UNBOXING - FROM FLAT TO FABULOUS: SIMPLE FLUFFING TIPS FOR FAUX FLORALS AND FOLIAGE

Faux florals and foliage are a fantastic way to add the feel of fresh flowers and greenery to your home, office, or special events without the maintenance of real plants. However, when these faux beauties arrive flat-packed or come out of storage looking a little bit deflated, they just need a little TLC to get back to looking their best! Here’s a simple guide (with video!) on how you can easily fluff your artificial flowers and greenery to transform them from flat to fabulous.

UNPACK AND ASSESS YOUR BOTANICALS

Start by carefully unpacking your faux flowers and foliage from their shipping or storage box. Lay them out on a flat surface and take a moment to assess their shape. Notice where the petals and leaves are compressed or bent.

FLUFF AND SHAPE YOUR BLOOMS

Using your fingers, gently separate and "fluff" the petals. For most faux flowers, start from the outer petals and work your way inwards. Some larger, fuller florals work best when working from the inside out. Play around with both techniques until you find the one that works best with the flower you are reshaping. Don’t be afraid to adjust them until you’re happy with the look. Remember, real flowers aren’t perfect, so small imperfections in your artificial botanicals can actually help add to the realism.

ADJUST THE LEAVES AND STEMS

For artificial foliage, gently bend and shape the leaves away from the main stem. Spread them out to create a fuller look. If the stems are wired, you can bend and play with them to create more natural curves and angles, giving your arrangement more depth and dimension. Wired stems are incredibly useful for creating lifelike arrangements, so take advantage of this feature to add a sense of movement and life to your floral display.

Many high-quality faux flowers and greenery feature wired petals and leaves, making them even easier to shape and customize. For these pieces, gently bend or arch the wires from the stem or middle of the flower outwards, shaping the petals and opening up the bloom or foliage cluster. This technique allows you to create a more realistic and vibrant appearance, as you can control the spread and angle of each petal and leaf. Wired petals and leaves can be adjusted repeatedly, so you can refresh your arrangements over time to keep them looking new and dynamic. Play around with different bloom shapes from fully opened to semi-closed blossoms.

ARRANGE AND DISPLAY YOUR DESIGN

Once your fake florals and foliage are fluffed and shaped, it’s time to arrange them. Whether you’re simply placing them in a vase or creating a centerpiece, take your time to experiment with different arrangements and shapes. Consider the height, color, and texture of each piece. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers and greenery for a more realistic look. Layering different elements can add depth and make the arrangement more interesting to the eye.

Once your arrangement is in place, step back and take a look from different angles. Make any final adjustments to the blooms and greenery to ensure everything looks just right. 

FAUX BOTANICAL TIPS

• Be Gentle: Always handle your artificial botanicals with care to avoid damaging the petals and leaves or over shaping. Remember, even real flowers and foliage have imperfections!
• Regular Maintenance: Occasionally re-fluff or rearrange your arrangements to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
• Storage: When storing your permanent botanicals, try to avoid crushing them or over packing them. Use tissue paper to protect them and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent any damage from humidity or extreme temperatures.
• Cleaning: Keep your faux florals dust-free by gently wiping them with a soft cloth or using a hair dryer on low temperature. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a mixture of water and mild soap, but be sure to test it on a small area first to avoid any damage. Find more cleaning tips and tricks here.

WHY ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS?

Faux florals can offer several advantages over real flowers. They’re long-lasting, allergy-free, and can be styled and reshaped to suit your changing tastes and seasonal decor. Plus, they’re an excellent option for those who love the beauty of flowers but don’t have the time to care for real plants.

With these simple steps, your artificial flowers and greenery will go from flat to fabulous in no time. Enjoy the beauty and happiness faux flowers and plants bring to your home, without the hassle of maintenance. Happy decorating!