Sunday, May 18, 2014

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.

Flowers are also used for many things. They are extremely popular gifts for any occasion. They are also used in decoration. Grand events and receptions are never complete without floral arrangements adorning the venue. They can also be used in 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.

To be able to make this kind of art, naturally, you will need pressed blossoms. They are allowed to dry for about two to four weeks before they can be utilized. There are many ways to preserve, but three types are commonly used by craft aficionados. You can choose whether to use a big book, a microwave oven, or a flower press.

In any of the methods, you will need the flora of your choice. You can pick flowers from your garden or pluck out a wild one you see on your way home. You can even buy one if the flower you wish to press is not available in your area. Make sure that it is dry before slipping it in to avoid the developments of molds. Also, pick flowers when they are in full bloom because this is the time when they are at their brightest. To avoid creases, lie your selection face down.

To use the traditional way, you can use any heavy book. A dictionary or an atlas is a very good example. Line a page somewhere in in the very center of the book with paper. You can use two sheets of ordinary paper. You can also use cardboard or even tissue paper. On top of the paper, put the flower on top, in face down position. It is easier to press it that way that to have it facing up which may give the petals a dirty, creased look. Put another sheet of paper on top and the close the book gently.

You can also use a flower press. You can make one by obtaining two equal pieces of flat wood bound together by screws on four corners. Unscrew to pry them apart. On top of one side of the wood, place a piece of cardboard that has been cut to fit. Place the flower on the cardboard and top it with another fitted cardboard piece. Place the other piece of wood at the topmost and screw the pieces together again.

The last is the use of a press. You can make one by getting two flat sheets of wood and placing four screws at each corner. Same as the first two methods, you have to sandwich the blossom in between two sheets of paper then slip it between the wood and screw them tightly. After a few weeks you will have your perfectly pressed bloom which you can use in numerous crafts.

Once you already have your dried florets, you can use them in framed pictures. All you need is get a piece of paper, arrange your dried flowers and some leaves, them frame. You can use these to adorn your room or give them away as gifts.




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