Artificial flowers don’t generally enjoy a great reputation; ask a few people their opinion and you’ll invariably get told that fake blooms are unrealistic, tacky and, well, just plain nasty. If you hold this view then perhaps it’s time to take another look at the silk flower – it’s come a long way since the mass-produced plastic abominations of the 1960s and 70s.
Silk Gerbera - Red
“Silk flowers” itself is something of a misleading, catch-all term, as modern artificial “silk” flowers are made of anything from polyester, cotton, real silk, rayon, latex and, yes (for stems and berries at least) good old plastic.
Advances in silk flower manufacturing techniques and meticulous attention to detail mean that breathtakingly realistic designs can now be achieved, with the added advantage that they need no watering, are hypo-allergenic and will last indefinitely.
Creating artificial flowers
Design – At the start of the process the designer will examine the real flower to be replicated, dissecting it into its component parts so that they may be used as models to create a botanically accurate copy. Using the models, patterns are created for the petals and leaves, just as a dressmaker would.
Cutting – Using the designers’ patterns, the chosen material is cut to size. Many manufacturers cut their material with computer-controlled lasers, which is not only fast but also supremely accurate. Laser cutting also eliminates the fabric fraying sometimes found when using a blade.
Colouring – Once cut, the petals are dyed individually before being hand painted; a time-consuming and skillful job, which necessitates that most silk flowers are manufactured in areas where labour costs are less expensive.
Moulding – To give the flowers their curves and folds are placed into heated moulds. After pressing they may be wired and glued so that they retain the required shape.
Assembly – Finally, the petals, leaves and stems are all put together to make the finished plant.
We stock an extensive range of silk flowers, which we see as complementary to real cut flowers. If you are looking for some inspiration on what to do with them, why not have a browse through our Create Corner posts?
