ArloArts – The Paper Florist
Bedford, MK41 7PP
ArloArts is a one-person paper florist business, run by Arlene Rust. She hand-makes paper flowers from German and Italian crepe paper. She creates bouquets, buttonholes, and table centrepieces for weddings. She also makes anniversary gifts, event props, and displays for film, TV, and shops. Each piece is a bespoke design made for the client. ArloArts also sells crepe paper and craft supplies for hobby crafters.
What they hire
- Wedding Bouquets — Price on quote Arlene makes bespoke wedding bouquets and bridesmaid bouquets and posies from paper flowers. She can build a traditional or cascading design. She can add personal touches, such as flowers made from maps, song lyrics, or a themed handle.
- Wedding Buttonholes — Price on quote Arlene makes personalised buttonholes, boutonnieres, and wrist corsages for each member of the wedding party. She can make a buttonhole from comic paper or other themed paper on request.
- Wedding Table Centrepieces — Price on quote Arlene makes paper flower table centrepieces, top table and register table decorations, and entranceway displays. She can also add paper flowers to the wedding cake.
- Wedding Anniversary Gifts — Price on quote Arlene makes paper flower gifts for wedding anniversaries, mainly the first (paper) anniversary. She can make a full replica of the wedding bouquet or a framed floral keepsake.
- Event & Prop Paper Flowers — Price on quote Arlene makes paper flower backdrops and props for events, product launches, and visual merchandising displays. She also makes paper flowers for film and TV. An installation service is available.
Questions and answers
- What does ArloArts make?
- ArloArts hand-makes paper flowers for weddings and other events. It also sells crepe paper and craft supplies.
- Can I get a fully custom design?
- Yes. Arlene works with clients who have a clear vision, and with clients who only have a vague idea. She helps design the piece with the client.
- How long does an order take?
- The timescale depends on the complexity of the order and on other client commitments. Arlene discusses delivery timescales as part of the design process.
- What paper do you use?
- Arlene mainly uses specialist crepe paper. She often uses German crepe paper because it resists UV light well. She also uses other papers, such as comics, books, maps, and music sheets, for a personalised design.
- How do I care for paper flowers?
- Do not water paper flowers. Keep them out of direct sunlight, because some paper types fade in strong light.
- Do paper flowers work for a destination wedding?
- Yes. Paper flowers are lightweight and travel well, so they suit a destination wedding.