FAQs

Nicola first learned to make silk flowers in London, in 1998 using heated metal tools. Having tried a few techniques, she generally uses French flower making tools to shape individual petals, or fine wires sandwiched between layers of fabric to give structure and support. Some flowers require a combination of techniques.

What fabrics can be used?
 

Natural fibres give the best results, especially silk for it's wonderful lustre. Nicola has had great success with wools, linen, 100% cottons and straw.

How do the flowers hold their shape?
 

Each piece fabric is carefully sized using a mixture of starch and glue. This means the fabrics will resist fraying and hold the shaping given by the tools. Large petals or leaves can also have wires applied to provide support.

 

As the sizing solution is water based, some fabrics made have some shrinkage or textural changes. Sometimes the colours may darken compared to the original fabric. Hand painted pieces can show bleeding of the colours. In made to order work, careful testing and colour matching to the client's requirements is carried out.

 

The wet fabric is dried very carefully to preserve the largest possible usable area.

How do I look after my flowers?

 

By avoiding light, heat, insects and dust your handmade flowers can last for ages. Nicola provides a protective box containing supportive packing materials with each piece. Care should be taken to store the flowers so that they resist drooping.

If your flowers get a little dusty, a gentle blow-dry on the cool setting will set them right. Blow-drying is also great for fluffing up feathers.

Copyright 2009 Nicola Gredziuk.