Guide to Caring for Your Paper & Book Page Flowers

Caring for your paper or book page flowers is an easy process. With just a few simple tips and tricks, your blooms will maintain their beauty for many decades to come!

What Are Book Page Flowers?

Book page flowers are unique creations that blend the beauty of literature with floral artistry. They're literally made from the pages of books, giving them a distinct charm. These flowers not only serve as beautiful decorations but also carry sentimental value. They can remind us of cherished stories and moments in our lives.

When you invest in book flowers, you want to ensure they last. Below, I’ll share some easy and effective tips to keep your book flowers looking fresh and vibrant for years to come!

How Light Affects Paper Flowers

Over time, ultraviolet rays from sunlight can deteriorate paper. They weaken the fibers and fade the colors. To keep your flowers looking their best, display them in an area with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.

If you cannot avoid direct sunlight, periodically rotate your arrangement. This ensures that the effects of the sun are even across the entire arrangement.

Best Temperature for Book Page Flowers

Frequent and large swings in room temperature can negatively impact your paper flowers. Keeping them out of the direct path of heating and cooling air vents is crucial. This will help prevent them from deteriorating as quickly.

Avoid storing your flowers in locations that experience large temperature fluctuations, such as attics or garages. Additionally, keep your flowers away from areas with high humidity, such as a bathroom. Excess moisture can lead to mold and deterioration.

How to Clean Paper Flowers Without Damaging Them

Just like every other surface in your home, your flowers will likely need dusting at some point. The easiest method for this is to lightly dust with a feather duster on a regular basis.

Alternatively, you can blow the dust away. Using a hair dryer on both the low and cool settings or a can of compressed air, held about a foot back from the surface of the flowers, works well too.

If your flowers have gone without dusting for a long time, you may need to detail them with a Q-tip or a clean artist brush across all surfaces.

A great way to avoid the need for dusting is to display your flowers under a cloche or inside a terrarium. This not only protects them but also adds an elegant touch to your decor.

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Monthly Checklist for Keeping Your Paper Bouquets Looking Fresh

With regular maintenance, your paper flowers will stay looking their best for longest. Set a schedule to check on them every month. This way, you can address any dust or fading issues before they become significant problems.

Remember To:

• Look for signs of fading or discoloration and rotate the bouquet if one side is facing sunlight more than the other.

• Check for moisture damage, especially if near windows, kitchens, or bathrooms.

• Dust gently with a soft brush to remove any surface buildup.

• Adjust the arrangement, if your bouquet is laying on its side, to refresh the look and prevent permanent creasing in petals or leaves. For best results, display book page bouquets in a vase.

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FAQs

How long do book page flowers last?

With proper care, book page flowers can last for many decades. The paper on which the books are printed may begin to yellow after a few years. This natural patina can actually result in a beautiful contrast over time, adding to the beauty of your flowers.

Can I spray anything on my paper flowers to protect them?

We don’t recommend using sealants or sprays with paper preservation. Most sprays can alter the texture or prematurely yellow the paper.

What’s the best way to store book page flowers long-term?

If you're not displaying them, store your book bouquet or other paper flowers in a dry box lined with acid-free tissue paper, with a lid, and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Still have questions? Please ask! I'm always happy to help.