Meet Flyboy Naturals

Petalos di Pauli is so fortunate to work with some of the best vendors in the country and we consider freeze dried flower petal supplier Flyboy Naturals (www.flyboynaturals.com) to be such a talented and creatively generous partner in so many of our projects.

 Says co-founder Jami Brown: “Our petals are all natural and we do our part to help the earth and environment. We use wind energy to process our freeze dried petals (including roses, lilac, peony and hydrangea) and grow all our flowers using a certified green pest-control program.”

We love talking to “petal specialists” at their Myrtle Creek, Oregon operation whenever we have a question such as how many petals will line a specific size presentation box. We left petals out overnight on a major design project recently and it was Flyboy to the rescue when during a California heat wave, the petals became dry and a bit difficult to work with. Flyboy Naturals provided just the right solution to restore their beauty and suppleness. Likewise, they feel free to call on our expertise, such as recommendations for the best kind of glue for using with petals.

Jami’s freeze drying expertise started back in 1988 doing whole flowers and a line of everything from wreaths and topiary to swags, garland and centerpieces. Former pilot husband Jim and Jami started Flyboy Naturals in 1992 and the couple “found our slice of heaven on the mighty south Umpqua River in Oregon.”

 We consider Jami a creative soulmate because, like us, she and Jim love being surrounded by beauty and making others happy in sharing that beauty by providing a beautiful, natural, eco-friendly product at very affordable prices.

The Petalos di Pauli studio has a palette of 100 varieties of petals from Flyboy in various petal sizes and color blends which we love showing to clients. Call us to make an appointment to see this fabulous collection and hear ideas on how you can use Flyboy petals for your next project. 

Did you know that freeze dried rose petals are preferred for most wedding venues today? That’s because live petals can stain and are slippery on floors. No such problems with freeze dried petals! So many of the wonderful botanical effects created by Petalos di Pauli are made possible using freeze dried petals from Flyboy Naturals.

Creative Collaborations

The most successful special events are always a collaborative creative effort. We recently had the pleasure of working with Santa Barbara event planner Merryl Brown (www.merrylbrownevents.com) to support the elegance and charm of a Bohemian Chic wedding her firm designed for an open air venue.

Normally we work from our Orange County studio, but it was a special treat to work onsite for this occasion smack dab in the middle of the woods, so a lot of this design was done on the fly. The bride’s wedding dress and fondness for daisies inspired our use of this flower on the sweet heart table, crowning the menu cards, for the escort cards designed as miniature take-home daisy bouquets and the wedding invitation featuring a bright yellow gerbera daisy with metal embellishment. The results, as you can see from these photos, are magical, combining heirloom tradition with a little bit of 70s funk!

Natural wooden elements are used in chair signage.

Yellow, white and lime green hues centered around a daisy theme.

The daisy theme is carried out in the menu cards.

The wedding invitation sports vibrant colors to carry out the Bohemian Chic theme.

Burlap sacks provide an eco-friendly take-home daisy bouquet.

Fresh flowers accent the heirloom objects

Event design by Merryl Brown Events. Photography by Melissa Musgrove Photography. Floral design by Cody Floral Design. Lighting design by Bella Vista Designs. Creative Consultant Kimberly Anderson.

Five ways to make special event stationery eco-friendly

Image by Organized Light Photography

Kermit the Frog may think it’s not easy being green, but when it comes to designing eco-friendly special event stationery, we beg to disagree, dear Kermie! Here are five things to consider when designing your invitations, menus, reply cards, envelopes and other special event collateral that will make your efforts more earth friendly:

1. Less is more: using less paper is not only eco-friendly; it will prove more economical for you in the long-run. 
2. Double the pleasure: consider printing on both sides of insert cards instead of using two separate cards.
3. Tree-free doesn’t mean paperless: investigate the many wonderful paper options that don’t require tree kill.
4. Toxin-free papers and inks: vegetable dye-based papers and soy inks are the earth-friendly way to go. 
5. Choose local first: whether a local printer or using locally grown flowers, eliminate the environmental emissions caused by transporting or importing your design elements long-distance by choosing local whenever possible. 

Petalos di Pauli has lots of crafty ideas when it comes to designing good-looking and eco-friendly stationery products.  As purveyors of paper, we bring to you a range of post-consumer recycled paper sources and feature choices, including Saa (Mulberry tree) and  Lotka (Daphne bush), for sustainable style. Going green may be easier and more beautiful than you think, with our team of knowledgeable creatives ready to help.

