PaperCrafter caught up with Lia Griffith, an internationally renowned DIY designer and crafty expert. Read on to find out what makes the perfect paper flower, how you can get involved in a #CrêpePaperRevival and take a look at some of her beautiful makes – it’s blooming marvellous!
“A little time and attention is all a paper flower needs. There’s always imperfection in every make, even in the perfect paper flower”
What first encouraged you to make paper flowers?
I was working with a wedding stationery company and began writing content for their blog. I made my first paper rose for their readers and instantly fell in love with the process. I adored translating the shapes of real blooms into 3D paper objects. They became little works of art that looked as delicate as the real deal, yet would last a lifetime. Designing the patterns and then creating paper flowers came quite naturally to me, so I just continued from there, learning, modifying and developing my designs as I went along – I felt like I’d found my calling!
Lia’s Mother’s Day Topiary Centrepiece
What do you love about paper flowers?
I love taking a sheet of paper and making something strong and structural, yet delicate, soft and pretty at the same time. Teaching others to make stunning paper blooms and seeing their faces as they see what they’ve created is a great feeling – each bloom looks different and every pattern provides a new challenge. Of course the best thing is that a paper flower can last forever; just dust it off now and again and it will look as good as the day you made it, and no risk of allergies either!
Paper Ranunculus finishing touches
Tell us about your #CrêpePaperRevival
Crêpe paper has had a bad rep in recent years. Often produced in thick rolls of garish colours, it’s been a staple in pre-school classrooms instead of studios or craft rooms, and I wanted to change that. For years I’ve been a fan of Italian crêpe paper, but as I developed my paper flowers and other craft skills further, I felt the need for a crêpe paper that broke the mold a little!
I was approached by German manufacturer Werola to develop my own range of crêpe papers that crafters around the world would adore. My team and I worked hard to create a line of extra fine paper in a colour palette that is inspired by the garden rather than the candy store! Think rich aubergine, lush greens, delicate vanilla, coral and blush colours – perfect for wedding crafts, home décor, kids crafts and of course, stunning paper flowers! Our #CrêpePaperRevival is going strong, and people who never thought of using crêpe paper to craft are now hooked – our line sold out on its first day!
We love her Crêpe Paper Hibiscus
What is your favourite flower to make and why?
I go back to roses time and time again. It’s just such a classic flower and comes in so many varieties – I could never get bored of them! I’ve made felt rose buds, crêpe paper full bloom garden roses, classic red roses in metallic papers – even roses with a watercolor wash on the paper.
Beautiful Paper Ranunculus Flowers
What top tips would you give to crafters who have never attempted to make paper flowers before?
Give yourself a little time to play and manipulate paper before you commit to making the finished product. I use a technique that involves curling the paper with scissors to create depth and dimension to my leaves and petals. It’s a simple technique but sometimes it’s good to practice on your paper before you begin. Start with a simple pattern like our anemone, and allow yourself to make mistakes! Never use card as it’s too thick to create anything realistic.
Lia recommends her Double Sided Crêpe Anemone Flower
What is the Maker Movement, and how can we get involved?
The Maker Movement is about people getting involved in creating with their hands. It may be learning a new skill and setting up an online shop for your makes, or even sitting with your child after school to make a collage for their bedroom wall. It’s about appreciating the imperfection in handmade creations and investing some of your soul in the things around you. However big or small your involvement, I think it’s important to have something handmade in every room of your home. Handmade items, whether made by you or someone else, are a great way of adding a little personality to your home – and that makes everyone happy I think.
Potted Paper Philodendron
Any Lia Griffith news we can we look forward to?
We are launching our online craft school in September, a dedicated space on our website for members to learn new skills or polish their existing ones through video tutorials. You can also look out for a Lia Griffith line of craft tools in the not-too-distant future, I can’t say too much at the moment but watch this space!
Head to liagriffith.com for plenty of papercraft treats and inspiration.
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