Weddingbee Blog

…real flowers are awesome, and clay flowers are too!

I know some other bloggers have shared the wonder that is clay flowers, but in case you’ve missed it, here’s a quick video that will surely take your breath away!

Video via YouTube

When I saw the artistry that went into this project, I was both incredibly impressed and incredibly intrigued. I saw this video before I was engaged but the clay flowers did immediately earn a spot in my already established wedding inspiration folder.

Image via Deco Clay Blog / Flowers by Deco Clay Craft Academy

My frugal side could not overpower my fascination, so I hopped on to the Deco Clay online shop and made a spur-of-the-moment purchase of the Clay Art for Special Occasions book and a few different colors of the clay. I eagerly awaited the arrival of my items, and immediately ripped into the package when it landed on my doorstep.

Clay Art for All Seasons by Yukiko Miyai / Image via Amazon

As I flipped through the pages, I was mesmerized (and slightly intimidated) by the unbelievable level of detail that went into shaping each bloom. I decided I better get started on my first attempt before I psyched myself out completely, so I opened the book to the rose tutorial and off I went.

My first complete flower!

Now, at the time I did not anticipate blogging about my clay flower endeavors, so I only snapped photos of the finished products. On top of this, I only snapped photos of the finished products that ended up as decent looking flowers and not as squished piles of clay. The point being, working with clay (especially if you are a newbie like me) requires a lot of patience and an occasional frustrated scream!

If had not been so enchanted by the potential outcome I may have abandoned ship early on, but looking back I am so glad I stuck with it. After a bit of practice, I was able to create flowers that I was actually proud of, and that made the whole process worth while.

A Poinsettia Wreath for Christmas

My biggest success so far - a clay flower basket!

Flower basket close-up

When it did come time to start wedding planning, I immediately thought of clay flowers. Since it took me so long to make them (after an evening of crafting I would only end up with a handful of flowers), I was hesitant to take on the challenge of crafting all of our centerpieces or bouquets. I also didn’t want to get too carried away—as much as I loved clay art, I wasn’t ready to forgo live blooms altogether! So, I was a little relieved when we booked a venue that included flowers. Now I just have to decide how to incorporate my clay beauties into the wedding. I’ve come up with a few possibilities so far.

Have you attempted clay flowers? What’s your favorite bloom to make?

*All photos personal unless otherwise noted