The Exquisite Book of Paper Flowers: A Guide to Making Unbelievably Realistic Paper Blooms

I was very happy with my purchase of this book. I'm a big fan of making paper flowers, although most other books I have call for primarily crepe paper, which can be more difficult to find. Crepe paper is still called for in the materials for some of the flowers in this book, but most of the flowers are actually made from tissue paper, which is fairly easy to find at any craft or party store. The book also provides information on where to find materials online, which was helpful.As for the flowers themselves, I was pleased with the variety of types offered. While I was primarily looking for blooms to use in a bouquet, the book also offers a number of smaller and larger flowers for variety. I've made several flowers from the book and was very pleased with the results; the tree peony in particular came out beautifully. It does take a little practice to get the bleaching technique down for some of the flowers, but I can say the end look is worth it. The lighter, softer texture of the tissue paper, particularly when bleached or dipped in water, contrasts very nicely in a display with more traditional crepe paper flowers. I found the directions fairly easy to follow, although I do have a little more experience with some of the techniques outlines in the book.Overall, another wonderful resource to have in my collection!

I have evangelized this book to many visitors who have admired my blossoms in my studio. It beats every other paper flower book I've seen, most of which take short cuts (using paper punches for petal shapes,styrofoam balls for centers, etc.) or use heavy paper.I've found some inconsistencies in the directions, but if you read enough of the instructions and scrutinize the photos (which I wish were larger), you can figure out what's what. Also helpful to see videos (youtube) of her crafting blossoms and taping the wire. I've just finished the flower wreath (photo attached) which is a xmas gift for a dear friend. I even freestyled some California poppies that aren't in the book.I always tell people that these are not difficult to make (really!) and it's very relaxing and therapeutic to make them and then you end up with a beautiful flower! The author recommends using the Japanese paper scissors (I paid $32 locally) and I agree they make all the difference. Enjoy the process and the result!

I ordered a few books on creating paper and ribbon flowers, and personally i liked this one the best. The photos that accompanied the instructions showed everything needed and therefore were VERY helpful to me. After seeing these pictures, I did not have to read the directions to understand how to make the flowers. I think that there could be more photographs just for fun showing the flowers in arrangements, in decor, etc, but for me, the clear photographic instruction made up for that. I wanted to make the flowers more than look at pretty pics of those flowers. So thank you,Livia Cetti! I adored your book!

I am in the middle of wedding planning and got it in my head to try to make paper flowers for decorations. While pinterest and internet searches will turn up a large quantity of options, nothing is as comprehensive as this. This book is amazing. Intimidating, but amazing. I love the numerous amounts of flowers available to recreate in paper form that are included. Everything from roses, to lilies, lemon branches to peonies, and anemones to gardenias. The inspiration projects listed at the end are just that, awe inspiring. Garlands, wreaths, "potted" plants, you name it. They look like real flowers at first glance! The instructions for creating each flower are fairly clear, but I'm the type that would like to see a video of the processes rather than a few pictures and written steps. The one thing I do not like is that the templates for the flower petals and leaves are printed on both sides of the same pages, so you have to photo copy them in order to not ruin the templates on the back side of each page. Granted this keeps your book whole and uncut, but still adds an extra step. Currently I am attempting my way through them, and while it will take practice to make each look picture perfect, I think that if I can master it, anyone with patience and perseverance can!

A coffee table book?? Perhaps, but it is also a great book for new or experienced flower makers. This one will inspire you and you will learn this special, almost lost art. I made my first flower the same day I got the book and my husband's response was "you make that??? Beautiful!" I can't wait for Livia Cetti's next book. As a bonus she also posts daily messages on her blog about how to make more flowers, and an almost unlimited list of other beautiful things you can make. I'm soooooo glad I found her.

This is a pretty good book with tutorials and tips for creating flowers out of paper (mostly crepe paper). The flowers are nice, but aren't as detailed or as pretty as some that are in other books I have. The author presents very clear and complete directions for each project, with step-by-step pictures. Another thing that might make this book better, would be if the author provided SVG files (to be used with a Cricut or other paper cutting machine). This is a useful book. Please mark if you find my review helpful. Thank you so much!

A beautiful book with generous info and worth getting! Her other book is great and worth having as well. I think Livia Cetti is an awesome artist and I appreciate her sharing her knowledge through her books so much!

I absolutely love this book! The step by step instructions are easy to follow, and the materials are inexpensive and easy to find. The results truly are exquisite, once you get the hang of the basic concepts.One thing to note - although the steps are all simple to master, some patience is required for the larger projects. But the results are well worth the time spent, if you enjoy making beautiful, realistic flowers!