Carole Jackman, of Nature's Pressed, demonstrates how to press flowers to preserve their beauty. Carole explains how to take the flowers a step further by incorporating them in a special memory book page. She also shows how several images can be easily combined to preserve memories in an even more elegant form.
Materials:
Paperbilities memory album - discontinued, use any desired memory album
Loose Ends natural paper or paper of your choice to cover album
Elmer's rubber cement
pressed flowers by Nature's Pressed
flat, round tweezers
all-purpose glue
small paint brush
Blair Spray Clear Acrylic Coating or Mod Podge
optional: 1 1/2 yards ribbon of your choice to complement album and flowers
Steps: - Unscrew album and set screws aside.
- Remove inside papers and set aside.
- Using rubber cement, apply natural paper to the outside cover of the album ( figure A).
- Select pressed flowers and use tweezers to pre-arrange flowers on album cover as desired. Remove flowers from album (figure B).
- Apply glue to backs of flowers (tiny dots in several places - not too much), starting with greenery first, and apply to album as pre-arranged. Use paint brush to apply extra glue under all edges of flowers to tack them down flat (figure C). Allow to dry completely.
- Apply Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer to entire album cover (figure D).
- Replace inside paper, cover, and screws.
- Tie ribbon in a bow and glue to outside of album.
Carole's Tips: - Use tweezers to handle the flowers easily while arranging, placing and gluing.
- Be sure to glue all edges of flowers down with the paint brush to keep them from coming up when sealer is applied.
- If flowers or leaves break apart, they can be glued back together easily by pushing them together with the tweezers or paint brush. Avoid using your fingers, as they tend to stick to the glue and then to the flowers.
Additional information for Pressed Flower Memory Album:
An easy way to dry and press flowers is to use a microwave. Simply cut the flowers, place them in a large, heavy book and place in the refrigerator for a few days. Then, lay a paper towel on the bottom of the plate, and place the chilled flowers from the refrigerator on the paper towel. Put another layer of paper towels on top of the flowers, and place another plate face down on top of the other plate. Microwave on low heat for approximately eight minutes. Remove, and let cool.
RESOURCES :
Mod Podge adhesive/sealer (Model #: CS11201- Gloss, CS11301- Matte)
Mod Podge can be used as a glue and a sealant. It is an all-in-one sealer glue and finish--gloss and matte finish. Sizes range from four ounces to one gallon.
Specialty Papers and Decorating Supplies
Loose Ends LLC
Website: www.looseends.com
pressed and dried flowers - Nature's Pressed
Nature's Pressed
Website: www.realpressedflowers.com
acrylic spray protective finish - Blair (Model #: 20116--Matte; 20016--Gloss)
GUESTS :
Carole Jackman
Floral Designer, owner of Nature's Pressed
PO Box 212
Orem, UT 84059
Phone: 801-225-1169
Toll Free Phone: 800-850-2499
Fax: 801-225-1760
Email: flowers@naturespressed.com
URL: www.naturespressed.com
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