Gracious Greening,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Trends in Wedding Decor Revealed

We introduced The Seed Packet Escort Cards at The Most Anticipated Event of the Season, YWD Magazine's exclusive bridal event, designed to highlight the latest trends in wedding decor and styling. Multiple photo shoot sets were designed as platforms of inspiration for over 1,100 brides, grooms and industry professionals who attended this backstage pass into the making of the YWD Spring|Summer issue.

This project was so much fun for me as one of the hand-selected designers who got to carry out the "Vintage Glamour" theme. Good Gracious! Events lead our team, that included Mille Fiori Floral Design, Classic Party Rentals, Wildflower Linen and Bella Vista Designs.

Each packet of pansy seeds was inscribed with a guest name and table number, functioning not only as the escort card but also as a favor to enjoy after the event. These custom designed gems included the couple’s special wording and an a real pansy on the front, giving them the Petalos di Pauli unique signature botanical touch.

The corresponding invitation incorporated clusters of pansies, along with dramatic pearl and antique gold jewel embellishments. The ensemble was presented in a petal-lined, cushioned, silk box to create a timeless and beautiful keepsake.

Click here to enjoy stunning images captured by Brilliant Studios.LA of our Vintage Glamour photo shoot set.

The YWD Spring | Summer 2010 Issue is on newsstands now (available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Target).

Call us to find out how custom seed packets can enhance your next special event.

Warn wishes,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Fat and Sassy vs. Skinny

Written communication is one of the best ways to capture someone's attention, especially when it arrives by way of a unique greeting or note card. Petalos di Pauli creations feature unexpected botanical embellishments like chunky gerbera daisies that speak "Happy Birthday" and blank note cards bearing Swarovski crystal-studded miniature blooms.

In the studio, we refer to designs that have fluffy flowers or require protective padding as "fat and sassy" due to the extra girth of the resulting mailing envelope. For best results with mailing cards with delicate embellishments, you'll need to protect the design by inserting the padding that comes with the card between its front and the envelope.

Fat and sassy cards may require additional first class postage if the envelope thickness is greater than ¼ inch. When in doubt, we recommend having it measured at the post office to assure a successful delivery.

Some fat and sassy designs have "skinny" versions that are still eye catching but omit design elements, like pearls or crystals, that would require special handling and surcharge (extra postage). If you see something in our On-line Boutique that you'd like to have skinnied, we are always happy to take custom orders.

For more tips on creative social expression, sign up for my newsletter "Petals & Pearls by Paula."

Cheerfully Yours,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

RentalComp Launch Party

Last month we spent a beautiful June evening living it up at the RentalComp, Launch Party. RentalComp is a brand new search and compare website for event rental items (think KAYAK) that is sure to streamline the process of styling special events. The affair was to gorgeous not to share.

Upon entering the gates of Tiato, the incredible new House of AN venue, we found ourselves in a  courtyard so beautiful and serene that we forgot that we were in busy Santa Monica.

 

It was Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Events and Carol Saunders of Grand Events who, together,  produced this magical event that was both sterling and grand. I fell in love with the venue right from the start, drawn to the breathtaking, living wall art that lit up as the sun went down.

Since I'd recently begun sculpting my own vertical garden,  I confess I experienced a bit of succulent envy.

As you can see, Shawna Yamamoto Event Design created wonderful and unique floral arrangements to compliment the space and carry out the magical vision. Teamed with beautiful furnishings from Girari and  Lounge Appeal, the courtyard became the perfect laid back place to mingle, talk, lounge and indulge!

AN Catering is a known name in the industry. I won't even try describe the scrumptious hand passed hor d'oeuvres we were treated to. This is me eating my first box of AN's Famous "Secret Garden" Garlic Noodles. It was probably okay that I kept my mouth shut and just danced. AN Catering is incredible!

  Photo by Heather Roman

The inside portion of the venue had been transformed into a beckoning space for those who wanted to dance or huddle up to the bar in a Lakers Game 6 friendly atmosphere. Dance music was provided by none other than Infusion Xperience from my favorite 11H Entertainment. History has shown that when Infusion Xperience is in the house I turn into a rhythmic introvert, abandoning conversation and all networking intentions because I have no choice but to dance. For those of you who don't known, Infusion Xperience is the ultimate balance between live A-list Musicians, DJ and Emcee.

 Photo by Heather Roman

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of collaborating with Leslie Maynor of Fantasy Frostings, designing a wedding invitation inspired by her pearl embellished, Vintage Glamour Wedding Cake. While Leslie is wonderful to work with, being on the consuming end of her talent is even better. Her Dessert Table was artful and delicious. She is so much more than cakes!

