Never Fading Bouquets: A! Ne Hos Story

Posted on September 21 2019

We recently attended a paper flower workshop organised by one of our independent brands; A! Ne Hos. We designed colourful flowers with loads of colourful papers in this workshop which took place in their own design studio.

¨A! Ne Hos¨ means ¨Wow! Great¨ in Turkish. It is an Istanbul-lite paper art design company, founded by two architects, Ayse Selin Gurel Cubuk and Yasemin Hacikura, who use their creative instinct to pursue something greater by using everyday materials. Their favourite choice of material is paper, a common material for everyone which comprises beautiful contradictions. Numerous colours and textures enable endless designs, yet its 2-dimensional nature resists for voluminous designs. The general expectancy for temporary use of it prevents people to relate the material with the concept of quality. The intended idea is to put together something beautiful to look at and make people consider the value of the paper. They use their architectural skills to construct solid forms using heavy, thick paper material which make them perfect for long-lasting products. They set up installations, paper flower bouquets and accessories. The paper they choose to work with is EFC, FSC and PEFC certified.

A! Ne Hos Designers Ayşe Selin Gürel Çubuk and Yasemin Hacıkura

A! Ne Hos design studio on Bogazkesen Street in Istanbul. Bogazkesen street can be reached on foot from Istanbul, Tophane.

Tophane is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Istanbul. Hundred years ago the neighbourhood was famous for its furniture craftsmans and their design studios. Now the old design studios are replaced by design shops and renovated buildings.

Bogazkesen Street in Istanbul

Bogazkesen Street, Istanbul

Before the workshop, we had a cup of coffee towards the magnificent view of the Istanbul historical peninsula in Cihangir. Afterwards, we visited the design shops in Bogazkesen street and spoiled our soul with some art.

Istanbul Historical peninsula

Istanbul Historical Peninsula

You can see the design shops and art galleries on the both sides as you walk along Bogazkesen Street, which houses a Cornice Mould museum called "Zanaat Atelye".

Zanaat Atelye, Istanbul

Zanaat Atelye, Istanbul

When we entered the workshop place, we felt like we are in a marvellous flower garden, colourful gerberas, lavenders, daisies, roses, poppies... Thousands of paper flowers challenging years.

Deniz from hippist

Gülenay from hippist

We started to make flowers with colourful papers and spent two very enjoyable hours.

A! Ne Hos paper flowers workshop

A! Ne Hos Paper Flowers Workshop

Yasemin and Selin not only create flowers bouquets but also work on so cool creative projects like showcase decors and wall decors for special occasions, parties and weddings.

We loved the pink paper flower ice creams they designed for an Ice Cream Company.

Magnum with pink flowers