GENUINE FAUX
Get expert tips for creating artificial flower arrangements that are just as pretty as the real thing.
Mother Nature is notoriously fickle—a surprise late frost can wither away a garden’s beautiful early blooms. Plus, some spring flowers are finicky things to boot. Too much sunshine and they fade; too much water, they expire. What’s a lover of flowers to do?
Author Stevie Storck proves in her debut book that there’s nothing prettier—or simpler—than springtime flowers that look more fabulous when fake. “Artificial flowers and plants are experiencing a renaissance in the home decor world, and it’s not hard to see why!” writes Stevie, who readily lists all the pros to choosing faux flowers. “Never before have artificial flowers been more realistic or more widely available.”
Apart from their hyperrealism, these flowers have other advantages. “Faux florals are a longlasting and low-maintenance alternative to freshcut flowers and live plants,” Stevie continues. Not to mention, faux flowers help spruce up a spring abode and offer more bang for your buck since they don’t need constant replenishing. Plus, artificial flowers work anywhere, from the mantel to the kitchen counter, regardless of ample sunlight. Going faux makes sense when considering the time component in creating flower arrangements and centerpieces. “I argue that if you’re going to take the time to handcraft something, why wouldn’t you want it to stick around for more than a couple of days?” she notes.
Stevie’s entertaining take on artificial flowers and easy-tofollow guides make Modern Faux Flower Projects a must-read for home decorators. But it’s her fun, and often unassuming, authorly voice that will draw in readers and captivate their attention. “I am not a professional florist,” Stevie affirms. “I am an interior designer, blogger, wife, and mother who enjoys crafting in my spare time. I have no formal training in floristry. I would describe myself as a self-taught hobbyist and general flower enthusiast.” Who among us cannot relate? “Hopefully, that gives you some confidence: You don’t have to be a pro to craft beautiful faux flower projects for your home. If I can do it, then so can you!” The book’s format and organization are approachable for readers of all skill levels. After covering some fundamentals—from how best to group pieces around a focal flower to matching florals to their seasons—Stevie breaks down the necessary tools for making the 12 projects that follow in her book. The projects are organized by season and feature materials anyone can find at their local big-box stores. Stevie aims for timeless, classic and simple in her home decor aesthetic, and her flower arrangements match these goals. “My craft projects might not be the most flashy or intricate, but I design them with thought and care. Whether the design is based around a memory from my childhood, a found object I want to repurpose, a place that has captured my heart, or just a color scheme I love, I try to infuse meaning into everything I create,” she shares. Beautiful photos and step-by-step instructions are also included, along with an “inspiration gallery” for those wanting to branch out beyond the book’s projects.
Why not celebrate the coming spring season and freshen up your rooms with your own unique flower arrangements?