A collaboration between Willow Crossley & Krishanthi Armitt
This year we launched our crepe paper flower collection - a collaboration with Krishanthi Armitt and the reaction has blown us away. We sold out in a day when we first launched the tulips and ranunculus, and we're back with exquisite daffodils and lots more to come. It seems the everlasting joy of paper flowers is shared by many and we love to arrange them on their own or mixed in with seasonal flowers from the garden.
We spent five 5 mins with the incredibly talented Krishanthi Armitt to learn more about her craft that extends from sugar flowers, cakes for the very best of occasions and, of course, our paper flower collaboration…
I have been obsessed with paper flowers for the past five years and when one of our wonderful customers presented me with a red & white stripy tulip as a present from Krish at a workshop last autumn, I could barely contain my excitement… Willow Crossley
When did your interest in paper flower decoration begin? I have always been quite a curious and creative person and would have a go at making things (it was papier-mâché in the past). I have been so busy with weddings over the years that I didn't really get the chance to work with mediums other than sugar and cold porcelain. During lockdown in 2020, however, was the perfect opportunity to further develop my interest for different types of paper. The one that I really loved was crepe paper!
Why did you want to work with Willow? Willow's floral artistry is celebrated far and wide, and her reputation as a florist is truly unparalleled. When I met her recently, I was bowled over not only by her creative talents, but her warm and charming personality. I am delighted that our paths have crossed and to be collaborating with Willow.
Your favourite flower stem in the collection? Blush ranunculus for sure! I love the gentle movements of the delicate petals. The new daffodils are exquisite and I'm excited about what we're working on now (new flowers to be revealed soon!)...
Making flowers for me is like a form of art therapy. Each flower is individually handmade and, hence, each one can take a slightly different shape or form. No flower is identical and I love that they can be so different. Krishanthi Armitt
How long does it typically take to create a single stem? They can all take up from 1.5 to two hours and the ranunculus takes a little longer as they have so many petals, 2 hours +!
You must be very patient! How do you stay focused? Do you craft in a studio? Making flowers for me is like a form of art therapy. I enjoy it so much that I can shut the noise of the busy world out. I have always been very disciplined and driven which help me to stay focused. My studio is attached to my house and I tend to spend many hours in there as it is my happy place.
How do you feel when creating the flowers and when a stem is complete? Each flower is individually handmade and, hence, each one can take a slightly different shape or form. No flower is identical and I love that they can be so different. Once a flower is complete I like to study every single detail as I believe 'devil is in the details'. It brings me so much joy to know that I am able to recreate the beautiful flowers nature gives us.
