On the eve of the last summer month, the VK Press correspondent managed to talk with one of the famous designers and creator of interior and wedding designer bouquets of the Krasnodar Territory, Anapa resident Maria Polyakova. Moreover, the occasion was special: in June of this year, Maria with her work became the winner at the European Arts Week in Latvia.
As you know, August is the time for weddings. This is a hot time not only for registry office employees, but also for those who organize the festive celebration: photographers, presenters, decorators and florists.
On the eve of the last summer month, the correspondent of the news agency VK Press managed to talk with one of the famous designers and creator of interior and wedding designer bouquets of the Krasnodar Territory, Anapchanka Maria Polyakova. Moreover, the occasion was special: in June of this year, Maria with her work became the winner at the European Art Week in Latvia. Earlier, in the spring of 2013, as part of the Russian Arts Week, the master participated in international competition arts and crafts and took first place in the category “Objects made from natural materials”.
Today, Maria’s designer bouquets not only flaunt in wedding salons in the Krasnodar region, but also travel around the world.
- Maria, how and when did you start doing floristry?
I was on maternity leave. And my one and a half year old baby and I walked along the seashore. They collected shells and made figurines out of them at home to develop the child’s motor skills. I made several flowers, from which I later assembled a bouquet. I liked the idea, and I posted the photo on the Internet on one well-known portal of masters. The bouquet was immediately appreciated and even asked to be sold. This is how my creativity began. Next came experiments with color and the technique of creating flowers. One of the very first bouquets - “Forest Flower” - is still as popular as the new ones.
-Where do you get inspiration from? What helps with creativity?
The secret here is simple - you need to rest, travel and get enough sleep, then inspiration will come on its own. good mood. That's the only way. There are a lot of flowers and colors around. The world is very bright.
- What material are you working with now, where do you get it?
I create bouquets from shells, so I often breathe in the sea fresh air, collecting material. But since the volume of orders is increasing every day, I buy ocean shells from the islands.
- How durable are the bouquets you make?
They are stored for a long time - time-tested. Moreover, after the wedding they can become an addition to the interior.
But according to tradition, the bride throws a wedding bouquet to her unmarried friends... Is it necessary to throw a real bouquet? Can't you keep it as a souvenir?
Nowadays, more and more people are moving away from throwing their own bouquet and purchasing a backup. Brides want to preserve the memory of their brightest and happy day. Therefore, they usually throw a bouquet of fresh flowers, and keep one of shells for themselves, keeping it for a long and fond memory. I have a lot of orders from brides. Basically, these are very positive and confident brides who celebrate their wedding outside of Russia. Thus, brides took bouquets with them to weddings in the Maldives, the Czech Republic, Spain, Greece, Italy, but most recently the bouquet “flew” to Cyprus. It's so interesting when you are in one city, and the creations of your hands travel around the world. It's moments like these that make you want to create.
- Are you aware of the requests of brides from different countries- what bouquets are trending now?
The trend now is bouquets of delicate pastel colors. Pink, peach, beige, lilac. Brides are becoming more and more democratic in their choice of accessories, and non-standard bouquets are coming into fashion - from shells, brooches, polymer clay, buttons In the background wedding dress Such bouquets look like decorations that perfectly complement the image.
- Can you tell me which bouquet was the most unusual or memorable?
You won’t believe it, but they are all unusual and memorable for me. I want every work to be a masterpiece! Each of them has its own “creation story”. Most of the bouquets are in my online store.
Although I can still tell one story. This story is about the “I love you” bouquet, which has already conquered Moscow, Latvia and is now about to conquer Portugal. I created it one evening when my husband was drafted into the Russian armed forces. At that moment he was participating in field training, there was no contact with him for two months, I missed him so much that I expressed all my love in this bouquet.
- Tell us what competitions you participated in.
I decided to find out the opinion of experts about my bouquets. And she applied for the Russian Arts Week to participate in the international competition of decorative and applied arts. The bar was high. But I decided: to conquer is to conquer or to fall is to fall. Although I didn’t doubt my victory for a second, I didn’t allow myself to doubt it. I live by the principle: “Think positively and everything will come true.” And she won! Immediately first place. Then they invited me to Art Week in Latvia. Here, honestly, I already doubted it. After all, Europe is a “capricious lady” and may not recognize it. Thanks to the support of my husband and a firm “yes” from my son, I applied to participate. And she won again. Immediately after this victory, people began to invite me for interviews, publish them in magazines and newspapers, and on Internet portals. My work graced the cover of one glossy publication about needlework. Orders have increased.
- Is making such bouquets your only activity or hobby that generates profit?
