Welcome to The Series Paper Flowers & How to make Boutonnieres – Part 3. In my previous posts, I shared Jennifer’s Paper Flower 101 & Where to get started and Quynh’s Paper Flower & How to make hops.

Today I have another talented paper flower artist that I can’t wait to introduce to you. His name is Gerry and he is our first and so far only male contributor in this series.

Now, let’s get started. I’m sure you are very interested in reading his story!

While we were planning for our wedding three years ago, my wife told me she would not carry a heavy bridal bouquet no matter how beautiful it was. That lead me to create paper flowers for the whole entourage; days later, for the reception centerpieces, too. It was @liagriffith downloadable poppy template that added a touch to the rose bunches I’ve made using parchments. And they were stunned to witness a wedding during an inclement weather using paper flowers. Sometime in February the following year, we’ve decided to make it commercial when I finally finished our very own flower templates. Today, everytime weather is inclement, I can’t help myself but look back where we started and where are we now in paper gardening. Much has to be learned still, but I know, it would be colorful and much fun ahead. #thepaperblooms

A photo posted by Gerry Rosales (@_thepaperblooms_) on Jun 28, 2016 at 11:25pm PDT

The Series Paper Flowers & How to make Boutonnieres

About Gerry from ThePaperblooms 

I am a flower smith based in the Philippines. Ever since I wanted to open a flower shop but I never thought that it would be made of papers!

Initially, I draw inspiration from the works of Tiffanie Turner, Lynn Dolan, Kate Alarcon and Jennifer Tran. I love how they make flower replicas (and how they photograph it) and their keen eye for details, you need a second look to identify its actually paper.

How I got started with making flowers?

I began crafting flowers in 2013 while I and my fiancée are planning for our wedding. After our meeting with the florist, she told me that she would not carry a heavy bridal bouquet, no matter how beautiful or pricey.

Eventually, I Googled for wedding flower ideas and found paper bouquet as an alternative. I showed her what I found and she gave in to that idea.

I never thought that it would lead me to make paper flowers commercially. At the onset, I used parchments and specialty papers. I practiced the craft using downloadable templates from elinee.com, watched videos online and did some research for techniques.

I was able to make flowers for the whole entourage and reception centerpieces as well. From there, I learned to create new forms until I finally develop my own workflow in flower making. Roughly a year after, I began using crepe paper and it was a whole lot different experience.

I could not help myself but explore and create more.

About ThePaperblooms 

ThePaperblooms was born in February 2014, when I made a Valentine paper flower catalog which I posted on my personal facebook account.

Just a few days after posting, I started receiving orders and inquiries. Custom orders from friends also came in after the love month orders.

However, growth doesn’t come immediately as I’ve expected. I needed to cultivate the craft more! In 2015 we joined wedding expo to gain more exposure in the wedding industry as a flower supplier.

Later, I started posting on Instagram. Don’t you think Gerry’s story sounds very much like it was guided by faith? I loved reading about how he got started.

And because he is such a talented paper flower maker, I had to ask him for a tutorial. Luckily he had time and made an incredible boutonniere tutorial for us. Enjoy!

ThePaperblooms was born in February 2014, when I made a Valentine paper flower catalog which I posted on my personal facebook account. Just a few days after posting, I started receiving orders and inquiries.

Custom orders from friends also came in after the love month orders. However, growth doesn’t come immediately as I’ve expected. I needed to cultivate the craft more!

In 2015 we joined wedding expo to gain more exposure in the wedding industry as a flower supplier. Later, I started posting on Instagram. Don’t you think Gerry’s story sounds very much like it was guided by faith?

I loved reading about how he got started. And because he is such a talented paper flower maker, I had to ask him for a tutorial. Luckily he had time and made an incredible boutonniere tutorial for us. Enjoy!

The Series Paper Flowers & How to make Boutonnieres

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Bonus Interview with Gerry from ThePaperBlooms

What crepe paper do you work with, and why? 

I usually use crepe paper available here in the Philippines. I also use vellum boards and other specialty papers in making large wall flowers.

Hot glue of adhesive glue? 

I use both but I prefer using hot glue most of the time. It is quick drying and easy to set, my fingers get used to the heat 😀

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What resources do you use to find new flower inspirations? 

I usually Google for flower photos, search for cut flower florist on Instagram and read some books on botany. I love reading those!

How long does it take you to make an entire bouquet? 

Well, it depends on flower types and design direction. Some flowers are easy to make while some few others are time-consuming.

Does your wife make paper flowers too? 

No, she does not! She hasn’t made one just yet, but she’s fond of cleaning my paper scraps, hahaha. Most of all, I haven’t released a design without her approval. She’s my best critic and number one fan.

Helpful tips:

• I find it helpful to disassemble actual flowers, especially when doing it for the first time, to have a good paper representation of that species.
• I keep an encyclopedia of flowers handy, botanical sketches and some photo research. All of these formed how I craft paper flowers.

ThePaperblooms Social Media: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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