Tag Archive | pressing flowers

Making a Picture to Display Your Pressed Flowers

Jan27

“Earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Start with a wooden frame.  The frame back can be stapled easily to the frame. Metal and plastic frames come equipped with clips allowing the back of the frame to be opened and closed easily.Flowers can be secured on acid free card or on a piece of soft fabric such as velvet. When using fabric, cut the fabric the same size as the glass (otherwise it tends to wrinkle around the edges).

Using tweezers,  arrange the flowers and greens on the card or fabric to create your “picture.”  Carefully, put a drop of craft glue, using a toothpick, and press the flower down firmly into its final position. Let the glue dry completely before framing the picture. With a calligraphy or metallic pen, write the name of each flower and foliage used and any other notes about the picture, before framing. 

Cover with the glass and secure the backboard onto the frame. For long-lasting results it is best to make an air tight seal when framing. Premature fading and deterioration of pressed flowers can occur when air seeps into the picture.

Avoid displaying your new work of art in direct sunlight (also causing fading) and keep out of rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms or kitchens.

For other ideas for making fabulous floral picture frames visit: Maddylane Designs

Pressing Your Flowers

Jan26

“Wildflowers blossom best among the rocks with a little water.” 
The Sopranos

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PRESSING THOSE SPECIAL FLOWERS…

Flower’s and foliage achieve the best results when they are fresh. When all moisture is removed you will achieve the best results for pressing. If you are unable to press them immediately upon purchasing or picking them, I suggest you place them in zip-seal bags filled with air and store in a cool place e.g. the refrigerator.When you’re ready to press, use a soft brush to remove any debris that may be on the petals and leaves. There are two easy ways to press flowers.1. Between books Pages – Place flowers between 2 sheets of paper to protect the pages of the book or place between 2 large books. It will take 1-2 weeks for them to dry thoroughly.

2. Flower Presses – Flower presses are very inexpensive to purchase.  You can even make your own using two vice grips and a solid wood about 1/4 to 1/4 inch in thickness.

Layer your flowers in the press by cutting pieces of cardboard and newsprint (or blotting paper) to fit between the boards of the press.Colour retention will be improved if you put the flowers between sheets of paper and change daily or at the very least every couple of days.Note:  Flowers turn brown when they don’t dry quick enough and should be discarded.