No, I'm a very versatile person! I read and study a lot. I have a main place of work. Not long ago in 2010, I, together with my husband, published several issues of the youth magazine “First”, from that time to this day I have been publishing the brochure “Antique Gorgippia” about the pottery workshop of one of our famous Anapa potters and artisans. I am engaged in scrapbooking, and I created a diary for handicraftsmen like me, so that it would be more convenient for them to organize their time. I love to travel, do yoga and tennis. Besides all this, I am, of course, first and foremost a loving and beloved wife and mother. By the way, on July 28 we celebrated the baby’s 3rd birthday, in Cossack style. After all, we live in Kuban and it’s close to us!
In August I am participating in an international competition in Portugal. In the near future - visiting the first exhibition in my life as a participant at the Kuban Fair - 2013 (in October). Also, of course, I want to take part in the international competition in Paris. My plans for the future are simple - to be happy as I am now, no matter what I do. Good always comes to you on its own, you just need to notice it, rejoice and never envy anyone.
Creative bouquets of seashells
DIY shell bouquets
Bouquets of shells is a new direction in wedding fashion, which has actively begun to develop around the world. Original compositions are ideal for a themed wedding in a nautical style, but will also be appropriate for traditional weddings. Sea bouquets have many advantages: they will never wither, can be of any color, and will retain a long memory of feelings on your wedding day. In this article we will tell you how to make wedding bouquets from shells with your own hands.
Shell glamelia
Glamelia is a type of wedding bouquet in which the petals form one flower. Charming glamelia is ideal for a delicate and sophisticated bridal look or a romantic photo shoot.
Materials for our craft - bouquet:
- Noble Pectins shells;
- tape;
- glue gun;
- floral wire.
DIY glamelia master class
A glamelia wedding bouquet will highlight the beauty and individuality of any bride.
Variety of shell bouquets
In these bouquets you can combine not only shells, but also pebbles or shells of other sea inhabitants. Each craftswoman can create an exclusive bouquet that will complement the bride’s image and decorate the photo shoot.
Materials:
- floral ball;
- satin ribbon;
- multi-colored pebbles;
- glue gun;
- wire;
- shells;
- plastic tube.
Master class sea bouquets made of shells
1. Decide on the shape of the bouquet. You can use a floral ball as a base or cut out another shape from a floral sponge. Some needlewomen make their own ball out of thread or paper. Place the ball on the floral microphone.
2. Prepare the shells. They need to be washed and holes drilled so that the wire can be inserted. If you have a glue gun, you can simply glue the shells to the wire loop. Prepare pebbles or beads in the same way.
3. The bouquet will be more original if you use different types shells and additional decor.
4. Now start forming the bouquet. To do this, insert the wire with shells into a floral sponge or other base. Also do not forget about additional decorative elements, for example, stones, beads, tulle, brooches.
5. Wrap the floral microphone with ribbon to match the bouquet. The base of the bouquet can also be decorated with ribbons.
Watch the video: Crafts - flowers made from shells
It’s quite easy to make a bouquet of shells, the main thing is to show your imagination and distribute the shells with taste. Where can I get shells? You can collect them on the beach or buy them in a store, like other accessories for needlework. Sea bouquets are a fashionable know-how that is quickly gaining popularity among connoisseurs creative crafts. Anyone can master this new floral technique, the main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.
Original wedding bouquets made from shells have won the hearts of brides around the world. They evoke admiration for their unusual and sophisticated appearance, ideal for both nautical-style and traditional wedding celebrations. These sea compositions, unlike ordinary floral ones, will not fade and will become an excellent reminder of the happiest day in the life of every family. Every girl who wants to carry an unusual wedding bouquet in her hands can create a shell bouquet, knowing all the subtleties and nuances of the process.
Glamelia is a wedding bouquet that is a single flower made from petals. This composition is distinguished by sophistication and tenderness, looks great on wedding photos, especially staged ones.
- Noble Pectins shells;
- floral wire;
- glue gun:
- tape.
- For each shell, measure 15 centimeters of wire and wrap it with tape.
- To glue the shells with the back side, under each decorative element make a loop at the end of the wire.
- The arrangement of the bouquet begins with the smallest of the shells, placing it in the center of the composition. The remaining elements are attached from the middle to the edges. They start with small ones and gradually move on to larger shells. This allows you to give the bouquet a special zest and beauty.
- All petals formed by shells are secured with tape. Otherwise the composition will not be strong.
- To make a handle for a bouquet, wrap the wire with a ribbon that matches the shells, or use a floral microphone for this purpose.
Glamelia will not only complement the image, but will also emphasize the individuality and beauty of the bride.
Compositions can consist not only of shells, but also be supplemented with shells, starfish, pebbles and other decor. This allows you to create one-of-a-kind bouquets for the bride that will be remembered for their uniqueness and splendor.
Making a bouquet of seashells
- colored pebbles;
- shells;
- ribbon;
- plastic tube;
- wire;
- glue gun;
- floral ball.
