We have these two, presumably somewhat old framed pieces, that are done with different materials, and cut into flower shapes, and glued together to create a still life of a vase of flowers. Does anyone know what this type of art is called? here is a link to pics of the artwork.
I don't know what it's called, but it's a "craft", not an "art". The process was to take apart artificial flowers and "reconstruct" them on fabric, arranging them in a design. If I had to guess, I think it was popular in the early 60's. (I have this vague memory of one of my mom's friends doing this.)
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and answer my post. Unfortunately, I am positive it is not the process that you described. They are definitely cut out of fabric, piece by piece. The fabric appears to be felt like but very fuzzy. I have seen some plant leaves that look like this. The stems you can see how they were made by twisting material around a wire. All the flowers, petals, and leaves appear to be the same kind of fabric, just different colors.
Posts: 3 | Location: NC | Registered: Jan 03, 2007
Chip, 30-40 years ago (or more), a lot of artificial flowers were not plastic or silk. They were a flocked fabric. (Back in the 50's, flocked items were all the rage, to the point that there were kits you could buy and flock anything that didn't get out of your way fast enough.) If you look closely (2nd photo) at the petals, you can see that they are fuzzy (that's the flocking), but you can also see that they were formed/shaped to look like petals. Basically, the artificial flower makers created the petals, flocked the surfac and the assembled the flowers. Crafters discovered that they could take apart the flowers and reassemble on a fabric surface by layering. I assure you that this is how this picture was created. My mother and her friends were always tackling the latest/greatest crafting idea and I remember this one.
My guess as to the reason that you don't recognize what flocking looks like is that I haven't seen it done or used since the 60's. The closest I can come to something currently being done that is similar is that spray you can see on Paid Programming that allows you to cover a bald spot.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: MSC,
Oh ok. I misunderstood, thinking they were actually real flowers. Yes, you can see the "flocking" as you call it, on every item except the stems. I remember my Mom into all kinds of crafts in the 60s as well, but this is one craft she missed.
I was considering putting them on ebay, as opposed to tossing them. Do you think there are still people interested in this craft?
Who ever made it, took alot of care in the frames and how they were mounted. Almost looks professional, the way the craftwork was put into the frame with the mattes, and carefully nailed along the frame to keep it all in. (I guess no push points back then.) Then they glued on a paper back. Definitely alot more care put into it, than alot of things made these days. (Commercially) Thank you so very much for your help, I truly appreciate it. Chip Masterson
Posts: 3 | Location: NC | Registered: Jan 03, 2007
