In February I reminisce about elementary school Valentine’s Day.  We all had lots and lots of little paper envelopes with cards to open and read .  It was required that cards were given to each student so there were no favorites, although occasionally I confess to fantasizing a bit. 

Paper is something that I like to use in floral designs as well.  Along with flowers it’s a good way to communicate a message.  It also can fill in for flowers when they are not available and it comes in a myriad of colors, patterns, and textures.

The artist Yayoi Kusomo inspired me to use both polka dots and bright colored stripes with an array of flowers in a primary colors and tropical greens.   Kusomo always wears polka dots and paints in startling bright colors. 

Billowing white paper gives a couture look over this white vase.  White hydrangea and pale lavender stock show off the purple phalaenopsis orchid. 

The blue paper in this design is skewered onto a metal stand for a floating abstract design.  Curving bear grass contrasts with an angular sansevieria leaf and a single blue hydrangea blossom and stem of phalaenopsis orchid complete the minimalistic design. 

And Wow!!  This floating piece with contrasting stripes and dots was done by a friend.  The paper makes the design and hot pink accents bring it into the floral world.  It would certainly be a blue ribbon winner in a flower show. 

Textured white paper can be used like a lace collar to soften the edge of a vase and adds a romantic touch to a bouquet of daisies and greens.

For a winter arrangement the same white paper fills a gold vase with gold branches.  Just a few white narcissus are needed to complete the design.  Good when flowers are not plentiful in the winter.   Paper is folded over a 12g aluminum wire and inserted just like a flower.

Japanese origami paper can be folded into shapes and added as an accent.  It can be attached to a bamboo skewer with uGlu or a stapler.

For Valentine’s Day I added this fold of pink paper and a yarn covered dowel to a arrangement done with a grid mechanic.   The grid is a plastic “pillow” available from Syndicate Sales covered with wool and thin ribbon.   Hitomi Gilliam teaches this technique on her Patrone App. 

And for the real Valentine’s celebration, a paper lampshade from Ikea with edges painted red sits on top of a red vase and holds wonderful dancing red anemone. 

Now I wish you all a happy February and hope for dancing on Valentine’s Day next year!!