my Crafty Corner

Cards and other handicrafts made by Jean Straw

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Pressed flower Card


I have a card made with pressed flowers to show you today, but not the traditional dried kind of pressed flowers. I saw this method in the April edition of Craft Stamper magazine in a feature by Riet van Zundert. She had made some beautiful cards and gifts and I couldn't wait to have a go.The flowers are placed between two sheets of paper or card and and then passed through a Cuttlebug or similar machine using the appropriate plates. The papers are then separated and the squashed flower petals carefully removed with tweezers and a soft brush for any stubborn bits.You then have one piece of paper with the print of the flowers and a  paler one with some of the colour and a fainter print from the back of the flowers.It is great fun to do and you have to be prepared to be surprised at the results because some flowers print their true colours and some turn out quite different. I think the paper you use could make a difference too.I used some small pansies and polyanthus as that is all that was suitable in the garden at the moment.The flowers need to be soft petaled and reasonably flat and the same goes for leaves which can also work well. They can be sprayed with mica mists before or after pressing for some added shimmer.
To make the card  I cut a piece from one of the flower papers                
 with a Go Kreate die, and then punched out some daisies in two sizes. I layered a pale green piece of card onto a 5"x7" ivory folded card,and then another ivory panel over the green.I cut the loopy circle with a Memory Box die, the lacy edge with a Marianne die and the flourish with a Tim Holtz die, all in the matching green card. I layered everything together and tied a lilac ribbon across and then fixed the daisies in place adding a little yellow Stickles to the centres.

I am entering this for Make it Monday's Always Anything Goes.

Thank you to everyone who comes to take a look here and to those of you who leave comments, they are all appreciated.

9 comments:

  1. Hi Jean,
    Thanks for all the comments you leave on my blog. Hectic here at the moment and not much crafting till the wee small hours. Cailean has had major surgery and is now laying flat on his back recovering at home. Three weeks since th op. but progress is so slow!!!

    I love this card design and the idea is fab. I subscribe to craft stamper but missed this one. Can't wait to get out my cuttlebug tomorrow and start pressing. I know i can fin a few moments!! Hope all is well with you
    Carol x

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  2. Hi Jean. Your paper turned out really well again. I just have to buy a couple of little pansy plants! Did you try any clover leaves? I think they would work well. A very pretty card that you've made with them too. kate x

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  3. Wow! Hiya Jean, gosh, this is amazing, your card is absolutely beautiful! I saw this article in CS and thought is was a lovely effect, but haven't tried it (yet!)- the colours are gorgeous, and the flower print is so clear. I have to try this now, just need some flowers :-).

    Maria xx

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  4. This is so lovely. Love the dies you've used.

    I saw your link on MIM, I'm number 162 this week.

    Cheers,
    Kasey ~ in Oz

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  5. Completely elegant and your description of how this was done makes me want to go and try it right now! Your card is stunning and I love that it is so versatile to send out for so many different occasions. Beautiful work here. Thank you for the inpsiration. :)

    Thank you so much for linking up your talent and creative ideas with us at Make It Monday!
    Lisa xx

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  6. Hi Jean . Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such kind comments. Like you I have been crafting for many years, however I am new to blogging. It is fabulous being able to link with like minded people and to view such inspiring pieces. Your card is lovely and the colours are so Spring. Good luck in the MIM challenge. .....Annie :)

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  7. Wow Jean, I've just spent ages going back through your blog having a good look at all your stunning creations. I wish I could leave comments on them all but apart from anything else I'm having a real problem with my laptop keyboard which keeps missing a character for every four or five that I type and it's taking me an age, grrrrr! However, I saw this article and am really impressed with the results you have achieved. Your card is gorgeous and I must have a go. BTW you sure tie a mean bow!

    Don't know why I wasn't following you before but I am now!

    Hugs
    Lesley Xx

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  8. This is a lovely card and a great technique, I have made the paper,but not used it yet.
    Avril

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  9. What a beautiful card you made, I just love it.
    Riet van Zundert

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