Silk Flowers: Then and Now.

Today, silk flowers and plants look so real, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking they’re the real thing. Most people can’t tell the difference between silk flowers and real flowers without actually touching them! Silk flowers and plants breathe life into any space and for pennies on the dollars. Realistic-looking silk flowers are a favorite among craft artists and allow them to make arrangements and gifts that look real but last forever.

These days, low cost and low maintenance home decorating is in high demand. Home owners want the look floral arrangements bring to their home, but they don’t want the hassle of maintaining them. Because silk flowers and plants now look shockingly realistic, they are an easy alternative to real flowers and plants. The availability and quality of silk flowers and plants have turned the silk flower business into a multi-billion dollar industry.

With silk flowers and plants, homeowners can enjoy the floral varieties they love regardless of the season. You won’t be limited by availability and can proudly enjoy summer flowers as the centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. You can even get silk flowers and plants that use a combination of real and faux materials. For example, some manufacturers will use a live tree trunk with fake branches to establish the authentic look. Silk flowers are also enjoying the authenticity of natural touches, like leaves that appear to be damaged by bugs or buds that are fragrant. However, homeowners can enjoy natural looking floral arrangements and plants without having to provide water, sunlight, food, or attention.

History

For many years, florists referred to silk flowers as ‘permanent botanicals.’ Dried flowers and silk flowers were second class citizens in the floral world. Nowadays, silk flowers are used with pride by home owners and florists alike. They are often used alongside real flowers to enhance arrangements and long lasting beauty. This tradition was started by the Chinese and is believed to be hundreds of years old. The Chinese are famed for their work with silk and used it to create floral replicas. They used artificial flowers as a part of their art but cannot take credit for turning silk flowers into a booming business.

Way back in the 1100s, the Italians used the cocoons of silkworms to make silk flowers. They then sold their creations for a profit. Then the French caught on and decided to put their own spin on the silk floral business. In just a few hundred years, French silk flowers were the best in the business. They continued to develop and perfect the art of making silk flowers. In fact, Marie Antoinette was given a silk rose bud that was so flawless she fainted at the sight of it. After the French Revolution, many French flower artisans fled to England and in the 1800s, silk flowers were brought by British immigrants to America.

Floral arts were celebrated during the Victorian Age. Silk and real flowers were used equally in Victorian floral design. The Victorian home was often decorated with floral arrangements that adorned every surface. The “language of flowers” soon developed cultural relevance in which bouquets including certain varieties actually had a specific meaning. By the 19th century, silk flowers were made using more materials than ever before and had a special place in the floral industry.

As you can see, the history of silk flowers and plants is almost as rich as the real thing. Silk flowers have been a fixture in many cultures around the world and bring an air of beauty and history into your home.

by Kate Long - January, 2009

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Source: http://www.freshsilkflowers.com

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