Meeting Sally from Petal & Pchelka and seeing her latest artistic dried flower installation made me feel that my love of dried flowers has just gone to a new height.
I got to head down to the Historic Dockyard and explore her studio where all the ideas are formed. Sitting in an industrial setting surrounded by other cool artists and artisans, I got a sense of community where you can get lost in what feels like a collective, a group of people all on the same wavelength. A place of collaboration, respect and the flow of inspiration.
Based at the old paying office that was built in 1754, with wonderful original features, it sits gently at the side of the site like it knows its place in the Naval dockyard. I love the history of the building and the fact that Charles Dickens’ dad worked here as a clerk back in the early 19th century.
Petal & Pchelka was founded by Sally Biloshiskaya, a passionate floral designer who works on transforming spaces with dried flowers. Her view is that the power of flowers helps to create a calming and positive environment. I love how moody and dramatic her larger installation pieces are. The business name stems from her daughter who was nicknamed Petal before she was born and Pchelka is the Russian meaning of a bee.
If you jumped on the pampas trend for your home then you will know how dramatic just having a vase of something simple can bring a focus to that corner of your room. Looking at the trend for wreaths which has become popular all year round now and not just for Christmas means you can add something to your home that is sustainable, and has long-lasting beauty.
Speaking to Sally, she said, “Dried flowers can last for years if kept in a good dry environment. It’s recommended that you keep them out of direct sunlight, and avoid humidity indoors like in the bathroom. I often get clients that bring their floral display back and we work on adding new pieces so you can always amend your display in the future.”
There is something deep and meaningful about a dried wreath or dried flower display. You feel like you could be thrown back hundreds of years and see women collecting flowers and drying them as well as using dried herbs for scents and herbal remedies. Because this craft has an ancient, artisan quality, I feel its longevity will last.
Sally has a pop-up event at the Stay Lucky gift shop and coffee bar on the 8th of February, where you can meet her and check out her cool collection to buy. From small bouquets to larger displays available.
Being the first guest as part of the shop’s ‘Saturday with Friends’ pop-up events, Sally said she can’t wait to meet customers and show them her collection.
Pop down to Elm Grove from 10am until 2pm on Saturday the 8th of February.
Check out Petal & Pchelka on her socials.
