I have wanted a hobby for some time that I can pursue during the winter and
that is creative.
Most of the year I prefer being outdoors and active, gardening, long
nature walks, countryside and beach walks. However in the depths of winter
and to be honest as I get older i have felt the need for something I can do
that is indoors in the depths of a cold, wet winter and that is creative,
but that still relates to my love of nature.
I wanted to pursue something useful and make something. I truly admire
those who can knit and crochet and make clothes but while I can do basic
mending I have never been so successful at those crafts. I like art and
drawing but it is not something I am especially good at. I would love to
learn pottery but it is not something I can do at home.
So I was watching a gardening programme and there was a lady who was
gathering flowers from her garden for flower pressing! Suddenly it hit me, I
could do that!
Flower pressing is a lovely, traditional craft that allows us to gather
and preserve the beauty of flowers and leaves from Spring to Autumn
which can then be made into decorative or artistic pieces at any time, but
especially for me in winter.
So the Flower pressing journey for me started this summer.
Selecting Flowers
The first step in flower pressing is selecting the right flowers. I had to
do some research on this as I needed to know which flowers were suitable for
flower pressing.
We need to look for blooms that are not too succulent. The reason is that
they press well when their moisture is taken out quickly.
So I learned that all Roses and daffodils are excellent choices due
to their thinner petals. Luckily I have a garden full of roses in summer
though I missed the daffodils this time i can pick those in
Spring.
Then it was a case of looking for flowers with thinner petals and I found
that Aquilegia, Poppies and Forget Me Nots were perfect and with learning
and a little trial and error I found a lovely selection from our
garden.
I made a decision early on that I would only pick flowers form my
garden. We are losing so many wildflowers from the wild so fast that I do
not want to contribute to their loss , so I never pick any wildflowers. I
only pick the flowers that I grow and I always leave a lot to set seed for
next year and for wildlife.
When to Pick Flowers
I read that for the best results it is preferable to pick flowers
when it is a dry day after the dew has evaporated from the flowers , so
about mid morning. The worst time is after it has been raining when the
flowers are wet and should be avoided.
How To Preparing Flowers for Pressing
It is ideal to prepare the flowers by blotting them with tissue paper
carefully in order to remove any moisture. Although I have to say that in my
excitement to get going I often forgot to do this step and the flowers were
just fine, but for best results I would advise it.
The Flower Pressing Process
I remembered as a child I used to press flowers with my Mum. We used to
arrange the flowers with paper and place between the covers of a heavy book
like a National Geographic hardback copy. However now we can buy specific
flower presses and once my husband realised I was interested in this hobby,
he thoughtfully bought me a flower press for my Birthday! I was so happy
with this beautiful gift!
I simply placed the flowers carefully and not overlapping onto the paper in
the Flower press and placed another sheet of the absorbent paper over it and
repeated until the whole book was full. Then gentle and carefully tightened
the screws
I always used to think you needed a huge weight for the process to work but
it turns out you only need a gentle pressure.
This
Happinit Flower Press
is really lovely with great reviews and can dry smal petals quite
quickly
Happinit Large Flower Press Kit, 6 Layers 11" x7" Even Pressure Flower Pressed DIY Arts, Flower Pressing KitCheck Price
The Waiting Game, Drying and Storing Flowers
We need to have some patience as the drying process takes time, up to 3 or
4 weeks ideally though you can get away with 2 weeks, or with some flower
presses and small petals you can manage a few days.
The flower press needs to be placed in a warm dry place indoors. It is
advised to check on the flowers every day or every few days, however due to
family bereavement I did not check for several weeks and they were just
fine.
I think ideally I need at least two flower presses so that I can have some
drying and some to work with. I like this
Aboofx Extra Large Flower Press
Aboofx Extra Large Flower Press Kit, 11" x 11" 10 Layers Wooden Flower Pressing Kit with Storage BagCheck Price
So I have now reached the stage where I have all my beautiful pressed
flowers! In the coming year I will have the whole season of flowers so even
more to work with. I am very much still learning what work and what
doesn't but I am finding it a very satisfying hobby. The next step is
finding out what I can create with the pressed flowers.
Creating With Pressed Flowers
I am thinking of using the pressed flowers in several different ways. First
to make a piece of art that I can hang on the wall or if good enough give as
a gift.
I could make cards from some of the flowers. I could explore how to add
flowers to plain glass vases, though I am not sure how I could then wash
them.
Perhaps some of the more crafty people reading this could give me some more
ideas.
If you are or you know someone who loves flowers, nature and gardening a
gift of a flower press would be a beautiful present. A Flower Press can be
an excellent gift for an adult or a child.
I have found flower pressing to be a lovely way to still feel connected
with nature even in winter.
I love the process of collecting them and pressing them and now I can see
them all again and work creatively with them which is a beautiful hobby that
brings me joy.
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