FAQ

Christine by deersphotography-194Photo by Deer’s Photography

  1. What kind of paper do you use?

I make my flowers from 60/90/180 gr.  Italian crepe paper and 60/160 gr, German crepe paper, that I like to paint with acrylics so I can control the color theme in every small detail.  I do not use any plastics, vinyl, beads, or pre-made artificial foliage or stamen.

  1. What kind of flowers do you make?

I make a large variety of flower, in different stages of blooming, from buds to fully blossomed: classic roses, peonies, anemones, ranunculus, hydrangea, all types of English garden roses, succulents, scabiosa, jasmine, proteas, dahlias, poppies, magnolias, poinsettias, berries, dogwood, tulips, sunflowers, brunia, freesias, sweet-peas, lisianthus, cherry blossom, field flowers, hellebore, orchids, daisies and all types of greenery and eucalyptus. I like to constantly enlarge my floral range, try new things so, don’t be afraid to ask me if there is a particular flower you are interested in and I’ll try my best to make it.

  1. Do you sell your flowers? What kind of orders do you take?

Yes, I sell the flowers I make on my Etsy shop. Take a look to see what’s on stock for the moment.

I dedicate my time making paper flowers courses because so many of you wish to learn from me. This allows me to only take small custom orders like centerpieces for home decoration, small bouquets for gifts or flower wreaths. If you are interested in this type of order, let me know with a few months in advance all the specifics (types of flowers, size, colors, deadline and all other details that are important for you).

I used to make a lot of bridal bouquets but this type of order is very time consuming so I decided to only make one or two bouquets a year. If you are interested in this type of order, let me know with many month in advance. Send me an email with the specifics and I will send a price offer.

Sometimes, I make recreation of real bouquets or wedding bouquets… so if you wish to hold your bridal bouquet one more time, for years to come,  or you want to make your wife the most amazing anniversary gift, let me know. I take a limited amount of orders per year so contact me with many months in advance, even one year previous to the occasion. I also reserve the right to turn down orders beyond my capabilities.

  1. Can you send me a price offer for your work?

I don’t have a standard price offer because I only have time to make a few orders every year, so every customer with his/hers requests is unique. Only after I know all the details, I can make an estimate of the time, workmanship and materials I need in order to make you a price offer.

  1. How long does it take you to make my order?

I can accept an order if the deadline is convenient for me and I’m sure that I will finish in time for shipping.

  1. How does this process work? From placing the order until finishing it.

You have to send me an e-mail or a private message to my Facebook/Instagram page with all the details regarding your order: type (single stem, multiple stems, small centerpiece, bouquet), deadline, color theme, flower range, shape and size, etc. You can also send reference images with my work or real flowers/bouquets. After we establish all the details, I will make a storyboard that captures all the details of your order, which you have to approve (or modify) and which I will use for my creative process. I will send pictures with the progress and final look. Communication is easy and I’m available most of the time for questions and possible changes.

  1. Is shipping secure? Does it arrive safely?

Yes, I do my best to make that happen. All orders are shipped in cardboard boxes sustained with polystyrene walls inside. I also make a support system for the flowers/bouquet that keeps it still in the box. The rest of the empty space is filled with tissue paper. I usually send pictures with the inside of the box so you can see for yourself.

8. Where and how do you ship?

I take orders from Romania and most E.U. countries, UK, USA, Canada and Australia. I ship with international mail overseas and with regular mail/courier on the European continent.

9. How should I care paper flowers? How long do they last?

The paper flowers I create are meant to last forever because I’ve developed special techniques to make the blooms stronger and resistant to time passing and manipulation. You must keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture! One of the reasons I paint my paper with acrylics is that crepe paper colors fade very quickly because of the natural light. By painting it,  not only I obtain the shade and details I aim for, but also, I make the paper more stronger and resistant  to light.  I also use a varnish spray with UV protection that will help the paper that isn’t painted not to fade as much. If you find your flowers need dusting, giving them a gentle shake or just blow on them gently… that should be sufficient. You can also use a soft paint brush to get into the grooves of the paper.

The paper flowers I make are generally more resilient than they appear, but you must avoid storing flowers on their sides for long periods of time, and always keep them in a vase.

Keep your flowers away from open flames.

10. Do you make workshops or teach?

I have a few pdf. courses available on my Etsy shop and one Video Course available at Flower and Jane online school. My plan is to make a few more paper flower tutorials/video courses in the next few years. I’m not hosting real life workshops at the moment.

11. Why are your paper blooms more expensive than real flowers?

…or at least they should be, because you have to consider the fact that this is handmade work that implies a creative and artistic process, in which every paper bloom is made from scratch – the paper is died and every petal is cut, shaped, glued on one by one. It may take a couple of hours or even one or two days, to make one flower. You’re paying for the material cost, the workmanship but also the hours of research, practice and study. You must know that I pay myself a moderate wage per hour so you can afford to buy my work… I don’t factor the many additional hours I spend researching, designing, managing my business, arranging the order for proper shipping, shopping for supplies and so on.

 

3 Comments on FAQ

  1. Suzanne
    April 3, 2019 at 3:49 PM (4 years ago)

    Hi Christine, where are you based? I am interested in a few floral designs for my wedding, but I am in South Africa.

    Reply
    • Christine
      April 5, 2019 at 11:11 AM (4 years ago)

      Hello, I’m from Romania. I will send a private e-mail with details.

      Reply
  2. Haley
    June 5, 2019 at 10:45 PM (4 years ago)

    Hello, I am looking in to these for a wedding. I have 7 bridesmaids and then including my bouquet. And about 10 boutonnières. Would you be able to estimate how much it would be?

    Reply

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