Petals of Reflection: From Coffee Shop Moments to Crafting the Perfect Forever Flowers.
Contemplating white roses, my mind drifts to Carrie Bradshaw in a stunning Vivienne Westwood wedding gown, confronting Mr. Big amid the bustling streets of New York. Flowers flew and hearts were broken. Haven't we all experienced such moments?
Still from the film Sex and the City circa 2008.
This week's assignment sprang from a reflective moment, sparked by coffee-fueled inspiration and the inescapable pull of gravity. While working on an article about holiday season place settings in a local city coffee shop, I observed a young man outside, eagerly holding a bouquet of roses, presumably awaiting his date. As a nosy individual who relishes observing others, I took in the scene, momentarily enchanted by the lives unfolding around me.
Watching for a while, I speculated that his date might be running late, prompting me to return to my work on forks and placemats. Fate, however, had other plans. My laptop succumbed to a drained battery, and in my quest for solace, my Americano bid its farewell, leaving its final few drops on my Ralph Lauren sweater. Amid frustration, I mused, "What could enhance my situation?" The answer emerged: I deserved some roses.
In the ensuing days, I delved into my choices. While a visit to the Lincoln Park farmers market could have easily procured a lovely bouquet of flowers, I yearned for something beyond the ordinary.
Navigating the vast realm of the internet, brimming with creativity and tempting acquisitions, I stumbled upon a captivating find in my quest for the perfect flowers—the enchanting world of "forever flowers."
These unique blooms, harvested from the root of the rose plant and treated with a glycerin preservative, boast an impressive lifespan of over a year. However, this elegance comes at a price.
Enter Venus Eat Fleur, a popular company offering exquisite arrangements featuring roses in various hues, housed in stunning boxes designed for home display. Prices range from $44 for a single rose to a whopping $2,000 for a round box teeming with everlasting beauty. The allure of a large white box filled with white roses, priced at $399, nearly tempted me to click 'purchase.'
Venus Et Fleur White Flower Box.
Resisting the allure of instant gratification, I opted for a different path—I would DIY my own box of roses, crafting this aesthetic myself.
First on the agenda, the flowers. Roses, while a symbol of beauty, can be costly—upwards of $50 for a bouquet with a lifespan of about a week. Though not typically a fan of fully artificial blooms, I rationalized that for a discreet arrangement, artificial or fake roses would suffice, with the option to switch them out for real ones if needed. My quest led me to a set of 15 artificial roses on Amazon, a $24 investment that included two-day shipping. Despite the plastic feel of the stems, they proved visually appealing once arranged, and the stems went unnoticed within the box.
Cloud Decor Artificial Rose Set Box.
Cloud Decor Artificial Rose Set.
The second component of my project involved finding the perfect box. Amid options on Amazon, eBay, and Anthropologie, my heart was drawn to a 10-inch striped Victorian-style box on Etsy with a Rocco vibe—complete with a tassel and a light pink and white body. Priced at $21.93 for two boxes, this now-sold-out gem can still be found on Etsy by searching for "striped gift boxes."
As the elements fell into place, the final result was visually stunning. Placing the artificial roses in the box and adding a hint of eucalyptus, the DIY project cost just over $45. Now, I possess a timeless rose arrangement that promises to endure.
This creation serves as an ideal gift for a significant other, family, friends or anyone who cherishes the idea of a personal flower box.
My DIY Box Set On a Windowsill.
My DIY Box Displayed on The Kitchen Table.
With that all being said Crafting this ensemble brought me immense joy.
Exploring metaphors and philosophy within the spectrum of fabric colors and decorative objects is not the realm of a traditional interior designer. Yet, my approach to crafting my home and documenting it in my blog is anything but traditional.
As I immersed myself in this week's project, the space between the petals of these flowers revealed profound reflections. A recurring song served as the soundtrack to my contemplation, echoing the simple joys found in flowers and their roots. Today, I share this musical companion, "Hasta la Raíz" by Natalia Lafourcade, a tradition in my articles that you've likely come to anticipate. The English translation of the title, "To the Root," captures the essence of the chorus where Lafourcade expresses, “I carry you inside me, to the root And, although I may grow, you will be here, Although I hide myself behind the mountain And find a field full of sugar cane. There will be no way, my moonbeam, For you to leave.”
This sentiment resonates, and I can't help but draw parallels to the enduring love represented by items like a set of "forever flowers." So, I pose a question to you: What embodies the essence of your roots, your forever and ever? For me, it's the memory of my late brother, a presence magnified during these holiday times. Engaging in creative endeavors, like crafting these beautiful arrangements, becomes a tangible manifestation of my emotions.
In the symphony of colors and objects, we find not just aesthetics but a profound connection to our roots, our cherished "forever and Ever’s”
I hope that you all may gift yourself or a loved one these enchanting boxes this winter while humming along to this great tune that I undoubtedly must have listened to at least 30 times this week alone.
in my final reflection on the journey from coffee shop musings to the creation of these everlasting floral wonders, I'm reminded that life, much like roses, unfolds in unexpected ways. From the fleeting moments observed in a local coffee shop to the careful crafting of a DIY arrangement, each step held its own charm. Nourishment is all that’s needed to grow inspired thoughts into reality.
Best regards, Design Americano