How To Create Your Own Pressed Flower Art

By Arline Bradley


With their bright colors and intoxicating scents, flowers aid the plants in the process of reproduction. They attract nectar-eating insects such as bees and butterflies and allow pollen to stick to the bodies of their predators. These insects, in turn, pass the pollen on to other plants as they flit from flora to flora.

They are also important to people. Floral bouquets are staple gift items that are extremely in demand during occasions such as Mothers day and Valentines Day. They are even added to food. There are also essential for decorative purposes. You can turn them into an arrangement, or produce unique projects with the use of pressed flower art.

This kind of art allows one to make lots of things using preserved blooms. These flowers are then used in all sorts of creative projects such as lamp shades, cards, framed decors, and the like. You can use all of these for that romantic touch inside your home, or sell your products to augment the family income.

Before you can get to work on your own pressed flower craft, you will first need to prepare the bloom. Pick flowers at the height of their bloom. These flowers have the firmest petals and the most vivid colors. Dry them off completely before pressing them, or they will develop molds.

Whatever method you are planning to choose, you have to have the flower first. Flat ones such as forget me not are easier to press due to their shape, as slightly round ones like chrysanthemums are much harder to work upon. But, round or flat, you are at the liberty to choose the variety you like to use in your art. Just make sure that it is totally dry before working on it.

If you would like to do the pressing the old way, you will need to have a heavy book. Medical books serve the purpose well. All you have to do is to pick out the page, preferably near the end. Place a piece of paper to protect the text, place the bloom on top and another piece of paper to cover it. Then, gently close the book. Do not forget to change the papers weekly.

You can also buy a flower press from an arts and crafts store. If you can not find one, make an improvised version by utilizing two pieces of wood which are of the same sizes. Drill holes on all corners and place screws on every hole. Line the first piece with cardboard. Afterward, position the bloom on top. Cover it with another sheet of card board paper and put the second piece of wood on top. Press them all together by tightening the screw on all sides.

You can speed up the process using a microwave oven. You will also need two ceramic tiles, pieces of cardboard paper, and rubber band. Turn the first tile so that it is lying face down. Place the first card board. Next, position the blossom. Put another cardboard on top and the ceramic tile as well. Use the rubber bands to tie them securely and microwave it for a minute. Let cool for a while and repeat until the drying process is done.

There are many things you can do with pressed flowers. You can use them to spice up old jars instead of throwing them away. You just have to mix together water and glue, position the blossoms on the jar then apply the glue mixture to keep them in place. These jars can now be used as candle holders or canisters for trinkets. You can either keep them to yourself, give them out to friends, or sell them to interested costumers.




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