Holding the Shape of Spring

Founder of The Paper Flower Boutique, Deborah creates lifelike crepe paper blooms that honour the movement and character of real flowers. Her practice spans bespoke commissions, limited edition collector’s pieces and eco-friendly forever bouquets for brides seeking an alternative to traditional floristry. Every piece is entirely handmade, built petal by petal from high-quality German and Italian crepe papers that she dyes in custom shades.

The realism in her work begins with observation. Whenever possible, Deborah studies real specimens first, noting their shape, structure and colour before translating them into paper. Petals are formed individually, layered carefully and adjusted until the finished flower carries a natural sense of movement rather than stiffness.

“My work is very much rooted in the place I’ve lived all my life. My local area has always been a huge source of inspiration – from the seasonal changes on my doorstep to the beautiful walks nearby.”

That connection reaches back to childhood. “My family home – which was in our family for 40 years – had the most incredible garden, lovingly planted by my parents. I remember spending hours outside helping them, completely absorbed in the joy of gardening. That early influence has stayed with me, shaping who I am and the work I create today.”

Today, inspiration continues close to home. “I’m incredibly lucky to have a park just two minutes walk from my home, with flower gardens replanted each season and filled with a stunning variety of blooms.” Visits there with her children have become part of her creative rhythm. “My youngest has become my little photographer and now loves spotting flowers and foliage of every kind.”

A defining element of her process is colour. Dyes are hand mixed, often created by extracting pigment from scraps of previous creations. The method allows subtle, layered tones to emerge while keeping waste to a minimum. It is slow work, but intentional, ensuring that both material and method reflect care.

Her forever bouquets have become particularly sought after. Designed to be kept and displayed long after a wedding day, they offer a different kind of heirloom. Rather than fading within a week, these arrangements remain present in the home, holding their form and memory over time.

“Whenever I am out walking or ‘flower foraging’, I try to bring home a real sample where possible. Studying these closely helps me recreate them with my hand-dyed papers, a process that keeps me connected to my surroundings.”