Pressed Flower Cards: The French Alternative

Flowers of all kinds are easy to press and they can be used to make note paper, greeting cards, bookmarks or even more complicated arrangements suitable for framing. Jackie French used pressed flowers from her garden to make some very special birthday cards.

Collecting the flowers

• choose only fresh, undamaged flowers and foliage
• the best time of day to collect plants is early morning or late afternoon
• just about anything can be pressed, but bulky plants take longer
• put plants into a plastic bag with a few drops of water sprinkled inside to prevent them wilting or discolouring before pressing

Pressing

• press as soon as possible after collection
• shake off excess moisture (or nectar in the case of flowers like bottlebrushes)
• carefully lay plants flat between sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or kitchen paper. Now slip them between the pages of a phone book, or place between layers of newspaper place books or other weights on top of the pressed plants (Tip: the weights should not be too heavy, because some air circulation is required)
• check for dampness and change papers when necessary to prevent plants going mouldy
• most plants will only take a few weeks to dry

Making the cards

To make your cards use coloured or plain cardboard or parchment writing paper. Cut to the desired size and shape with craft or ordinary scissors, and greetings can be written with gold or silver pens. When the plants are completely dry, attach them to your cards using craft glue or spray-on glue. Single pressed flowers look very attractive, or you can create an eye-catching arrangement using lots of different flowers with some foliage for contrast.

Further information

Craft scissors cost from $5 per pair, and gold and silver pens cost from $5 each. They are available from most craft and Spotlight or Lincraft stores nationwide.

Copyright CTC Productions 1999