Are you intimidated by faux flowers, wreath making and floral arranging, or are you an old pro? It was only in the last few years that I really started crafting and decorating with faux flowers, and I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed when I decided to start making wreaths on regular basis. One day, out of nowhere, I decided I was going to be a “master wreath maker,” so I headed to the craft store thinking I would just luck into some perfect combination of materials.  I almost always find something amazing on my junkin’ adventures, so I thought surely the flower shopping would be no different. I normally avoided the “tacky-fake flowers” section however, so I was shocked at how gorgeous and realistic faux flowers had become. And there were too many to choose from! I realized I just needed to use a method of design that has always worked for me in the past, which is to base my creations around some sort of  decorative item or accessory.

Any time people visit my home or when I share a vignette on Instagram, or even craft something unique from vintage junk, people always ask me how I come up with my ideas. A lot of times I design spontaneously, but other times it is one little item that sparks a whole design. Perhaps it is a pattern on a lone vintage tea cup, a piece of jewelry or a throw pillow. Sometimes it is some type of tiny serendipitous junk find that is the catalyst for a complete decorating overhaul! The shabby-vintage vignette below was completely inspired by a pretty necklace handmade by a dear friend. One single purple hydrangea works to tie all the colors together beautifully.

Recently I went shopping at A.C. Moore for Easter and spring wreath materials, although I really didn’t have any set type of wreath design in mind. I figured I would be using some kind of tulips because they are my favorite flower, but I always look around for a bit to see if anything catches my eye and sparks my imagination. That is exactly what happened when I saw this beautiful, delicate butterfly.

I knew right away that this was the color scheme I wanted to use for my wreath. Soft peachy pinks, blush tones, and ivory.

Most of the tulips were beautiful bold colors, but these peonies, apple blossoms and pear blossoms from A.C. Moore’s spring floral collection were perfect for coordinating with the butterfly.

Style Tip: Design your wreaths or arrangements around small accessory items such as the butterfly I used, or a colorful small bird in a nest. Carry the item(s) with you throughout the store matching it next to different flowers until something catches your eye.

Many people look for a ribbon to match the florals they are using in their wreaths, but I have found it is much easier to find ribbon you love first, and then match the florals and greenery to the ribbon. Look for inspiration around your home such as a favorite picture or even an old botanical print that can be framed and displayed near to the arrangement, and choose your flowers based on the colors in the artwork.

I had all intentions of making a wreath, but as I was laying all of my materials out I decided to see what they would look like in a bouquet. I love my old ironstone pitcher and I had been looking to fill it with some beautiful faux flowers spring anyway.  After I arranged them in the pitcher I decided to make a little St. Patrick’s Day vignette using some of my other new faux plants from A.C. Moore’s Vintage botanical collection, including these shamrocks.

I love my Celtic roots and I have always loved Shamrocks. These will add a little luck around the house all year!

This gorgeous single pink peony in a teal glass bottle is also part of the Vintage Botanicals Collection.

There are also bright pink peonies and various colors of roses in clear glass bottles in this collection. My butterfly has found a perfect resting place on the Peony’s leaf.

My mother had open heart surgery today. I wasn’t able to make the long trip to Cleveland Clinic to be with her, and I was a bit anxious and had to keep busy. Working on this Spring/St. Patrick’s Day vignette helped a bit. I have a Claddagh (friendship, love, loyalty) wedding ring, so I especially love this antique brass door knocker I found at an estate sale a few years ago. Grouped with the shamrocks, teal green bottle and spring flowers, it adds just a wee bit of beauty to the kitchen island!

I love those wilting peony buds next to the large blossoms!

Style Tip: Use silk flower stems of the same variety that are only slightly different in color. Here I used a soft blush, soft pink and pale ivory. If possible use stems showing different stages of growth, such as these budding peonies and fully open blossoms.  Choose wilting stems or bendable stems that can be shaped to look perfectly imperfect.

The arrangement gave me the idea to make something similar for my mom when she gets home next week. She loves vintage as much as I do, so I think I will surprise her with some kind of pretty pitcher with peonies and butterflies similar to this arrangement instead of getting her something from the florist that she will have to take care of.

For a long time I was totally against using “tacky-fake” flowers, but now I love the challenge of designing realistic arrangements and wreaths. There are truly so many new kinds on the market these days, and the possibilities are endless.

It is easy to become overwhelmed in a craft store with a large selection, especially if you are unsure of what you are really looking for. If you don’t have something in mind, check out the accessories and seasonal section first before heading to the flowers. Often times you will find something to spark your creativity.

Nothing can replace the fresh scent and beauty of real peonies, but unfortunately their season is short lived.  Luckily I have these faux beauties to last all through summer thanks to A.C. Moore! If you are lucky enough to have a local A. C. Moore, be sure to check out their large assortment of stunning spring flowers.  They also carry some fabulous faux herbs which I shared HERE.  If you don’t have an A.C. Moore, I am definitely going to be making some peony wreaths for Easter and Mother’s Day and they will be listed in my Etsy shop, The Junky Chic Boutique some time next week.

And speaking of Mother’s Day, thanks to Cleveland Clinic and many prayers, I will be able celebrate another Mother’s Day with my sweet Momma this year and for many more years to come.

Happy (Almost) Spring!

Amber

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