior faux flowers often come with a higher price tag, reflecting the intricate craftsmanship and materials used to make them indistinguishable from their fresh counterparts.

While the initial cost of premium faux flowers may seem steep, their long-term benefits make them a cost-effective choice. Unlike fresh flowers that wilt and require frequent replacement, these high-quality faux flowers can be reused numerous times, reducing the need for regular purchases. With each use, the cost-per-use of these flowers decreases, ultimately offering excellent value for money.

For floral designers, event planners, and hobbyists, the versatility of high-quality faux flowers opens up a world of creative possibilities. Their ability to be reused across multiple events or projects saves on overhead expenses and allows for greater creative freedom. You can experiment with new designs, mix and match with fresh flowers, or create stunning installations that stand the test of time.

While the initial investment in premium faux flowers may be higher, their cost savings and creative possibilities make them an economical and sustainable option in the long run, proving that quality truly pays off over time.

Sharing my love and knowledge of paper flowers

Through my book, The New Art of Paper Flowers, I aim to share the techniques that have allowed me to create memorable pieces. The book includes detailed instructions on crafting flowers like peonies, garden roses, and poppies —some of my most requested designs, plus what to do with the flowers afterward. Twenty-five flowers are explored in depth, from choosing the right paper to mastering the techniques that bring them to life, plus five projects that you can substitute any of the flowers into each of the projects.

My journey with paper flowers has been about more than just creating beautiful art; it’s about bridging the gap between nature and creativity. Every paper flower I create is an homage to the intricate beauty found in nature, yet it also represents the endless possibilities that come with artistic expression. The New Art of Paper Flowers reflects this journey, filled with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and inspiring ideas to ignite your creative spark.

To learn more and see my work, visit Pink and Posey.

Images courtesy of Quynh D. Nguyen, Kelly Lemon Photography and Yvonne Wong Photo

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If you enjoyed this post, check out How To: Make A Chocolate Cosmos Paper Flower.