Celia Barbieri is the Button Florist. She graduated from a little liberal arts school in Swannanoa, NC named Warren Wilson College. A double major of Biology and Art was the perfect way to create an appreciation for the uniqueness of nature that can be found in Celia’s work. She currently makes her studio home in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. The Phil Mechanic Studios- a home for Art and Science is the perfect place for Celia and her little dog Toot to spend late night studio hours.
VISIT MY BLOG: www.thebuttonflorist.blogspot.com
“I have always loved buttons. I can remember being that small child, content to just go through my grandma’s buttons for hours. Sorting them by color, shape, prettieness. I see buttons everywhere, from the designs in unicellular phytoplankton to Buddhist prayer wheels. I am always searching for new designs and textures to incorporate into my little circular creations.”
The button flower story began in 1999, as Celia made and sent the first small bouquet to her sister in her first year of college. As she worked her way through high school and college, button flowers continued to grow from a hobby to a dream profession of spreading flowers that can make people smile forever.
“ I was once told that I look at science as an artist. I am inspired by patterns found in nature, seedpods, and asymmetrical symmetry.”
Celia uses the ancient coiling technique to create functional ceramics.
“I love being able to slowly build the form, creating a truly unique shape.” Ceramic button flowers were created as a way of incorporating Celia’s passion for clay into her button art.
Testimonial:
May 19, 2009 Blog entry from Sloane (owner of Stuff)
On Monday, I was not in my best mood, and I still do not know why. It's not that I wasn’t “fit to be with” really, it’s just that I wasn’t myself.
Generally happy. Usually smiling and quick to laugh. This was not me yesterday.
But I changed around noon when these photos appeared in my Inbox from a customer. Aren’t they delightful? Someone obviously has more talent with the camera than I do! She sent them to me so that we could see the art we sell in action.
We have vases full of the button flowers you see here, and we have sold them for over 6 years
- one stem at a time - for a local artist, Celia.
- They are handcrafted from buttons old and new,
- and Celia has a new variety that incorporates her ceramic“petals” into the button flower stem.
They are flowers that last forever and are used in bouquets that never fade.
And they changed my moody Monday. Enjoy.
Contact the Button Florist:
Email: thebuttonflorist@gmail.com
Twitter: @buttonflorist
Etsy: www.buttonflowers.etsy.com — send a conversation
Address:
Phil Mechanic Studios |
If you are interested in a custom order or wholesale information—or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celia.