When Oshi Florals was established in 2023, it began as a simple passion project rooted in a love for pressing flowers. What started as a hobby has rapidly evolved into a celebrated business in Perth, specialising in the preservation of wedding bouquets through a unique blend of traditional and innovative techniques. Our journey is a testament to the beauty of floral preservation and the dedication to crafting keepsakes that last a lifetime.
The Roots of Oshibana: A Nod to Tradition
The name “Oshi Florals” pays homage to the ancient Japanese art of flower preservation known as Oshibana. This technique involves pressing and drying flowers to create delicate, yet enduring, floral art. Originating in Japan, Oshibana translates to “pressed flowers,” and has been practiced for centuries as both an art form and a method of preserving the natural beauty of flowers. At Oshi Florals, we embraced this historical art form, using it as a foundation to build upon our modern preservation techniques.
A Journey Through Drying Techniques
Our exploration of floral preservation began with the traditional method of pressing flowers. As our passion grew, we expanded our repertoire to include various drying techniques such as dehumidifying, air drying, and ultimately, silica gel drying. Each method offered a unique way to preserve the integrity and beauty of flowers, setting the stage for what was to come.
Innovating with Resin and Wood
In our quest to create something truly unique, we ventured into the world of resin. Initially, we used standard silicone molds for encasing dried flowers, but we soon realised that our vision required something more distinct. This led us to experiment with custom wooden frames for our resin creations. By pouring resin into these handcrafted frames, we were able to produce flower preservation pieces that were not only visually stunning but also uniquely our own.
Sustainability Meets Creativity: The Birth of Our Shadow Boxes
As we continued to grow, we became increasingly aware of the need for eco-friendly and sustainable practices. This realisation sparked the creation of our shadow boxes, an evolution from our resin frame designs. However, crafting shadow boxes required a new approach to framing. We went back to the drawing board, developing a method that allowed us to create elegant, sustainable frames while maintaining the high standards of our previous work.
Why Choose Shadow Boxes Over Resin?
- Longevity and Durability: Resin will yellow over time, affecting the clarity and overall appearance of the preserved flowers. Shadow boxes, on the other hand, do not suffer from this issue. Whilst the flowers will fade over time, the glass will remain crystal clear for years to come.
- Lightweight and Versatile: Resin can be quite heavy, which limits the size and practicality of the preservation pieces. Our shadow boxes are ultra-lightweight, making them easy to hang on your wall as a stunning piece of art. This flexibility allows for larger and more varied designs that can fit beautifully into any space.
- Cost-Effective: When comparing like-for-like, shadow boxes are a more affordable option than resin. This cost-effectiveness allows us to offer a high-quality preservation solution without compromising on elegance or impact.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Our shadow boxes are crafted with sustainability in mind. By choosing this option, you’re supporting a more environmentally responsible approach to floral preservation.
The shadow boxes are designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, allowing you to showcase your preserved bouquet in a way that aligns with modern design sensibilities and environmental values.
The Future Blooms Bright
Oshi Florals’ journey from a floral pressing hobby to a celebrated business in Perth has been marked by innovation, tradition, and a deep respect for nature. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to offering unique, beautiful, and sustainable floral preservation options. Our passion for preserving the beauty of flowers ensures that every bouquet we handle tells a story, freezes a moment in time, and adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to many more years of bringing floral beauty to life through our craft!