Help..

Contents

1. SEARCH PAGE HINTS
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS EXPLAINED  
3. ABBREVIATIONS
4. GLOSSARY
5. HANDY HINTS
6. ORDERING CUSTOM MADE FLOWERS
7. CUSTOM MADE CHECK LIST / GUIDE
8. WHAT SIZE FLOWER LOOKS BEST FOR MY NEEDS (fashion)
9. FAQ's FOR CUSTOM MADE FLOWERS

1. Search page hints

Use the "search" tab above for quickly finding occurrences of;
- flower names (orchid)
- flower colours (ivory)
- combination flower names and colours (bud pink)
- combination flower colours and colours (white pink)

Search options    (Sample query = bud pink)

a. "Find all words AND" will return a link where any occurrence of bud AND pink are together ..in a description or category

b. "Find any words OR" (PREFERRED) will return a link where occurrence of bud AND pink are together as above. Then will return a link where occurrence of bud. Then will return a link where occurrence of pink.. and so on in alphabetical order.
..in a description or category

c. "exact match" will return a link only where any occurrence of bud pink phrase occurs exactly.
..in a description or category      (pink bud won't return a link)
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2. Product description explanations

a. The item number is normally left most in the description column
 
b. Where a number comes before the product name (12x name). There are this many pieces or items per the unit price
eg: 12x Rose        $12.00        ..there are 12 individual roses for $12.00 (or $1.00 ea)

c. Where a number comes after the product name (name x12). There are this many flowers or buds in a grouping or bunch
eg: Bud x7            $1.00          ..there are 7 buds joined in the bunch

d. Were a number backslash another number comes before a "cm" (10/13cm). The first number is usually the diameter of the individual flower in the spray or grouping. The second number is the overall measurement of the combined floral visual effect of the spray.

f. If there is a second backslash and a third number it may be either the overall height including the stem, for interior decoration flowers, or, the profile width, for fashion flowers (from the front of the flower to the back)
-  eg: Bud x7 2/8cm                 ..The bud measures approximately 2cm in diameter. The entire spray or grouping floral visual effect or coverage measures 8cm

-  eg: Gardenia cluster x12 8/35/40cm         ..There are 12 Gardenia flowers in the cluster or grouping. The Gardenia flower measures 8cm in diameter. The entire floral effect is 35cm and the cluster stands 40cm high.

3. Abbreviations

cm               Centimetres 2.5 cm = 1 inch
doz              Dozen (12 units)
grs              Gross (144 units or 12 doz)
ea                Each  ( per 1 unit)
w/              With (including)
Lf                Leaf or Leaves
/p               Pin (brooch pin)
/c                Clasp (hair clasp)
<12            Less than 12 in stock
>144          More than 144 in stock
TOS          Temporarily out of stock
TOS7         Temporarily out of stock for about 7 days, or 7 day backorder
sk              Silk
sat            Satin
vel            Velvet
org           Organza
poly          Polyester
AM           Australian Made
Polysilk   Polyester fabric imitating traditional Silk flowers 

4. Basic Artificial Flower Glossary

Single,        A stem with one flower
Spray,        A small grouping of usually no more than six small flowers and possibly some leaves
Bunch,        A grouping of usually more than six flowers or fruit and possibly some leaves
Garland,     A long trail or stem of flowers and/or foliage measuring about 180 to 270cm in length and 10 to 15cm wide.
Branch,       A foliage support component of a plant or tree
Vine,           Usually a small more decorative foliage component that is more able to be trained or arranged over displays or hanging down from planters, baskets, boxes, etc..
Corsage,     Flower decoration attached to the lapel of a jacket or similar by pin
Trail,          Small grouping of flowers in a line approximately 15 to 25cm in length
String,        A trail of fruit or veg' attached to a string hanging in a line
Cluster,      A Bunch of flowers or foliage usually for interior decoration purposes
Petal,        Smallest part of the outside decorative part of a flower, usually tear-drop in shape but can vary greatly.
Ak,            Petal.
Stamen,    Centre part of flower that supports pollen.
Calyx,     Back of flower, usually green. Originally the covering of the bud, that has broken open and to the back of the emerging flower.
Bud,          The flower before it has opened, also the shape, at the centre of the flower before it has completely opened.
Stem,        The thin support that holds the flower.
Leaf,         Usually Green, these protrude from the stem below the flower and can be as decorative as the flower itself. Leaves can also     give good coverage in an arrangement. Some arrangements consist of only leaves.
Foliage,    Greenery or leaves Predominantly more greenery than flowers.
Fill,           Foliage that covers the obvious gaps between stems in an arrangement
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5. Handy hints

If you can't find the flower you want in the "Fashion" section, you may find it in the "Interior decoration" section. Then remove the stem and attach a brooch pin (from the craft section). 

If you can't find the colour product you want, select a close or lighter colour and colour it with "Design Master"tm colour tools or similar.

Products are usually measured in centimetres (cm)    2.5 cm = 1 inch= 25mm

Colour communication. If you need to match or tone in with a certain colour, you can send in a colour sample with an idea of what type of flower or look you are after, and we can give recommendations. If you are after a quick response you can communicate a colour referring to a matching or similar colour sample from a late edition of the "Australian Woman's Weekly". eg; January 05 edition, page 43, top right hand photo, sky colour or see our colour reference page (left menu).

"You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". That is, if you want a soft looking flower you usually can't use heavy fabric (say, dutchess silk satin) to achieve this look. You may be able to soften the heavy looking fabric with an alternating lighter fabric (say, organza or georgette), or, just use a softer toning fabric.

6. Ordering custom made flowers from your fabric

Bradford Potter has been custom hand crafting flowers for special occasion, bridal, etc.. in Australia for many years.

We can make most popular flowers from most fabrics.

If you would like flowers made from your fabric, answer the following questions as best you can, then contact us for confirmation / quotation, or send the order direct.

When do you need the flower/s.

    We need 2 to 3 weeks notice. More urgent orders may be possible by arrangement pending current orders.

Decide on the type/s, diameter & quantity of flowers required. If leaves, long stems or brooch pins are required.

    Use diagrams, photos, samples, our reference numbers, etc.. to clarify your needs.

Choose the fabric/s you require for the flowers construction.

    Most fabrics can be used.

Work out the amount of fabric to send.

    About 7 to 8 times the area of the flower for most flowers.
    A good size square or rectangle is better. No scraps please.

Call us to discuss the order or just send it to our address

Send your order with your named fabric & contact details, including -
Contact name, address, phone number, date needed by
Label any photos or samples to be returned with the order & preferred payment method.

Payment can be by credit card via phone or fax, direct credit, Aust' money order or Australian cheque.

If you require any further information don't hesitate to call Ph / fx +61 2 4443 4884
 

7. CUSTOM MADE  ORDER GUIDE / CHECKLIST                info@silkflowers.com.au

(use as a guide, or copy & paste to a document, complete and send with fabric)
or print  http://silkflowers.com.au/orderform.pdf  1.5Mb)

To.. Bradford Potter Pty Ltd. 49 Parnell Rd, Tomerong NSW 2540 AUSTRALIA

From.. (name/company)__________________________________________________________________________

(address)_______________________________________________________________________________

Contact name_____________________ Date..______/______/20___ Ref #..______________________

Contact Ph/ Fx/ Mob/ etc..________________________________________________________________

Please Supply.. (refer to http://www.silkflowers.com.au/category63_1.htm)

Quantity     Item # &/or Description                   Fabric type, Colour      Dimensions     Notes
                                                                                                    (if applicable) cm)

a._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

b._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

c._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

d._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

e._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

f._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

g._______I_______________________________I_________I_________I______I___________________

Special /                       Brooch pins (/p)     ?yes ?no                                               ? Other (specify)
extra instructions:          Hair clasps (/c)      ?yes ?no
                                   Leaves (/L)           ?yes ?no specify____
                                   Stem length          ? 5cm ? ___cm
                                   Stem colour          ? White (/w)  ?Green (/g)     ?Brown (/b) 
            Flower centre            ?as sample   ?Bud       ?Seed stamens           colour -  ? self    ?_____,    ?Ivory Pearl stamens

ENCLOSED:                    ? FABRIC                                                                     
                                    ? Photo/s
                                    ? Drawing/s
                                    ? Sample/s
                                                      ? Other(specify)

Required back by..______/______/______ Ordered by..__________________(sig)

                                                                            __________________(print)?as above

NOTE ; Fabric required is approx’ 6 to 7 times the area of each average flower. eg: (say a 10cm diameter typical average flower is needed) 10 x 10 x 7 = 700sq cm or 10cm x 70cm of fabric per flower is required, or 16 flowers per metre off a 1.12m wide roll. Payment by phone, fax, internet, direct credit..

