In this series of videos, I delve into the process of starting a paper flower wall project, offering guidance and insights to help you get started on this creative endeavor.
My journey with paper flower walls began in 2018 when I ventured into my first project with little knowledge of the process. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I unexpectedly found myself setting up a paper flower wall for an intimate wedding. Despite the unconventional move during the lockdown, I embraced the opportunity for human connection and decided to continue offering paper flower walls even after relocating to Rochester, New York, the following year. Over several years and more than 50 one-woman installations later, I've honed my process and am now prepared to share it with you.
Before I moved to the U.S. in 2016, I worked as a shop front and exhibition designer, where maximizing space and layout were crucial elements of the job. Involved in every stage from design conception to installation, I gained invaluable experience that I now apply to my paper flower projects, regardless of their scale.
Join me as I share the insights and methodologies derived from this background, guiding you through the process of creating stunning paper flower walls or backdrops for events, businesses, or artistic spaces.
Let's begin the process with an overview of these 5 steps:
Now, onto Step 1: Gathering the necessary information for your project.
The information you gather will naturally vary from project to project and can significantly influence Step 2, as I'll explain in this video or vlog:
Let's proceed to Step 2: Identifying or finalizing the ingredients of your paper flower wall.
This step is either a fun step because this is where you choose the types and colors of the flowers you will be making or a daunting one because well... Decisions, decisions, decisions. Nonetheless, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and mixing and matching skills.
You can check out our vast collection of Paper flower templates you can use for your paper flower backdrop project.
Now, let's jump to Step 3: Make a layout of your paper flowers.
This step will essentially provide you with the answer to the question, "How many paper flowers do I need for this project?" It marks the beginning of the two more technical steps in the process. Typically, I utilize Inkscape, a freeware program, but if you're inclined to experiment with industry-standard graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, you're more than welcome to do so.
Moving forward to Step 4: Creating a "Cut Tally" or Component Count.
This stage involves a bit of math. But fear not, it's only basic MDAS (× ÷ + –) equations, and you can easily utilize spreadsheet software programs like Microsoft Excel, or even the free alternative, Google Sheets, for this step.
And finally, Step 5: Do the work.
The first four steps are actually part of the planning process, now this step basically is your mass production and implementation process. Hence, this process is broken down into 5 more sub-steps. Don't worry, it's
And lastly, Step 5: Get to Work.
While the initial four steps involve planning, this step is all about mass production and execution. Consequently, this process is further divided into five sub-steps. But don't fret, it's all quite digestible, I promise!
And there you have it! Now, I rest my case. Honestly, completing this series took me over a year. I began with the overview and the first step back in February of last year. However, various projects, for which I'm truly grateful, came up, causing delays before I could release the 2nd and 3rd steps around June of last year.
The latter part of the year was filled with a bustling schedule of markets and paper flower wedding projects, followed by a month-long trip to the Philippines from the end of last year until January of this year. Consequently, I only managed to post the fourth step last week. And now, fresh off our YouTube channel, I'm excited to finally publish the fifth and final step today.
Feel free to explore these videos if you haven't already had the chance!
Here are the materials I usually use for the paper flower rental I use for events:
Backdrop stand (Aluminum frame only): Please refer to this video on how to transform it into a full stand you can use for your flower walls.
We've begun launching paper flower sets that come with the templates we've utilized for our signature paper flower walls. Below are a few options currently available:
Duchess Rose Template Bundle
I trust you'll find this series and its process valuable, and I'm eager to hear about your own paper flower project. Feel free to reach out with any questions, either through the chat box on our website or via email at deane@dwblooms.com.
We're enhancing our YouTube channel, so be sure to like and subscribe! We've already lined up more educational and paper flower wall project-related vlogs and videos like this one, so stay tuned for more exciting content!