Poy T Granati is a NYC based floral artist who creates beautiful floral arrangements, wall displays and more out of Italian crepe paper. Since founding Summer Space Studio, Poy has shared her craft by giving workshops around New York City, including a recent workshop at Maman SOHO.
In this interview, Poy shares about some of the essentials you need to create your own paper florals, how living in New York City inspires her, and what she enjoyed the most about her recent workshop at Maman.
When did you first become interested in creating paper flower arrangements?
I started this project in Nov 2017 under the ‘100 days of making’ project where my school (Interactive Telecommunications Program, NYU) had a class about it, but started the project with my friends after we graduated. I’ve always been inspired by any type of paper crafts and I wanted to combine paper and interaction design together. So I thought if I have the time now – let’s just pick something I’ve always wanted to do, but never did and its paper crafts projects which later transferred to paper flowers.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Besides online sources like Pinterest and Instagram… window displays, stationery stores and bookstores in NYC are the places where I spend the most time. Even a short walk in the park gave me some new ideas and inspirations. Living in New York, you are expose to so much creativity and endless possibilities. Also having a diverse group of friends has allowed me to keep an open mind. I considered myself lucky to be surrounded by people who are both passionate and will always go the extra mile to what they love.
What are the essential materials for creating a paper floral arrangement?
- Italian & German crepe paper
- A nice pair of scissor
- Tacky glue (although I personally prefer Sobo glue which people often use for pop-up book paper)
- Coloring equipment like pastels, markers and watercolors
Where do you source the paper for your flowers/workshops?
CarteFini.com (enter ‘SummerSpace20’ for discount if you’d like!)
Tell me a bit about your design process once you’ve taken on a new commission.
Since I’m a visual / UX designer on daily basis, a virgo and a semi-OCD person. I will create a moodboard and set the tone for the project with the approval from the client. After that, I’ll match the paper, flowers and arrangement styles together. Next, I will make myself a production timeline, documentation (a very important part!) and include delivery plan and feedback.
Last of all, I will add very detailed tasks to my planner and then Asana (analog first, then digital.)
Favorite color palette you’ve worked with for a commissioned project?
My personal favorites are teal, purple, and turquoise with dusty rose or mauve. I still have the color palette planning on my board…. a matching set of colors always makes me happy.
Out of all the flowers you’ve created, which one is the most intricate in design?
Dahlias. I pulled an all-nighter one day just to finish two of them, and while I still haven’t mastered it, I’d say it’s the most intricate and time consuming.
You create both small-scale projects (flower bouquets) to large projects (window displays). What is the largest floral project you’ve ever created?
The largest floral project would be at CraftJam’s Soho window display. If you’re in NYC, make sure you stop by!
You recently held a cherry blossom workshop using beautiful Italian crepe paper at Maman in NYC. What did you enjoy the most about the experience?
I’d have to say, just about everything! Maman’s team are very professional and helpful. They not only helped with the set up, they also provided delicious canapés and sweet bites. During the workshop, they made sure everyone’s glasses are top off with rosé or coffee while their hands are sticky with the glue.
The guests were super nice and the most rewarding thing for me was it was everyone’s first time making paper flowers and they wanted to continue the craft as their new hobby. That one thing keeps me doing what I do, inspiring people to learn something new!
In addition to creating beautiful paper florals, you also do calligraphy and watercolor illustration. Have you ever taken on a commissioned project that has allowed you to use all three of these artistic talents?
I have not yet had an opportunity to combine all of them together, but I am open for any opportunity and collaborations out there.
Keep up with Poy and Summer Space Studio via the following links…
Website: https://summerspace.studio
Instagram: @summerspacestudio
So beautiful!