Workshop Overview:

In this exclusive hands-on workshop, participants will learn the delicate and traditional art of French Silk Flower Making using traditional techniques and specialist “flower-making tools”

Let yourself be guided by World-renowned milliner, Lina Stein as she takes you on this ‘floral adventure’ from fabric preparation to shaping using the heated tools and assembling petals. You will create a stunning silk flower to take home.
Additionally, an alternative module will explore creative ways to make flowers without specialist tools.

Workshop Objectives:

• Understand the materials and tools required for French flower making.

• Learn the process of pattern making for silk flowers.

• Master fabric stiffening and tinting techniques.

• Practice shaping petals using heated tools.

• Assemble and finish a beautiful silk flower.

• Explore alternative flower-making methods without specialist tools.

Workshop Schedule

 Session 1: Introduction & Pattern Making & Stiffening

•  Overview of French silk flower making tradition.

• Introduction to the tools and the variety available in today’s market

• Introduction to fabric choices: silk satin, silk organza, velvet, etc.

• Preparing and stiffening fabric

• Introduction to different flower styles and petal patterns.

• Drawing and cutting petal and leaf patterns on paper.

Session 2: Petal Cutting Fabric & Tinting

• Preparing fabric and cutting out petals

• Using dyes and hand-painting / blending techniques for realistic petal effects

Session 3: Shaping Petals

• Introduction to flower-making tools: safety, ball styluses, veining tools, curved irons, etc.

• Learning to curl, cup, and vein petals using heated tools.

• Experimenting with different shaping techniques for various flower styles.

Session 4: Assembling the Flower

• Creating the floral centre’s stalk and adding stamens

• Layering and arranging petals for a natural look.

• Wiring leaves for structure and movement.

• Attaching petals securely using professional techniques.

• Setting the flower and final adjustments.

Session 5 (Optional): Alternative Flower-Making Methods

• Using household items (e.g., spoons, pencils, knitting needles) for shaping.

• Creating petal texture using hand-moulding and fabric manipulation techniques.

• Exploring glue-based shaping methods for edges and curling effects.

• Crafting floral centre’s without traditional stamens.

Wrap-Up & Q&A

• Troubleshooting common issues.

• Display and discussion of student work.

• Suggestions for future projects and applications.

• Skill Level - Beginners to Intermediate

• Class fee includes lunch!

• Accommodation available on campus - please contact us directly via email for more information and to book - info@mulrannyarts.com