Luxury Silk Flower Arrangements : From Heemstede to Copenhagen, a Florist’s Journey

My First Silk Flower Assignment Inspired by My Fresh Flower Bouquet!

At first, I was a bit perplexed. I had been calling myself a gardener florist. And to create such a big artificial flower bouquet?

It was one of my avid customers who had fallen completely in love with my arrangement created just days ago. She called me to then ask me to create a similar color tone and style of a bouquet using silk flowers. The story was that she was about to move to Copenhagen in a few short weeks. And she wanted to bring the flower arrangement of my creation with her, to be enjoyed always and for years in the new city. I was flattered beyond belief and still, I’ve never done anything with artificial flowers upto that moment. But as an artist, you don’t turn away from such a heart-felt and encouraging assignment. I was up for the challenge.

The Unexpected Request : A 1,000+ EUR Silk Flower Centerpiece

I did not forget that the enquiry came because of my own fresh flower arrangement style. My floral design style is recognized as beautifully chaotic and boldly colorful style that’s full of intricate details. While silk flower arrangement tends to happen on x5 size scale and over 1,000 EUR budget, I made sure to maintain my design philosophy, only adding the element of luxury, grandeur and fantasy on top.

I have been lucky to be given very handsome and large vases for my silk flower projects. Many times these are well known pieces from reknowned designers. The one you see here, with its iconic design and those flashy gold bulbs, was quite a design challenge. How will I arrange in a way that the flowers are not overwhelmed by these golden dots? How to create a harmony between these clashing elements ie. white vase, golden bulbs and chaotic flowers? These made the ideation process even more intriguing.

Creating Lasting Beauty : The Art of Silk Flower Arrangement

When I get a silk flower assignment, I start with a vision board. Based on the vase, client’s desired colors and the space in which the vase will sit, I determine the key design elements. With this in mind, I head to my favorite silk flower shop and spend about half a day going through the choices and carefully choosing the branches. Silk flower stems are expensive and you cannot return them. So I tend to under-purchase with a plan to visit at least one more time. Perhaps one day, I’d be able to shop with exactitude in both quality and quantity with just a single visit. But until then, it would have to be a multiple trips.

For the composition, I need tree branches, main flowers, supporting flowers, lots of fruits and plumes as well - not that different from the elements of the fresh flower arrangement. Because I need the base design to look almost real and mimicking real flowers to an extent. But at the same time, I must add elements of exaggeration and fantasy because well, it isn’t real. It’s artificial, fake flowers. I’d rather let the fakeness be present and use this to my advantage. For example, I’d have one corner filled with gold-painted poppies and silver colored vine leaves. They will add the feeling of being extraordinary, catch the eyes of the beholder and give an luxurious aura, too. As always, the balance of natural shape and feel, with added elements of fairytale or fantasy - that’s the tricky and fun part.

From Real to Artificial : A Gardener Florist’s New Adventure

I know, it’s ironic. Being a gardener florist who does not even use foam mechanic to be environmentally friendly and nature-loving. And then suddenly finding myself creating a rather huge silk flower arrangements simultaneously. I treat my silk flower projects as a sculptural pieces that happens to use artificial flowers. Knowing that these will serve as a centerpiece, permanently bringing colors, beauty and energy to those who need it, I am actually than fine with the ability to carry out works in both fresh and artificial flowers. If, for some reason, I had literally zero time to maintain any house plants or cut flowers in a vase, then a beautifully designed silk flower arrangement in my favorite vase would be a huge gift and a consolation to myself. I know I would need it 100%.

My Silk Flower Projects Now in Copenhagen, Seoul and Amsterdam

After that first silk flower arrangement that flew all the way to Copenhagen, many people seems to have visited my client’s home to witness it. And it led to more requests. With its advantage of permanence, ease of maintenance and oftentimes looking quite spectacular, I am fully in agreement with those who would love to own these luxurious pieces in their spaces. As a designer, silk flower creations have been just as magical, creative and fulfilling to make. In terms of artistry, I actually might secretly enjoy the process more because it lets me be bigger, bolder and more flexible.

As these arrangements are permanent centerpieces, I take personal and customized approach for each project. If you’d like one, please feel free to email me via info.flowerandflour@gmail.com for a magnificent silk flower arrangement that you’d enjoy looking at years and years.