Crafting beauty with pressed flower artistry
What's the story
Pressed flower art is a craft that transforms the ephemeral beauty of flowers into lasting art. This technique involves pressing and drying flowers to create designs. It's a unique way to preserve nature's beauty, perfect for creating custom gifts, home decor, or botanical studies. This article provides valuable tips and insights for beginners or those looking to enhance their pressed flower art skills.
Selection
Selecting the right flowers
Choosing the right flowers is crucial in pressed flower art. Pick flowers with naturally flat faces like pansies, violas, and daisies. They press beautifully! Chunky-centered flowers like roses work too, but need extra prep. Think petal removal or slicing in half. Fresh, perfect blooms press best. No room for flaws here, so pick your specimens wisely!
Preparation
Preparing flowers for pressing
After selecting your flowers, prepare them for pressing by placing them between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as newsprint or blotting paper. Avoid colored or dyed papers to prevent color transfer. Next, place the flowers inside a heavy book or a flower press. Leave them for two to four weeks until they are fully dry.
Arrangement
Creative arrangement techniques
Arranging your pressed flowers is where the real artistry happens. Before committing with glue, play around with different arrangements on your chosen background material—whether that's cardstock for greeting cards or glass frames for wall art. Don't be afraid to mix in other elements like leaves or ferns to create depth and texture.
Preservation
Preserving your artwork
To preserve the beauty of your pressed flower artwork for years to come, it's crucial to shield it from harmful elements like direct sunlight and moisture, both of which can lead to fading or deterioration. Opting for UV-resistant glass frames can dramatically minimize fading due to sunlight, and sealing your precious art in an airtight frame provides a protective barrier against moisture.
Durability
Tips on enhancing durability
To enhance durability and color vibrancy, you may want to apply a clear sealant spray to your completed artwork before framing it. This not only preserves the colors but also provides a protective layer against dust and moisture. But, always test the sealant on a few spare pressed flowers first, as some products can discolor them.