In the midst of the hustle and bustle these last few weeks, I’ve been making flowers. Every day, a flower in the morning with a cup of coffee, a flower before bed, a flower in the stolen moments between those bookends of time. It’s the most focused I’ve been in a long time. Something has clicked into place. It’s a meditation, even while an act of utter frivolity.
I haven’t finished them or made leaves or attempted to coax them into perfection. I just make them, plunk them into glasses strewn around my house. I will get to the details later.
My brain is busy, already thinking beyond the confines of instruction and books. I’m learning, technique and process, but my spirit is already in the garden, thinking about what I can recreate. It’s beyond rhyme or reason. For now, just simple medicine.
**I'm making flowers based on instructions from The Exquisite Book of Paper Flowers by Livia Cetti
Thanks, Katie! I was just thinking about your granola the other morning. So good to hear from you. I hope you're having a wonderful summer with those gorgeous kids.
Posted by: Suzonne | 30 July 2014 at 05:49 PM
These are amazing! I cannot believe you made them- and from paper!
Posted by: Katie John | 26 July 2014 at 03:01 PM
Catherine, I think they're a great substitute for the real thing! There's a certain whimsy to them (which I greatly prefer over the faux branches and blossoms you see at places like Michaels), but they make me just as happy as the real thing and they don't die in a couple of days. Also, the supplies for these are so basic. It's amazing what you can do with a bottle of bleach and some tissue paper!
Posted by: Suzonne | 21 May 2014 at 01:56 AM
Oh Shalagh, I find myself looking at things like kumquat branches to work out in paper (along with an enormous file of photos of real flowers for inspiration). Really, I've kind of lost my mind. But the process makes me so happy!
Posted by: Suzonne | 21 May 2014 at 01:50 AM
These look gorgeous. I have to get this book! I have a daughter who has severe hay fever if I have flowers in the house which is hard as I was used to having fresh flowers weekly for years before she was born (not that I mind giving them up for her health of course). But I love having a vase full of flowers. These paper ones could be just the substitute I am looking for!
Posted by: Catherine | 21 May 2014 at 01:13 AM
Oh Suzonne, I love that description.A zen discipline. A mindfulness. These flowers are exquisite and already perfect. I can't wait to see where else you'll go. You know I love me some paper crafts.
Love,
Shalagh
Posted by: Shalagh Hogan | 20 May 2014 at 07:39 PM