Preserving Summer
Our Horticulture Chair Cheryl was excited to learn that the GCA had a Botanical Art class utilizing pressed flowers as part of the Virtual Flower Show for the 2021 Annual Meeting. Inspired by the botanical art created for the show and, being a passionate crafter at heart, she thought that it would be fun to try to press and preserve some of the flowers and leaves from our own yards this Summer.
She quickly came up with a format for a flower pressing workshop for those members who might be interested and added to the appeal with the promise of “light nibbles, wine and a chance to catch up with friends.” Not unexpectedly there was a lot of interest! On September 9, 2021 Cheryl held 2 workshops at her home in the morning and evening. Attendees were greeted with wine, delicious nibbles, a beautiful array of flowers to use and a gift of a flower press each, HAND-MADE by our talented host.
We explored traditional flower pressing, learning how best to work with different plant material and how to get the best possible results. This was followed by learning how to dry and preserve flowers in silica gel and finally, Cheryl introduced us to the instant gratification that is microwave flower pressing!
Below are some links to learn more accompanied by comments from Cheryl:
Enjoying nibbles and placing our floral material
Ready for pressing
Tightening the screws on the flower presses Cheryl made
Yum!
Preserving flowers in silica gel
Preparing the microwave flower press
Into the microwave!
Seconds later...
Workshop Succes!
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