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Until quite recently, I wasn't a big fan of proteas. I felt that they were a bit fuddy duddy, not as cool as lillies or as pretty as roses. (Probably a bit unpatriotic since they are South Africa's national flower!) But all that has changed....I'm not sure if proteas have become more trendy or if I have become more fuddy duddy, but I can't get enough of them now.
When I decided that I need a light and bright painting to liven up this dark corner of my south facing dining room - an extra large king protea seemed the way to go. It then seemed appropriate to put some gorgeous king proteas in vases to seal the deal. What do you think?
I decided to do some searching on the web to see what others ways I could introduce proteas into my home if I was so inclined. This is what I found.
Protea fabric from Hertex....
Handpainted proteas on curtains by African Sketchbook...
Beautiful protea bowl by Mud Ceramics....
Embroidered napkins via My Pretty Things....
Exquisite bronze sculpture by Nic Bladen...
Table linen featuring pincushion proteas by Fynbos Finesse....
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Ceramic protea candle holders via O.live....
Decorative metal protea via Mooi Goete....
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Wooden Proteas via Millk...
Ceramic proteas by Michael Haigh....
Protea fabric via Constantia Fabric....
Brown paper hanging light via Hello Pretty...
Beautiful protea painting by Alma Horn
By way of atoning for my previous dislike of our national flower, I'm pleased to say that all these items featured above are proudly South African made!
Staying on the subject of proteas, one of the reasons they great make such a great cut flower to have in your home, is the versatility in arranging them. Have a look at these ideas...
A rustic arrangement in a wooden box...
Casually placed in a bowl....
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A sculptural arrangement with echeveria and orchids....
Single blooms placed in urns....
Or in a simple glass jar...
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In an antique wooden bucket...
A contemporary arrangement in an oblong vase...
A beautiful arrangement featuring a few different types of proteas... love this!
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My favourite - a simple basket full of proteas.....
And finally, they can even be used in a christmas wreath.
So much to love about proteas.
Till next time
Sharon x
Gosh. I am quite embarrassed - I have never heard of or seen proteas before. Seriously. I think I have seen that design maybe somewhere a time or two but never knew what it was, or that it was REAL.
ReplyDeleteI love your examples of how to use in decor- they're exquisite photos too.
Glad you became fuddy duddier (?) lol and taught me a little something today.
I need to get out and travel the world more, it's SA's national flower and totally unheard of by me? Yep, time to broaden my horizons, seriously. Thank you. Smiles, Michele
HI Sharon! What a great post! I never new what those were called1 Loved the Christmas wreath! I hope you and yours are doing well getting ready for the Holidays!! xo Leslie
ReplyDeleteSo pretty...I love all the graphics, fabric and ceramic pieces of these flowers more than the real flower...
ReplyDeleteI adore that Protea bowl, the Hertex fabric and that gorgeous wreath! I don't think they are fuddy duddy at all!!
ReplyDeleteI adore that Protea bowl, the Hertex fabric and that gorgeous wreath! I don't think they are fuddy duddy at all!!
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to mention that you painted the Protea in the first picture.
ReplyDeleteYour readers need to know this!
Your proud husband and follower!
Sharon, Thank you for the introduction to Proteas! A modern flower that looks wonderful in many settings and arrangements. I think my personal favorite was simply clustered in the bowl. All the best, Rié
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteI have seen these flowers in mixed cut floral arrangements but never knew the name. Your post has opened my eyes to their true beauty. Wow! I love some of the wallpaper and print versions. Your painting and arrangement is bright and cherry.
xo,
Karen
So pretty! I am now a lover of Proteas as well! Great examples of ways to use them! That Christmas wreath is stunning! Barbara P from Ma
ReplyDelete