Saturday, May 17, 2014

Tips In Making Pressed Flower Art

By Arline Bradley


Flowers play a crucial role in plant reproduction. The dazzling colors and heavenly fragrances of these blossoms make them irresistible to pollen gathering insects such as butterflies and bees. When these creatures make their way through blossoms, they pass these pollen around and make way for the growth of new plants.

They are also quite beneficial to people. Bouquets top the list for fail safe gift ideas. They are even present in foods. Some floral varieties are found to have medicinal properties. They are also decorative, and you can make pressed flower art with them.

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.

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.

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.

If you need to rush a project and you simply can not wait for weeks for the blossom to dry naturally, you can make use of a microwave oven and some ceramic tiles. Simply sandwich in all of these in the following order. Upside down tile first, then cardboard, flower, card board again, then ceramic tile right side up. Secure them together with rubber bands before putting it in the microwave.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment