Jessica Ciaffarini, Artificial flower maker in Giulianello, Italy, presented by Homo Faber

Jessica handcrafts paper and silk bouquets for occasions
She is inspired by people and their stories
Her compositions are environmentally friendly

To understand her potential as a craftsperson, Jessica Ciaffarini had to go through a professional pause and a period of reflection. "I had a little girl and for four years, I devoted myself to her. During that time, though, I knew there was something that had to emerge from this time. Then it clicked, while talking to my husband (a wedding photographer) about the difficulties of capturing nice pictures of bouquets. It was precisely this, plus my passion for eco design and art, that drew me to Unusual Bouquet”. Since then, Jessica has been working as a textile and paper artisan in her own Italian studio, designing and creating unique and alternative flower compositions. She practises her craft “because it gives me the freedom to express myself and the opportunity to evolve my style and ideas more and more”.

Jessica Ciaffarini is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015.

INTERVIEW

I am based in Latina, Italy – a country that has always been home to artisans and artists who are able to constantly reinvent themselves and to master various techniques at once. I believe that this ‘essence’ is deeply rooted in me, inspiring me and my bouquets.

My interest in paper lies in its material features: I love the fact that it can be reshaped by hand. I start from paper and I end up with flowers. Also, it gives me the possibility to acquire and then personalise various techniques.

One of my aims is to mix conventional customs with innovative thinking. Wedding bouquets have always had a strong significance, it has become an accessory linked to the bride. I take this symbolism and transform it, making it a design creation that mirrors the bride.

The creative process is what fascinates me the most in my artisan practice. The moment I immerse myself in my creations, seeing them slowly grow – when I pour my energy into paper and textiles that suddenly become three-dimensional. This is pure magic to me.