PRESSED FLOWERS

September is Autumn Fun Month and a great time of year to collect and press flowers to make special gifts for family or friends. One of the easiest books to use for pressing is an old phone book, then just simple place something heavy on top until the flowers have dried.

Here are some tips and ideas to help get you started:

GATHERING TIPS

•  pick material on a dry, sunny morning and press while fresh
• summer and fall blooms have brighter colors and less moisture
• choose blooms that are small, firm, young and without heavy centers
• choose herbs with small leaves, ferns & grasses
• use all parts: buds, petals, leaves and stems
• pressed materials should be stored between layers of paper or wax paper

PRESSING TIPS

• lay flowers face down with petals spread out
• try not to overlap flower parts
• place a coffee filter or blotter next to plant material to absorb moisture
• avoid using paper towels as blotter as they will leave an impression
• change blotter frequently if material is heavy or damp
• store press in a dry area with good air circulation
• remove pressed materials after two weeks or leave them until needed

CRAFTING TIPS

• handle material carefully – use tweezers if necessary
• always have clean, dry hands
• use toothpick to apply glue
• hang out of direct sunlight and out of high moisture areas

PRESSED FLOWER IDEAS
Enjoy your garden all over again
by making things with pressed flowers

• note cards
• bookmark, protect with clear adhesive-backed plastic or laminate
• candles
• pictures
• gift bags
• magnets
• ornaments

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Colossians 3:23