Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with interior designers Buchanan Studio on a bespoke project for the renowned Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons hotel. The brief? To create giant paper white Narcissus flowers, with sizes ranging from 1.2m to 1.5m, including free-standing versions that replicated the intricate details of real flowers and their foliage. This was, without a doubt, my most ambitious project to date—challenging my creativity, problem-solving skills, and endurance every step of the way.
The Initial Vision
When Buchanan Studio first approached me, I was both thrilled and apprehensive. While I had experience in crafting paper flowers for them before, I had never created hanging installations or worked with such large-scale dimensions before. It was an exciting prospect, but also daunting. Could I achieve their vision within the tight two-month timeline?
The project called for two types of flowers:
1. Hanging Narcissus Flowers measuring up to 1.5m.
2. Free-Standing Giant Narcissus Flowers with realistic stems and foliage, requiring 36 flower heads in total.
Challenges Along the Way
Every creative project comes with its fair share of obstacles, and this one was no exception. Here are some of the hurdles I encountered:
1. Material Limitations:
I typically work with 180gsm Italian crepe paper, which has the durability and texture needed for realistic petals. However, the paper’s dimensions limited the maximum size of the flowers to 1.4m, just shy of the desired 1.5m. To ensure durability, I laminated the petals with a double layer of crepe paper—a tedious but necessary process.
2. Structural Challenges:
Given the size of the petals, extra reinforcement was crucial to prevent them from flopping. I inserted wire into each petal and carefully concealed it, ensuring both form and function.
3. Realistic Details:
For the hanging flowers, I meticulously hand-snipped paper to create lifelike stamens, complete with textured “pollen.” This task alone consumed over a day of work, but the final effect was worth every moment.
4. Production Timeline:
The free-standing flowers required 36 flower heads, each with six double-layered petals. Gluing and assembling these layers became an assembly-line process, consuming four intensive weeks of work.
5. Delivery Logistics:
Once the flowers were completed, I faced the challenge of finding suitable packaging for their delivery. Traditional boxes weren’t large enough, but after some searching, I found that bike boxes were the perfect solution. These unconventional containers allowed the flowers to be transported safely and intact.
Reflections on the Process
This project was as rewarding as it was challenging. Tackling new techniques like hanging installations pushed me outside my comfort zone, while working on such a grand scale tested my resourcefulness and patience. There were moments of doubt—particularly in the early stages when I wasn’t sure if the materials or my methods would hold up. However, the satisfaction of seeing the completed flowers—elegant, lifelike, and monumental—was unmatched.
The Final Result
The installation at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons brought the timeless beauty of Narcissus flowers to life, transforming the space into a whimsical floral wonderland. The collaboration with Buchanan Studio proved to be a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance.
Looking back, this project has not only broadened my skills but also given me the confidence to embrace even more ambitious projects in the future.
If you’re dreaming of a bespoke installation or large-scale floral project, let’s bring your vision to life—one petal at a time!
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