Faux Florals: 35 Step-by-step Projects for Arrangements Anyone Can Make

by Camilla Svensson Burns

Covers all the basics in faux-flower arranging for the beginner -- from materials to tools to design philosophies. Faux Florals for Every Occasion is a fresh approach to silk flower arranging. The author, a renowned floral designer, takes the reader beyond everyday expectations and inspires creativity with 40 sumptuous and contemporary designs. Remarkable advances have been made in the look and feel of silk flowers, and today hundreds of varieties are widely available. You can choose from traditional faux roses to slender lilies, delicate freesia and gossamer poppies all as vibrant and real looking as the freshest cut flowers. The benefits of using faux flowers are immediately apparent upon opening this book but readers will also be seduced by the practicality of going faux. They last longer, are less expensive, don't wilt, are allergen-free and can be used again and again in different combinations to suit the season or a special occasion. No experience is necessary to create the beautiful designs featured in this book. The author demystifies the art of flower arranging with step-by-step instruction and a simple, concise approach illustrated with gorgeous color photos. Whether novice or expert, this book will unleash your creativity and give you the resources that you will delight in and return to year after year.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Justin Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two great things about this book: First, each floral arrangement offers visual variety by using different materials for an array of occasions. Second, the pictures and layout are top-of-the-line, always professional and fitting.
Although the instruction and format give a sense of professionalism, the proof-reading could use some work. A word that caught my eye is spelled "phaleanopsis" on page 46 before the author realizes that this is a Greek word so the "a" should go before the "e", and she spells is "phaelenopsis" on the same page. No silly, the other "a", which Burns finally gets correct on page 116: phalaenopsis.

[Megalion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to learn about flower arranging and picked up this book to get a start. I found it educational and inspirational.

She identifies basic tools of the trade and materials, then goes right into the 35 projects. Each project lists the items needed to complete but where the book is lacking is in consistent clear step by step pictures and/or explanations of assembly.

I say consistent because sometimes a project will have an extra picture or two or bit of text that shows how a particular arrangement was achieved. It's not always easy to deduce from the final picture how to get the elements in the same way.

Overall I am pleased and I feel that even if I couldn't figure out EVERY project, that I could at least accomplish most and probably figure out the others with a little trial and error.