DIY & Crafts
How to press flowers and turn them into a paper card craft
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DIY & Crafts
How to press flowers and turn them into a paper card craft
Whether for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, a birthday or just because -- whatever the occasion, it's always nice to receive a bouquet of flowers.
Arranged in a vase and then set upon the dining table or mantel, we admire our flowers until too many petals become discoloured or have fallen. Rather than be satisfied with only a fleeting appreciation for a beautiful bouquet, why not press your favourite petals and craft them into cards or artwork? This way you'll be able to savour their beauty long after the occasion has passed.
You'll need:
• Fresh flowers
• Parchment paper
• Heavy books (such as a telephone book)
• Card stock
• Glue stick
Take a look at a larger image of a finished pressed flower craft made by the author.
How to press flowers
1. Select dry petals that are free of blemishes or insect bites. Flowers with flatter petals, such as poppies or carnations, are easier to work with than flowers with curlier blooms.
2. Cut a piece of parchment paper to the size of your heavy book when it is open. Fold the parchment in half and lay it over the open book, preferably near the back.
3. Lay your petals on the right side of the parchment paper, making sure they do not overlap.
4. Carefully fold the left side of the parchment paper over the petals and then close the book.
5. Store the book in a cool, dry place for one week. You can place several other heavy books on top of it if you'd like.
How to make a paper card craft with pressed flowers
1. After one week, remove the parchment paper and petals from the book. Arrange the petals on card stock (you can use flat cards, bookmarks, foldable cards or any other thick paper) in a design of your choice. We created a pretty ballerina on a half-fold card.
2. When you're happy with your design, carefully lift each petal and strike some glue on the card stock underneath. Press the petal back onto the glued area and gently wipe away any bubbles.
3. To preserve your work, spray it with a sealant (always do a test run first) or laminate it at your local business-supply store or between two sheets of clear shelf liner.
Arranged in a vase and then set upon the dining table or mantel, we admire our flowers until too many petals become discoloured or have fallen. Rather than be satisfied with only a fleeting appreciation for a beautiful bouquet, why not press your favourite petals and craft them into cards or artwork? This way you'll be able to savour their beauty long after the occasion has passed.
You'll need:
• Fresh flowers
• Parchment paper
• Heavy books (such as a telephone book)
• Card stock
• Glue stick
Take a look at a larger image of a finished pressed flower craft made by the author.
How to press flowers
1. Select dry petals that are free of blemishes or insect bites. Flowers with flatter petals, such as poppies or carnations, are easier to work with than flowers with curlier blooms.
2. Cut a piece of parchment paper to the size of your heavy book when it is open. Fold the parchment in half and lay it over the open book, preferably near the back.
3. Lay your petals on the right side of the parchment paper, making sure they do not overlap.
4. Carefully fold the left side of the parchment paper over the petals and then close the book.
5. Store the book in a cool, dry place for one week. You can place several other heavy books on top of it if you'd like.
How to make a paper card craft with pressed flowers
1. After one week, remove the parchment paper and petals from the book. Arrange the petals on card stock (you can use flat cards, bookmarks, foldable cards or any other thick paper) in a design of your choice. We created a pretty ballerina on a half-fold card.
2. When you're happy with your design, carefully lift each petal and strike some glue on the card stock underneath. Press the petal back onto the glued area and gently wipe away any bubbles.
3. To preserve your work, spray it with a sealant (always do a test run first) or laminate it at your local business-supply store or between two sheets of clear shelf liner.
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