- Choosing a form
If the bouquet is round, use a floral ball. It can be made from paper or thread yourself. You don't have to limit yourself to a round composition. You can cut out any other shape from a floral sponge. The basis of the composition is recorded on a floral microphone.
Holes for the wire are drilled in the washed shells. If you use a glue gun, you can simply glue the shells to the wire loops. The same is done with beads, pebbles and other elements used in creating a sea bouquet.
The wire with shells is inserted into a base made of floral sponge or other material. If beads, brooches, stones and other decor are used, they are also fixed to the base.
- Making a handle
A floral microphone is wrapped with a ribbon matched to the bouquet's shade and decorated with decor. These can be ribbons, beads and much more.
Video Lesson
Creating an original bouquet of seashells with your own hands does not require any special skills or abilities. The main thing is not to limit yourself to standard solutions, and not to be afraid to experiment. Shells for sea bouquets can be collected on the beach or purchased in a store, like any other accessories for needlework.
After a holiday at sea, we try to capture pleasant impressions in photographs, and also buy various souvenirs and marine paraphernalia on the coast. Most often, savvy beach merchants raise prices for their “sea” goods, and many buyers find it far beyond their means to buy similar souvenirs. But you can always find a way out! While walking along the coast, you can collect a huge variety of pebbles and shells, from which you can later make many wonderful crafts with your own hands. Seashells, due to their sinuous and ribbed structure, as well as their iridescent mother-of-pearl color, will look great in hand-made crafts.
Shells for handicrafts: preparation rules
Before you start working with such an unusual natural material as shells, you will have to spend a little time preparing them for making your own masterpieces. Crafts made from fragile materials are always made from shiny and clean shells. But, alas, such material cannot be found in nature. In order for the sinks to acquire the desired shine and attractiveness, it is worth making a minimum of effort.
Many handicraftsmen believe that in order for shells to remain durable for a long time, they do not crumble at the edges and do not change color in finished work, you should freeze them first. To do this, dry shells need to be wrapped in white paper(in no case in a newspaper!) and place the bundle in the freezer for several hours. After they freeze well, all that remains is to get them out of freezer and peel with a sharp knife.
If there are excess particles left inside, you can boil the fragile material for several minutes in water with the addition of soda. To get rid of white plaque, blanks for future crafts should be bleached (filled with regular bleach for several hours) or cleaned with a toothbrush and whitening paste.
To get rid of minor chips and cracks and give the material a more presentable appearance, you need to sand the shells using sandpaper or a sanding block. Sometimes they even use nail files and pumice stones for the heels. To make the shells shine and shimmer, cover them with a thin layer clear varnish(even nail polish will do) or regular furniture stain. The coating product will not only add attractiveness and shine, but will also help hide minor cracks and unevenness in color and structure.
After natural material will be prepared, you can begin directly to work on creating various crafts. Most often, shells are used to decorate photo frames or to cover vases. We suggest not following the usual path, but making flowers and entire flower arrangements from seashells.
Taking advantage detailed master class And step by step instructions manufacturing first simple options, and then more complicated ones, you will be able to create entire flower bouquets, which will perfectly decorate the interior and serve an original gift for friends and family.
Floral panel “Rose from shells”
The panel can be used not only as a decoration on the wall, but also as a gift for friends. To make it you will need the following:
- seashells (flat of different sizes and several twisted);
- a candy box with high sides;
- glue gun;
- wooden skewer (colored thick wire, preferably green);
- foliage from artificial flowers;
- flat stones for decoration;
- acrylic paints and brush.
Work process
- First you need to prepare the background. Paint the bottom of the box yellow or green. While the paint is drying, make flower buds.
- Take a long twisted shell, apply hot glue to the lower end (where the curls are located) and glue 3 shells.
- The next row of shells should be glued in a checkerboard pattern.
- Make several rows of petals in a similar way, and glue shells in each new row. larger size.
- When the pink bud is ready, use a glue gun to glue it to the top corner of the box.
- Place the painted skewers (pieces of wire) in the shape of a stem and twigs and secure in several places with hot glue.
- In place of the buds, glue twisted shells and decorate with greenery (petals from artificial flowers or cut out leaves from green fabric or corrugated paper).
- Glue multi-colored pebbles (pre-painted) or small colored glass, beads, shell fragments along the edges of the box.
- Now, if you plan to hang the panel on the wall, then you need to glue a loop at the back.
Painting with flowers
The souvenir panel can be made not only from shells, but also from other marine materials (starfish, pieces of coral).
Work progress
- Take a photo frame (choose the size of the frame yourself, but the work will not look good in frames that are too small). A 4 format frame is best suited. Remove glass if there is any.
- Insert a sheet of blue colored paper (cardboard).
- Mentally imagine the entire composition. You can even schematically mark the location of the flowers with a simple pencil.
- Glue several flowers from shells using a heat gun (the method of making flowers is described in detail in the previous master class).
