To all,
I have some pretty miniatures I’d like to press and preserve, most likely the old-fashioned way: between pages of a heavy book. Since I imagine there are lots of different ways to do this, I’m asking for advice on how to best preserve the brilliance of a blossom:
1. Should I place the blossom between the pages of book or should I use some sort of protective sheets of cellophane or wax-paper on both sides of the bloom for better protection of the bloom and the book?
2. How many days pressing is best?
3. What then? Lamination? Any suggestions or advice?
I wish you all restful Easter days and thank you for any of your suggestions,
Niels
Hi, Niels,
I've played around with pressing miniature daffodils between the pages of a heavy phone book. It's the only thing I use a phone book for these days! ;->
I've not experimented much with color retention, but here is the only hint I found about that with an online search (other than using dyes or paints):
Your color retention will be greatly improved if you put the flowers between sheets of paper and then change just the blotter at least every couple of days. The flowers will turn brown if they don't dry quick enough.
Source: http://www.preservedgardens.com/how-to-press.htm
This site was using blotter paper or newpaper; the paper needs to be an absorptive material or you can end up with moldy flowers. The same site mentioned putting the book and all (with pressed flowers) in the microwave for short periods of time. I hadn't heard that before, so I haven't tried it. The site also mentioned that this is a great use for an old set of encyclopedias and I just noticed a set here that probably hasn't been opened in 20 years. I was about to recycle them. Maybe I'll use them for pressing flowers instead!
For display most people put the pressed flowers under glass. Another option is to arrange them under a sheet of clear adhesive paper (or laminate like you mentioned), but it can be hard to keep out the wrinkles. Keep them out of direct sunlight for the least fading. I also read that yellow and red flowers experience the least fading. The length of time needed will depend on the thickness of the flower.
Becky
that daffy girl near Nashville