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!!
These show a wonderful array of design ideas and the various papers make a tactile addition. Love the red edged squares in the Valentine presentation!
Wonderful ideas Jane. Mind if I steal a few..ha ha!
Exciting designs, Jane. They are beautiful and fun. Happy Valentine’s Day.
These are wonderful and so you! I remember your early design in Memphis with paper!