The Story Behind the Bouquet Cards: From Hand to Digital Heart

Hello everyone! It’s Lowri here, the founder and artist behind LowriDrakley.com. I'm thrilled to share a hint of spring with you and even more excited about your enthusiasm for the upcoming Bouquet Cards collection!

Many of you have asked about the story behind these cards, and I can’t wait to reveal more about how these floral keepsakes are coming to life.

**The Seed of an Idea** 

The inspiration for this collection came during a time of distance when we were all forced to be apart during the COVID-19 pandemic. The simple act of sending or receiving a beautiful bouquet felt more significant than ever. I wanted to find a way to convey that same joy and connection through the mail, encapsulated in a card. My goal was to capture the intricate and vibrant beauty of fresh flowers in a medium that is easy to send and will last forever. I focused on the artistry of the floral gift itself. 

Collage was the natural choice. This artistic method allows me to layer textures and papers to create truly three-dimensional, tactile pieces of art. It’s my way of sending a little paper bouquet of lasting connection to brighten a loved one's day, carrying the same sentiment as an unexpected floral arrangement.

**The Art of Collage** 

In my studio, the process begins with paper: sorting, cutting, layering, and meticulously composing each bouquet by hand. I use various found papers and even create my own colored sheets to achieve the exact tone and texture I want. Each original card is a one-of-a-kind piece, intricately crafted from tiny bits of colored paper. This handmade approach ensures that no two originals are the same, and that's part of their magic. You can see an original handmade collage in the photo above on the left side. It truly is a labour of love, an act of care.

**Bringing Art Online: The Digital Reproduction** 

The challenge I faced was figuring out how to share this unique, handmade artistry with my wider online community and customers at LowriDrakley.com. The solution was to create high-quality digital reproductions. As you can see in the image on the tablet, I took photographs of the original physical collages to produce premium prints that capture every detail and vibrant color. The goal of these reproductions is to make the art of handcrafted cards accessible to everyone while retaining the unique, artistic feel of the originals. This is where the magic of handmade artistry meets the convenience of modern technology.

**The Heart of the Collection: 'Cariad'** 

The sentiment behind the cards is as important as the design. You may notice the word 'cariad' on one of the cards. It's a beautiful Welsh word meaning love or darling—a term of endearment that perfectly captures the feeling I want to share with every card. I hope these cards bring a touch of handmade artistry and love to your greetings. 

I can’t wait to share more with you as we approach the full spring launch!