Sensational Succulents

Succulents have been taking the wedding floral industry by storm lately and we can see why! Not only are they sturdy little plants, they are also incredibly pretty and complement many blooms perfectly. Succulents are a great choice in the UAE climate too.

When we stumbled across this succulent jewellery range by US-based florist and Etsy seller Susan McLeary, at Passionflower in Michigan, we were blown away by her unique and innovative idea. Combining plant materials with creative jewellery construction, these mini masterpieces are gorgeous, and once the limited wearing time is up, you can plant these pretty beauties and keep them in your home.

Curious as to how long these jewellery pieces last and how the idea came about, we asked Susan to tell us more:

How did you come up with the ingenious idea behind your succulent jewellery range?

I was inspired after taking a workshop with the amazing florist Francoise Weeks. During the session, we designed botanical headpieces and jewellery. The photographers covering the workshop asked me to send them a few pieces for a photo shoot. They lived 3,000 miles away from me, so I had to figure out a way to design the jewellery using floral elements that look beautiful for many days out of water. When the photos from that shoot started to circulate, the response to them was incredible! I knew I had found a new path to explore.

If someone were to purchase one of your succulent rings, how long would it be wearable?

The pieces last 3-4 weeks. After that, the plants typically start to show a bit of wear and dehydration. At that point, one can gently remove them, allow them to root and plant them!

Tell us a bit about the design and creation process?

The process begins at my favourite local greenhouse, where I spend a lot of time choosing the perfect little plants. After much trial and error, I’ve found the perfect way to construct the pieces using brass jewellery bases. These give the pieces the structure they need, and the plant adhesive I use bonds very well to them.

The plants are quite happy on their little platforms – quite a few of the pieces I’ve made have actually grown on their jewellery bases! Without much sun, and with no water! Succulents really are amazing plants – beautiful, strong and self-sufficient. I’m really enjoying presenting them in this way.

We can just imagine a botanical-themed wedding, with each of the bridesmaids wearing their very own, quirky and pretty succulent statement piece. And the bride? Well, we just adore the flower crown above featuring echeveria,  jasmine vine, immature raspberries, acacia foliage, privet berries, cymbidium blooms, and ranunculus blooms.

We don’t know if any florists here in the UAE offer such pieces, but we have no doubt that the trend will soon catch on.

Looking for more wedding inspiration? Click here.