Fabric supplied should be wider than the flower required, squared off and no scraps if possible. Print your name and identify right (presentation) side of fabric on fabric edge. Delivery is about 2 weeks from receiving order unless prior arranged.

Traditionally handcrafted flowers are not water, dry clean or crush, resistant.

8. what size flower looks best for my needs?

Well, only you and possibly your friends can know what look you are after. But we can help with inspiration and calculating the size of the flower decoration (for communication purposes) that you are after.

For some inspiration see the 'Inspiration Gallary' (left Menu).

To help calculate the size of your silk flower decoration, first roughly guess a diameter (say 10cm), then add a couple of cm's (say 12cm). Now mark and cut a circle/shape (possibly 12cm) with maybe some other diametre circles marked (say 6, 8, 10 cm). Place the cut circle/shape at the intended position of the decoration, trim the circle/shape to the desired diameter, then gauge the size that looks best from there. Record the diameter that looks best for your needs. Now you know the size of decoration that you require and can look for a matching item of similar size or communicate that size to us.

Flower profiles (the depth of the flower, or how far it sticks out from the garment, etc..) are less important, basically most flowers have an average profile of about 4cm. For very low profile applications we recommend the camellia which typically has a profile of 2cm.

If you have any questions after this you can call us to discuss your artificial flower decoration needs, record any item numbers and diametres that you are interested so we can more understand your enquiry ("a picture paints a thousand words").

9. Frequently Asked Questions For Custom Made Flowers (FAQ's)

1. What kind of fabrics can be used to create flowers from?
Most fabrics are suitable, including natural, synthetic, silk, organza, velvet, cottons or georgette fabric. If your fabric is something unusual, just email us at info@silkflowers.com.au and we’ll clarify if we can use it or not.

2. How much fabric needs to be provided?
This will depend on the dimension, complexity and the quantity of the flower(s) you require. Generally fabric requirements vary from 8-12 times the area of the flower and must be wider than the flower’s diameter.

4. What kind of flowers can be produced?
Roses, peonies, lilies, camellias, frangipanis, orchids and gardenias are all possible. You can view a range of flowers on our other website. Go to: www.silkflowers.com.au and click on the ‘Custom Made Flowers’ button on the left hand side.

5. What if I don’t even know the name of the flower I want created?
As long as we have some kind of reference such as a drawing or picture we can often replicate it by copying it from the image.

6. What steps are involved in placing an order?
Send us
a. A completed order form. This is available from: www.silkflowers.com.au/orderform.pdf
It has all the questions we need answered in order to start your job
b. Your fabric (allow for 8-12x the area of each flower, and wider than the flowers diameter)
c. Any additional resources such as picture, drawing, templates, etc.

7. How long will it take to complete my order?
Approximately 2 weeks from when we receive the order details and fabric. Although this may vary if it is a particularly large order. Urgent orders can be completed much quicker if prior arrangements have been made.

8. How much is it likely to cost?
On average prices range from $20-$50 (Aus) each, plus postage. Costs vary depending on the type, size and quantity you require.

9. When is payment required and what are the payment options?
Payment is required in full on completion of the order.
We accept credit card, or paypal payments (via the website at www.silkflowers.com.au). Other payment methods may be accepted by prior arrangement.

10. What can I expect when my order arrives?
Your flowers will be delivered by Post or Courier. Flowers are usually packaged in clear display boxes and dispatched in strong packaging to minimize the risk of damage (except for some production orders).

11. How do I care for the item?
Try not to wet, crush, wash, or dry clean the item.
Do, store in a cool dry place, preferably in its own protective box away from sunlight.
Note: Fashion artificial flowers are mostly not water, dry clean or crush resistant.

12.How do I brooch the item to a garment without risking crushing the decoration?
Try to handle the item from the rear only. You can place your finger behind the 'self recessing' brooch pin to attach it to an accessory rather than pushing the front of the decoration. If you want the item to look good, longer, avoid pushing the front of the decoration.

13. What if I want something different or have further questions?
Our small, customer-focused team are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Contact us now, on +61 2 4443 4884 or email info@silkflowers.com.au
We look forward to hearing from you!