Sticky Situation!

[Sprout]

Have any of you ever glued flowers to a person? I've seen it in fancy floral mags and books, but need help on technique. What kind of adhesive would you use?

I'm planning on covering a couple models with large quantities of flowers and gluing directly to them, or a body stocking. Think Adam and Eve with some crazy serpent and tree body paint and lots of Garden of Eden flowers!

It's a charity fundraiser - we envision having attendees pay for the priviledge of creating these human floral artworks - with premium prices for "premium" locations, of course!

Any thoughts on how to do this? Eyelash glue has been suggested, but I'm pretty sure we'll need something in a larger quantity than tiny tubes of eyelash glue.

 

[anytimeflowers]

Cathy, I would talk to a costume company.

Here is one.

http://www.halloweenexpress.com/spirit-gum-remover-combo-p-1620.html

Sounds really fun!

 

[Snapdragon Studio]

I can tell you what NOT to use... oasis cold glue! I have a florist friend who glued poms to her arm (just a couple of them) for a bridal show. She ended up at urgent care with 2nd degree burn type injuries.

 

[CHR]

I would strongly recommend you Not glue directly to the body. For precision spotting, use large band-aids as the base, glue the flowers on - and then peel and stick.

For larger areas, use a flesh tone garment that will cover the areas. You can also use a garment that is painted the colors of the flowers which you'll use on top. It will help conceal gaps in the gluing.

Remember, garments get very heavy when covered with fresh flowers so make sure your fabric will support the blooms. Thin knits tend to sag when covered with blossoms.

Last tip - for garments: use heavy velcro closures. Too hard to button or zip with flower petals surrounding those spots.

Good luck! We want to see photos of the finished designs.

 

[RWK]

I echo Cathy's comentary - Do NOT glue to the body (skin) - I use small round bandaids for individual blooms, Larger bandaids for larger flowers.

 

[Sprout]

Good tips all - thank you! I am checking with the models about band-aid allergies/sensitivities. Hopefully that won't be an issue. I know I'm allergic to band-aid adhesive.

I can't wait! It's not till October, so we have plenty of time to test and experiment. This is an annual fundraiser for our county food bank and this year we want to not only up the ante to raise more money, but also broaden the appeal to a bigger range of people. We thought circus sideshow type entertainment might be kind fun, and hence my floral Adam and Eve were born!

Oh, and velcro - GREAT tip there! Should using the necessary become necessary!

 

[LUPE]

I haven't glued flowers to the body but I have used different size band aids. The flowers are glued to the band aid. Works pretty good! Be sure to use an alcohol rub to take any oil off the skin