Pressed Flowers

With the flowers in full bloom, here is an easy before and after you can do to make an accessory for your home.  

Take a bloom or leaf from your plant of choice and place it onto clean white paper in a heavy book.  Place the clean white paper on both sides of it.

With the daisy I choose the book doesn't shut flat.  That's okay just press it out as flat as you can get it.

Stack more heavy books on top of your pressed flower book and wait a couple of weeks.

Check the flower or leaf in two weeks and make sure it appears completely dried out.  When it is you can then frame it.  If it could use more drying time just give it another week and check it.  Drying time will vary by the plant you choose.

Here are three plants I have pressed for my home.  The fall leaf on the left was from last year.  The color is still really good on the leaf.  The fern has faded a bit.  The crocus on the right was in bloom when my last son was born and I picked it and saved it as a keepsake of that sunny winter day.  To apply the plant to the background I just used the tiniest drop of school glue.  It doesn't discolor the plant and it holds it in place.  I am seeing a lot of pressed flowers in the magazines.  It is really simple to do and the perfect project for this time of year.

I will join:

Susan for Metamorphosis Monday at her site Between Naps on the Porch.

Sarah for Before and After Party at her site Thrifty Decor Chick.

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative.

Making the World Cuter at Making the World Cuter.