"Who needs another book of paper flowers?" you may ask. You do, because Livia Cetti's gorgeous interpretation of this timeless craft is not to be missed! The materials are humble - mostly tissue paper, bleach, and green paper, but the results are anything but.
I've followed Livia's work for years, in numerous publications, poring over the photos, wondering at the realism of her craft. Then I saw her flowers in person at John Derian's shop in New York and I fell in love all over again. So when her publishing company sent me a pdf of The Exquisite Book of Paper Flowers last year, I was doing a happy dance while struggling not to tell any of you the good news.
But the secret's out! The book was released today, just in time for spring, and I've already dipped into it with the fritillarias pictured above. They're so sweet and dainty, and they make me just as happy as real ones. I can't wait to tackle the other projects.
One of the materials that Livia uses to create realistic specimens is bleach. I had no idea it would be so much fun, but It's a simple and effective technique that contributes greatly to the finished flower. The fritillarias required hand painting with bleach and a Q-tip, mimicking the faint checkerboard pattern of the real flower. It's that attention to detail that will bring your flower making up a notch.
But enough of my blathering. The best news is that I have a copy to give to one lucky reader! Just comment below and tell me what you think of paper flowers. I'll keep the giveaway open through next Friday, April 18 (11:59 PM PST). The winner will be selected in a random drawing.
Good luck!
More projects from the book: All photos by Addie Juell
A gorgeous spring centerpiece
Not your average wreath (This reminds me of a fabulous Dutch masters painting!)
Camellia blossoms - As a Southern girl, I simply can't resist these (or the jasmine vine in the book, either).
For more information on Melanie Falick craft books, visit their blog.
I would have such an enjoyable time reading the book and trying to make the flowers. Hope I win!
Posted by: Laurette | 18 April 2014 at 06:01 PM
I love paper flowers! I have the 'from paper to petal book' and keep it on the coffee table because it's too pretty to shelve away!
Posted by: Kat | 18 April 2014 at 03:09 PM
The flowers on those photos are amazing :) As a card maker, I've made a number of paper flowers, but would love to have a chance for more inspiration from this book of beauties! Thanks for the opportunity to win :)
Posted by: Monika | 18 April 2014 at 02:51 PM
The paper flowers are very unique. The colors are magnificent. Count me in for your book!
Posted by: Sue | 18 April 2014 at 02:22 PM
The book and flowers look amazing! Ive done coffee filter flowers but these are one step up from that. I'd love the book!
Posted by: Rita from designmegillah (Rita Brownstein) | 18 April 2014 at 02:22 PM
I love making paper flowers. This book looks gorgeous.
Posted by: Colleen C | 18 April 2014 at 01:27 PM
I adore paper flowers. I love real ones as well, but always get a little sad as the fade and wither.
Posted by: Lachelle Via | 17 April 2014 at 12:27 PM
I'd love to win this book!Beautiful book!
Posted by: Kyle | 16 April 2014 at 03:59 AM
Amazing, would love to win!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 15 April 2014 at 06:54 PM
I would love to win a copy of this book and I hope you will be able to come out to Kenner in the afternoon and see some wonderful paper quilling on May 17.
Posted by: Gail Freed | 14 April 2014 at 01:48 PM
The flower book is beautiful and the flowers are so realistic looking. I would love to win the book.
Posted by: Martha Morris | 13 April 2014 at 03:20 PM
The paper flowers are so beautiful! Would love to win this book!
Posted by: Laura | 13 April 2014 at 06:53 AM
I love making paper flowers for present toppers. These are gorgeous!
Posted by: Eden | 11 April 2014 at 06:45 PM
These are a far cry from the tissue paper flowers my friends and I learned to make when I was 10! We made tons to decorate my aunts wedding car. But these? These look worthy for a bride herself to carry down the isle! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Susan Minor | 10 April 2014 at 12:51 PM
What more could I ask for….paper, flowers and brilliant colors!
Posted by: Ali Coates | 10 April 2014 at 09:18 AM
Would love a copy of this book! I am also very interested in creating things from paper, so am always looking for new techniques to try. Here's a post that shows a few of my pieces in addition to my inspiration: http://bricolage-julier.blogspot.com/2014/03/paper-love-ephemera.html
Thanks for the chance to win the book!
:) Julie
Posted by: Julie | 10 April 2014 at 08:35 AM
Love papper flowers!
Posted by: Jonathan | 10 April 2014 at 06:07 AM
Love Livia's flowers. Ever since I brought home a bunch of paper roses from a little stall on Portobello Road in London years ago (and gave the all away!!!), I've been attempting to make my own to no avail. They never look as pretty. Maybe this book will help me.
Posted by: Stefanie | 10 April 2014 at 05:55 AM
Fabulous flowers! I would love to learn how to make them since my thumb is totally NOT green! :) Thanks for the lovely post.
Posted by: Beth Trice | 10 April 2014 at 03:38 AM
That wreath is exquisite, but as another southern girl, the camellias win. just wow!
Posted by: Christy Keyton | 09 April 2014 at 07:42 PM
They really are exquisite! I've never seen anything quite like it.
Posted by: Jill | 09 April 2014 at 07:40 PM
I absolutely love them! Can't wait to give it a whirl. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Posted by: Jeannie Phillips | 09 April 2014 at 07:18 PM
These are so stunning! I will have to get her book.
Posted by: Catherine | 09 April 2014 at 07:09 PM
I am an art teacher and love teaching this unusual type of craft to my students.
Jan
Posted by: Jan | 09 April 2014 at 05:05 PM
I love them!
Posted by: Anita | 09 April 2014 at 12:41 PM