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Silk flowers were named over one-hundred years ago, when these fake florals were sewn with silk. While we still label them as "silk" flowers, the current manufacturing methods use synthetic fibers and high-tech processes to create botanically accurate and supple to the touch artificial flowers.
With literally thousand of silk flower varieties, we search for the highest-quality artificial flowers for Flowers-by-Design.com. We provide our customers with reasonably-priced, allergy-free alternative to live flowers.
Silk flowers are a popular choice for home décor, office and special events because of their durability and low maintenance. Here at Flowers by Design we have hundreds of different Real Touch flowers, plants, bushes, berry sprays, succulents, and more.
Not Sure what you're looking for? Take a look at our best sellers, wedding flowers, and new arrivals for some inspiration.
Faux flowers and dried flowers began as a poor alternative to fresh flowers. Floral professionals named artificial flowers "permanent botanicals". Today's silk flowers are praised for their realism and versatility. The creation of silk flowers is attributed to the Chinese, hundreds of years ago. These faux flowers were the province of artists and their patrons. This was the humble beginning of a several hundred million dollar silk flower industry.
Italy witnessed the Twelfth-Century birth of artificial flowers made of real silk. French artisans and other European artists began to improve the silk flower, using higher-quality fabrics and workmanship. By the time of the French revolution of the Eighteenth Century, Queen Marie Antionette chose a silk rosebud as her emblem. The French revolution scattered the silk flower artisans throughout Europe, with many landing in England and America.
The advent of the Victorian period was noted for its extravagant, ornamental design. Fresh flowers and silk florals became a focal point for home decor. During this period, flowers were assigned meanings for specific occasions and emotions.
Here in America, grandiose silk flower arrangements were used for ladies of high fashion, including hats, wedding gowns, ball gowns, etc.. The popularity of the silk flower grew so that during the early Twentieth Century, florists began offering a silk flower selection in their shops.
The process starts with white polyester fabric. All flowers use white, no matter the final color. Fabric is die-cut into the various flower petal shapes and sizes. These are dyed and then manually assembled into finished silk flowers.
To replicate the look of natural flowers, the silk flower petals need wrinkles and shapes. The petals are heat pressed in molds, which create the realistic appearance. Large petals may need to be stiffened with wire glued on the edges. This is another labor intensive part of silk flower production.
After producing single silk flowers, many are joined by hand to create recognizable sprays or larger bushes.
This is the final step before it is packed and delivered to the next part of the silk flower distribution chain.
With so much labor intensive production, it is no surprise that the majority of silk flowers are produced in China. Other producers include Thailand and Honduras.
Hundreds of Silk Flower Selections