I really tried to exercise restraint but when half  dozen happy people told me I "really should try a funnel cake," I had to find out what all the fuss was about. Answer: It's about wonderfully, warm and delicious, made to order Mini Funnel Cakes by The Fry Girl. Enough said. [drool]

Sweet Lucie's provided an organic ice cream bar (as in buffet) that was described by many as serving the best ice cream they had ever tasted! And Rock Sake provided a variety of cocktails. Their signature "Cloud 9 Saketini" was Heather's favorite so she made sure she got the recipe.

You can try making it at home:

3 oz Rock Sake Cloud

1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Sugared Rim

Shake. Pour. Enjoy.

If our host's intention was to dote on guests from start to finish, I would have to shout "success" to Darryl Aken and the RentalComp team.

In conslusion, I want to mention that I appreciate complimentary valet parking the most when a battalion of uniformed attendants are on hand to insure that all departures are as graceful and hassle-free arrivals. On behalf of all the high heel ladies in attendance, "thank you" Logistic Parking for the VIP goodnight.

Unless otherwise noted, this phenomenal photography was provided courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography. The work speaks for itself.

Thank you, RentalComp, for inviting us to such a enjoyable event. It was a real treat for all of my senses. I wish you no less than complete success.

Sincerely,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Ladybugs Abound at the Getty Gardens

I've always had a fondness for ladybugs, easily won over by their stylish, polka dotted outfits. Many cultures view the ladybug as a symbol of goodluck. And a client recently commissioned our calligrapher to incorporate one into the design of their custom wedding invitation!

photo by bazylek100 

Each year Getty gardeners release ladybugs on the jacaranda trees and azaleas to eat aphids during the spring months. They buy them from insectaries that sell them by the thousands. The gardeners put water on the foliage before releasing the ladybugs. When they emerge from their cold-storage sleep, they’re thirsty and will stay around and eat aphid if there is water to drink. What an awesome arrangement!

photo by jemasmith

For more interesting behind the scenes knowledge about how the Getty cares for its gardens, you can take a tour led by their horticulture staff. This Friday, May 7, check out “Getty Gardener’s Perspective” a special event celebrating National Public Gardens Day. The tours start at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Getty Center, and at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Getty Villa.

With all the spring beauty that surrounds us, stay tuned for more posts inspired by the wonders of nature.

Sincerely,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Friend of Ladybugs

Images used under a Creative Commons license.  

Love the LOVE Stamp

Postage stamps are an everyday necessity.  We need them to mail bills and such.  Buying stamps is not something that many of us give much thought to, but it could be!

A beautiful postage stamp can be a wonderful and thoughtful addition to a letter or card that you are mailing to a loved one. It is interesting how your eye gravitates towards a stamp that is not the "Forever Stamp." We are so accustom to seeing it, that when it is something different, we are immediately drawn to it.

Use a postage stamp as an opportunity to show the recipient that you were thinking of them, even as you put the stamp on the envelope. The right stamp can add a special touch. At Petalos di Pauli we love the new "Pansies in a Basket" LOVE stamp. Why? Just take a look:

We think the USPS will be selling quite a lot of these just in time for Mother's Day.

Pansies in a Basket stamp features the image of a white woven cart filled with deep and light purple pansies and green foliage. The floral design is a detail from a watercolor created by the late Dorothy Maienschein, an employee of Hallmark Cards, Inc. Introduced as a Mother’s Day card in 1939, Hallmark reissued the design as a friendship card in 1941. Since Hallmark began tracking sales in 1942, almost 30 million cards with this pansy cart design have been purchased; more than any card in history. The word “LOVE” adorns the left side of the stamp.
Source: shop.usps.com

Happy Earth Day 2010

"Earth Day is the first completely international and universal holiday that the world has ever known.  Every other holiday was tied to one place, or some political or special event.  This Day is tied to the Earth itself, and to the place of the Earth in the whole solar system."

- Margaret Mead, 1977

Today is Earth Day and we at Petalos di Pauli are sharing some great ways to make the Earth a "greener" place, while also having some fun.  

Grow an avocado tree!

If you eat avocados, it's easy to sprout the seeds into air-purifying, carbon-fixing houseplants.  Its easy (even your kids can do it!) and instructions abound on the Web.  Here are some we found on howtodothings.com.

1. Find a ripe avocado. Avocado pits are most likely to grow if they come from a ripe fruit. When you eat the avocado pear, clean off the pit and then soak it for 48 hours in warm water. If you can keep the water warm (in a propagator or on top of a heater), then the pit will grow more quickly.

2. Find the top. Most avocado pits are egg-shaped, with the bottom broader than the top. Some are rounder, but the top is always smooth and the bottom, wrinkled.

3. Find a container. If you want to see the roots grow, you will need a clear container, such as a tumbler or a jar. Otherwise, a plant pot will do fine.

