Chic Techniques: 10 Ideas to Steal from a Parisian Florist - Gardenista

Chic Techniques: 10 Ideas to Steal from a Parisian Florist - Gardenista
Photography by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
To describe Parisian florist Mathilde Vial’s tiny shop on the Rue du Vertbois in the 2nd arrondissement as under-the-radar is putting it mildly. Here are 10 ideas to steal from the casual elegance of her arrangements.
Pick a Palette
For a similar spiky green flower, a packet of Green Thumb Amaranthus seeds is $2.95 from Eden Brothers.
In the foreground are mixed zinnias (for similar, see Queen Red Lime Zinnia seeds; $6.95 for a packet of 30 from Burpee).
Think About Texture
Yellow, purple, and white: a foolproof color palette.
Vial ties bouquets with raffia.
Skip the Vase
Put It on Repeat
Vial sells pots and planters as well as houseplants in her shop. Instead of getting one houseplant, get three or four that are identical; en masse make a more powerful visual statement.
Vial uses floral clippers with a notch to cut wire.
Make an Angled Cut
Embrace ‘Blushing Bride’
A 10-stem bunch of Blushing Bride Protea is $49 (minimum order of two bunches) at Blooms by the Box.
Keep It Simple
A similar heart-shaped Hoya Kerrii Succulent is $15 from Rare Succulents via Etsy.
Press Here
For more, see DIY: Tips to Press Flowers from MR Studio in London.
See our favorite flower press in Object of Desire: A Handmade Herb Press from Arminho. On strips of muslin or linen, you can mount pressed flowers with strips of tape (or a few well-placed stitches) to create botanical art.
Think Like an Artist
A box of 12 large, 3-inch Metal Bulldog Clips is $6.97 from Amazon.
Clip It
Keeping a Low Profile
Seen from the street, Vial’s shop has a nondescript facade that belies the colorful chaos inside.
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