- Place the resulting buds on a sheet of cardboard and secure with a heat gun.
- Glue thin twigs between the flowers and small shells in place of the foliage.
- Place a star in the top corner.
- Glue small rhinestones on top of the shells. This will give the work shine and elegance.
Orchid in a pot
Incredibly beautiful orchids can be made from bleached flat shells and mother-of-pearl beads. This flower will certainly decorate any interior.
In this work you will need:
- flat shells (various sizes);
- ceramic pot;
- gypsum (alabaster) for fixing the branch in the pot;
- glue gun;
- pearl-colored beads (reminiscent of large pearls);
- branch (it is necessary that the branch is not dry and can bend without breaking);
- gouache or green acrylic paint.
Execution instruction
- First of all, you should prepare a branch on which the flowers will be attached. If the twig is dry and can break when bent into a semicircle, then soak it in hot water for several hours.
- Fill the pot with liquid plaster and insert the ends of the branch to create a rim.
- Leave the workpiece until completely dry.
- While the plaster is drying, make orchid flowers. To do this, take 3 larger shells and glue them together.
- Similarly, glue smaller shells together in 3 pieces. These will be the top petals of the flowers.
- Glue a large center bead on top of the small blanks.
- Glue the centers with beads on top of the large petals.
- Paint the branch green. After the paint has dried, coat it with clear varnish.
- Glue the finished orchid flowers on top of the stem (place smaller buds on the bottom and larger ones on top).
- Lay out the leaves of the plant with shells and secure them together with glue.
You can arrange both orchid flowers and foliage in any convenient way - this will only transform the composition and acquire a characteristic “zest”.
Jewelry with floral motifs
From very small shells and even fragments you can create exclusive jewelry: brooches, earrings, bracelets, hairpins, etc. Flowers and buds made from shells look interesting and original on such things.
For inspiration, we suggest using photographs of original works by real masters of jewelry art, who use seafood in their works.
Unusual exclusive crafts with shells, made with your own hands, all year round will remind you of the best moments summer holiday: sea voyage, the sound of the surf, bright sun and warm sand.
Summer... Who doesn’t now think of the sea, of a cocktail with fruit on the sandy shore, of bright colors and romantic relationships... Just imagine, he and she are walking along the sandy beach. He dives and gets a shell for her. Or a pearl. And this shell will keep for her all her life the memories of youth, romance, their love and tenderness. The shell will be for her a symbol of the birth of their family, and maybe someday she will give it to their daughter... Isn’t that how sea fairy tales are created?
What if he gives her more than one shell? And a whole bouquet... A bouquet of shells for their wedding. Then she will not be like any other bride in the world. Her soul, free as the sea, will dance with the wind. Their entire wedding will be in the style of the sea. There will be shine in her hair starfish. And she won’t throw this bouquet to her friends. She will keep it as a keepsake of theirs. wedding day and decorate yours with it new home, in which they will live happily together.
It seems like just simple shells and just one bouquet. And how much they can change in the lives of two people. The bride will be happy to feel unique. The groom will be happy to admire his beloved. These are those magical moments of life that will warm them both for many years to come!
Bridal bouquet made of shells
Today, many new styles are being created for wedding bouquets. They are made from completely various materials. Bouquets made of shells are a completely new trend in wedding fashion. They are suitable for nautical themed weddings. But such a bouquet is also wonderful for a city wedding! Firstly, it will never wither. Secondly, these unusual wedding bouquets are great for creating the image of a goddess, say, one who just emerged from the foam of the sea... Or for wedding look sea siren, and maybe a mermaid!
Bride's bouquet of shells in pink tones
Where to buy:
Price: 100$
Bouquets in a marine style are made not only from shells, but also from mollusks. Most often they are assembled by hand to order. They can be created in the desired color scheme for the bride, the right size, with a ribbon of any color. One bouquet can contain several types of shells and starfish. The bouquet of shells is quite weighty. But it fully pays off with its exclusivity.
Sea bouquets are collected from shells and mollusks
Where to buy:
Price: 150$
Probably, those whose wedding is already far behind or not yet soon are sad that you have little chance of receiving such a bouquet as a gift. But I have very good news for you: bouquets of shells can also be decorative. They are created in pots or vases from painted and natural shells! They look simply amazing, and at first glance it’s hard to imagine that their petals do not belong to living garden flowers! Such bouquets are created to decorate the interior, and can also serve as a wonderful gift. The main thing is that they never fade!
Interior bouquets made of shells
Where to buy:
Price: 950 rubles
Thanks to flowers of different tones, these bouquets can decorate any room at home, in an organization, in a boutique or restaurant. The sea lives in these bouquets. They are durable, easy to clean from dust, and attract attention at first sight! They are so natural that you want to smell them!
Interior bouquet of shells
Where to buy:
Price: 950 rubles
