There's nothing like pressed leaves or flowers to add that special touch to handmade items. They bring a sense of romance to whatever it is you're making, whether it's a greeting card or decoupage. If you want to get your creative juices flowing in no time at all, learn how to press flowers quickly and you're halfway there.
The art of pressing blooms is an old one. Many generations of children have filled the pages of their dictionaries and bibles with leaves and blooms to later create greeting cards. A thick, heavy book is probably the easiest tool to use if you want to press any plant materials but you can also use a flower press. This is made of two blocks of wood that are fastened on top of one another with screws.
The more traditional methods have some disadvantages. One is that they take time. In fact, the items you're pressing will only be ready for use after a couple of weeks. In addition, they often lose their vibrant colors. Moreover, the sap from the plants can cause stains and damage to books.
There are much quicker ways to get the blooms you want. One is to use the microwave. Take two tiles, top them with a layer of cardboard and blotting paper and then sandwich the flower in between the two tiles. Use rubber bands to secure the tiles together as tightly as possible. Now simply microwave this for a few seconds. Keep checking the flower and microwaving it in short increments until it's ready.
Alternatively, place your flower on a sheet of paper and cover it with another sheet. Place something heavy on top to flatten it the way you want it. Remove the heavy object. Then set a clothes iron to the cool and dry setting and gently press it onto the paper for a few seconds. Check the flower and repeat the process until your flower feels stiff and dry.
Using the microwave or the clothes iron has the advantage that it's quick. You'll have a pressed flower within minutes. A bonus is that the flower won't lose its color and will look vibrant, almost as if you've just picked it.
Not all flowers are suitable for pressing. If they have a rounded shape, such as roses, or if they're shaped like a cup, such as tulips, they won't look good when they're flattened. However, you can press the petals separately. If you prefer a whole flower, choose one that has a flat shape, such as a pansy or a daisy.
There are many different ways in which to use pressed flowers. Aside from using them for making greeting cards and bookmarks, they can add a special touch to paper lampshades. Decorate everyday items such as cellphone cases with them or use them as the focal point in handmade jewelry. You can even make lovely floral Easter eggs. All you need is some glue, some pressed blooms and leaves and your imagination.
The art of pressing blooms is an old one. Many generations of children have filled the pages of their dictionaries and bibles with leaves and blooms to later create greeting cards. A thick, heavy book is probably the easiest tool to use if you want to press any plant materials but you can also use a flower press. This is made of two blocks of wood that are fastened on top of one another with screws.
The more traditional methods have some disadvantages. One is that they take time. In fact, the items you're pressing will only be ready for use after a couple of weeks. In addition, they often lose their vibrant colors. Moreover, the sap from the plants can cause stains and damage to books.
There are much quicker ways to get the blooms you want. One is to use the microwave. Take two tiles, top them with a layer of cardboard and blotting paper and then sandwich the flower in between the two tiles. Use rubber bands to secure the tiles together as tightly as possible. Now simply microwave this for a few seconds. Keep checking the flower and microwaving it in short increments until it's ready.
Alternatively, place your flower on a sheet of paper and cover it with another sheet. Place something heavy on top to flatten it the way you want it. Remove the heavy object. Then set a clothes iron to the cool and dry setting and gently press it onto the paper for a few seconds. Check the flower and repeat the process until your flower feels stiff and dry.
Using the microwave or the clothes iron has the advantage that it's quick. You'll have a pressed flower within minutes. A bonus is that the flower won't lose its color and will look vibrant, almost as if you've just picked it.
Not all flowers are suitable for pressing. If they have a rounded shape, such as roses, or if they're shaped like a cup, such as tulips, they won't look good when they're flattened. However, you can press the petals separately. If you prefer a whole flower, choose one that has a flat shape, such as a pansy or a daisy.
There are many different ways in which to use pressed flowers. Aside from using them for making greeting cards and bookmarks, they can add a special touch to paper lampshades. Decorate everyday items such as cellphone cases with them or use them as the focal point in handmade jewelry. You can even make lovely floral Easter eggs. All you need is some glue, some pressed blooms and leaves and your imagination.
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