Forever Flowers: The New Approach to Decorating with Fake Flowers

Description

Synopsis There isn't an interior that doesn't welcome flowers of some sort, whether masses of soft, full blown country roses or the sleek masculine elegance of a single orchid. Even - or perhaps especially - those who love designing with real flowers are very much aware of the benefits of supplementing them with today's perfectly made fakes. Watching natural flowers grow and tending to their needs for water, plant food or re-potting has undeniable satisfactions. But there are pleasures too in buying and displaying faux flowers: the buzz of anticipation as you receive and unwrap an arrangement for the first time; the satisfaction of finding the best place for it; the convenience of being able to store a favourite arrangement and bring it out again with a fresh jolt of pleasure; the enjoyment of being able to cheer up draughty hallways, high ledges or dark corners - places where real flowers would wilt and turn up their toes.People with conservatories often like to add fakes to their real flowers, and some even swear that the beauty of faux plants encourages the natural ones to imitate them.There are scores of clever ways to mix real and fake flowers: dried hydrangea heads with faux anemones or roses; real seed pods and berries with faux viburnum and magnolias; real grasses with faux lilies...the possibilities are endless.Consumer interest in the remarkable faux flowers available today owes much to the social changes that have brought far more women into the workplace. Juggling families and careers at the same time, it is not so easy for them to continually.This title includes new and unexpected ways to use the new generation of stunningly realistic faux flowers to refresh your house and uplift your spirits. It shows how to build a seasonal 'wardrobe' of faux flower arrangements and move them around like paintings for fresh impact, either on their own or in combination with real flowers to achieve that 'just cut from the garden' look. It includes step-by-step instructions for arranging single and multiple stems, working with resin 'water' and using a wide range of classic and unexpected containers in new and original ways. Contemporary modern, country style pine, classic antique...whatever your style there are suggestions for perfect arrangements, special occasion decorations and gift wraps. About the Author Margaret Ashbourne is the co-founder of and creative force behind the Ruckley fake flower business and its affiliate Peony Direct designing, creating and assembling the finest quality faux flowers. Ruckley has an unrivalled reputation for botanical accuracy, and holds the World Licensing Rights to market a range of artificial flowers under the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Inspirations brand. They also work with world-famous rose breeder David Austin, producing a selection of ‘real touch’ faux roses, and supply a number of major retail outlets and garden centres.