Up, up and not away!

Hi matriarchy, I have been pressing flowers for a while now and can help you a bit. Using a phone book certainly works with a number of flowers and leaves. If using paper towels, make sure to only use Viva brand as they are the only ones without an embossed design on them (that could show up on thin petals. I usually use computer paper to dry petals like hydrangeas, pansies, leaves, etc. Rosebuds should be sliced in half first as they are too bulky whole, and you get 2 buds for the price of one! With full petaled roses, I take the petals off and press each one individually, then reassemble some to look the the original. The point is that the flowers must be pressed under weights until completely dry. Never press a damp or wet flower or leaf. Know that some flowers will change color during pressing. The fresher the petals, the better. Some people use microwave presses, solar presses,or air presses, but all presses require wiights of some kind to flatten out the piece. I have pressed many fall leaves, and most are just as bright several years later. Storage- you can store most dried petals in the phone books themselves, in baggies, between sheets of computer paper. At Michael's or AC Moore, you can buy cans of silica which can be reactivated as needed. Put some in the bottom of a bin, lay on the layers of computer paper with flowers, then put on a tight sealing lid. Moisture and light cause deterioration. I started making cards with pressed flowers, and still do, but also, I now use the petals and leaves as paint, and do many scenes. I will try to upload some later. There are several processes to seal pictures to keep out moisture and sun, but that's too complicated to explain now! What kind of projects are you interested in doing? jpressed

Dori, I've used Acrylic Matte Medium as the "glue" and finish coat(s) for decoupaging on wooden trays, canister sets, etc. which get handled frequently and it's held up well. I just use damp cloth to clean... The acrylic medium is supposed to be waterproof once dry, but I just use damp cloth, no damage so far. The medium can be thinned with water if you'd like....best to practice a little first. It comes in small jars...mine is Liquitex brand from art supply store. I like the matte as it has absolutely no shine, but it's available in gloss and semigloss, too. Good luck. josh

Hi Matt, I live in Oregon so I'm not sure you'd want to send here. But I teach pressed flower classes and always need flowers! I also work with dialysis patients and they love working with pressed flowers! Just let me know if you think it would be possible to send, I can pay for the postage. If not, perhaps you have a local Arts Center? Or an after school program they could be donated to? Thanks! Shelly