4. 'Plant' your pit. To see the roots grow, you need to suspend the pit above water. Find 3 or 4 toothpicks or hair grips and push them into the pit gently, until they will just support its weight. Then fill the container with warm water so that the bottom of the pit just touches the water. If you're using a plant pot, then bury the pit in potting compost so that half of the pit is still above the soil.

5. Keep warm. Warmth is the key to getting an avocado pit to grow. The ideal temperature is around 70 F. At this temperature, the pit should start to grow in around 10 days. At cooler temperatures, it can take 5 weeks.

6. Keep watered. Keep the water level in your container topped up so that the pit is just touching the water. If you planted your pit in compost, then keep it moist - putting it in a plastic bag will help.

7. Keep an eye out for growth. The first sign of life will be root growth, which will not be visible if your pit is planted in compost. Only when the roots have started to grow will the pit send out a shoot. If the water goes cloudy and starts to smell before this happens, then your pit will not grow. If this happens, it probably wasn't fertile to begin with, and you should start again with a fresh pit.

8. Pinch out the main shoot when it is 6 inches long. This is to help make a bushy plant rather than a tall tree. It may leave your avocado with no leaves, but don't worry - it will grow a new shoot and new leaves in about a week.

9. Re-pot. Your avocado plant can survive on just water for several weeks. When the roots are well developed, plant the avocado in potting soil in a small pot. It will be happy there for several months.

10. Move into a final pot. When the avocado looks too large for its pot, or unhappy, it is time to replant it in a 10-inch pot, which will be its permanent home. It will probably be 2 feet tall before this is necessary.

11. Pruning. Your avocado wants to grow into a tree, and you will need to keep pruning it to keep it bushy and manageable. Simply cut back shoots that are too long.

12. Ongoing maintenance involves feeding with liquid feed every two weeks when the avocado is actively growing. Every 3 or 4 years, replant it in the same pot with some fresh potting soil. Your avocado will need plenty of light and water plus an occasional misting and dusting.

Looking for some other ways to be "green"?  Here are a few websites we discoverd:

• Our company can provide some great "green" choices for your wedding or special events.  How about invitations printed on sustainable  paper sources?

• Find a local brewery and take a tour or pick up a selection of brews to enjoy at home. http://www.beertown.org/

• Making is often greener than buying.  One great site for inspiration and how tos: http://www.instructables.com/

• Got new or lightly used running shoes you're looking to unload?  One World Running will send them to runners in need around the world.  (If they're deemed too worn, shoes go to Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program instead, and wind up paving a playground.)  Learn more at http://www.oneworldrunning.blogspot.com/

• http://www.babyplays.com/ is the Netflix of toys.  Yes, the shipping comes with a CO2 price tag, but on the balance, its green: Renting toys instead of buying them means less plastic in the world.  (And in the landfill.)  No wee ones in your life?  The subscription makes a great gift.

Images by Maria Keays and emdot via Flickr, used under a Creative Commons license. 

An Invitation to "Blooms With A View"

As multitudes of colorful flowers flourish this time of year, so do Southern California garden tours. I am especially excited about United Home Owners Association’s upcoming “Blooms With a View.” 

"Blooms With A View"
Spring Garden Tour & Vendor Fair
Sunday, May 2, 2010

Showcasing award-worthy Los Angeles gardens

in View Heights, View Park
and Windsor Hills

As a vendor, I get to immerse myself in the collective enthusiasm of fellow garden lovers.  The Vendor Fair is a great opportunity to see some of our latest designs in person. Items available for purchase will include botanical stationery, greeting cards and gift wrap. We will also have a supply of things we love, such as artistic blossoming teas, and the latest in tea ware, including the ever popular Perfect Steeper. Ideal for Mother's Day gift giving.

Tickets are now on sale

At the Vendor Fare you can take part in the Plant Swap and Pot Exchange

Plant Swapping - Contribution of clippings,

bulbs, plants, or seeds SWAPPED for equal value

Pot Exchange - Bring your old garden pots and exchange for another - gardeners love old pots!

Nurturing my own garden awakened a passion for experimenting and playing with flowers. My imagination put blooms to paper, and eventually lead to designing handcrafted greeting and note cards. Eight years later, I still cherish my connection with nature and consider “the garden” the birthplace of Petalos di Pauli. 

I hope to see you at "Blooms With a View."

Sincerely,

Paula Estes

Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Vendor fair and plant swap runs from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at Monteith Park, 3685 Olympiad Drive.  Ticket prices are $10 in advance and $15 the weekend of the event. You can buy your tickets online for $10 plus a $1 handling fee ($11 per ticket).