Table of Contents Introduction Making up Your Mind to Start! Begin Your Collection Pressing Leaves Steps and Tips Techniques for Pressing Flowers Grasses, Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns To Varnish or Not to Varnish – That Is the Question… Lacquer Traditional Gums Beginning Our Projects Floral Wreath Bookmark Cards Conclusion Author Bio Publisher Introduction Just imagine that you have a number of dried flowers and leaves, which you wanted to make into a thing of beauty and a joy forever. This, of course, is a challenge for anybody who thinks she or he has a creative instinct and talent. If I was living in the 19th century and had plenty of time on my hands, I would have studied young, under the tutelage of a teacher or a governess or perhaps my mother. But now, living in the 21st century world, tied up to my PC/laptop and my cell phone and my apps, who really has the time, and energy to spend some enjoyable man-hours in making some beautiful creative pictures, out of some dried flowers and leaves? On the other hand, if you are the sort who does not mind going outdoors, ever so often, looking at the beauties of nature from April to October, or later until it becomes the time of Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, is it surprising that many of the treasures that you have carried home during the autumn or the summer, may be turned into a thing of beauty or a decorative item for posterity, when it is cold outside. In the 18th and 19th century, people loved to make decorations with dried flowers, leaves, and other dried items of nature, and even though it took a little bit of time and energy, the results were well worth it. The pictures that you are going to see in this book are more of instruction so that you can know how to make these decorations on your own. Naturally, I cannot tell you which flowers to use in your designs, because I do not know where you are, and I do not know which flowers you have at hand. At any given time of the year, my gardens are going to be full of nasturtiums, gardenias, Bougainvillea, Larkspur, pansies, delphiniums, sweet peas, pansies, forget-me-nots, baby’s breath, roses, and other flowers, depending upon where I am.

Table of Contents Introduction Making up Your Mind to Start! Begin Your Collection Pressing Leaves Steps and Tips Techniques for Pressing Flowers Grasses, Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns To Varnish or Not to Varnish - That Is the Question... Lacquer Traditional Gums Beginning Our Projects Floral Wreath Bookmark Cards Conclusion Author Bio Publisher Introduction Just imagine that you have a number of dried flowers and leaves, which you wanted to make into a thing of beauty and a joy forever. This, of course, is a challenge for anybody who thinks she or he has a creative instinct and talent. If I was living in the 19th century and had plenty of time on my hands, I would have studied young, under the tutelage of a teacher or a governess or perhaps my mother. But now, living in the 21st century world, tied up to my PC/laptop and my cell phone and my apps, who really has the time, and energy to spend some enjoyable man-hours in making some beautiful creative pictures, out of some dried flowers and leaves? On the other hand, if you are the sort who does not mind going outdoors, ever so often, looking at the beauties of nature from April to October, or later until it becomes the time of Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, is it surprising that many of the treasures that you have carried home during the autumn or the summer, may be turned into a thing of beauty or a decorative item for posterity, when it is cold outside. In the 18th and 19th century, people loved to make decorations with dried flowers, leaves, and other dried items of nature, and even though it took a little bit of time and energy, the results were well worth it. The pictures that you are going to see in this book are more of instruction so that you can know how to make these decorations on your own. Naturally, I cannot tell you which flowers to use in your designs, because I do not know where you are, and I do not know which flowers you have at hand. At any given time of the year, my gardens are going to be full of nasturtiums, gardenias, Bougainvillea, Larkspur, pansies, delphiniums, sweet peas, pansies, forget-me-nots, baby's breath, roses, and other flowers, depending upon where I am.

This visually magnificent book unveils the alluring world of uncommon botanicals, including a prickly cactus that played a storied role in the founding of an ancient city, a tiny pink mushroom that glows green in the dark, and a magnificent blue cactus with rows of golden spines. Celebrated paper designer Kate Alarcón reveals the rich histories and unique characteristics behind 30 remarkable plants alongside instructions for crafting stunning paper versions of each one. These eye-catching creations make perfect wedding centerpieces, beautiful arrangements (that never wilt!) to brighten a home, and cheerful gifts for any occasion. Brimming with fascinating botanical trivia, vivid photography, and essential design techniques, this is a breathtaking resource for flower lovers, crafters, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world.

Discover a fresh approach to flower arranging with this guide to dried botanicals, featuring a thirty-flower catalogue and fifteen projects to inspire. If the thought of dried flower arrangements is conjuring up images of stuffy décor that hasn't seen the light of day in decades—think again. Preserved floral arrangements are cool again, and not only are they beautiful, they’ll also last infinitely longer than fresh flowers. This gorgeous book offers a new approach to flower arranging with dried botanicals, exploring ways to preserve flowers’ beauty forever through drying and pressing, and then presents a catalogue of thirty flowers that are interesting for colour, texture and sculptural appeal in arrangements. Fifteen step-by-step projects then give you creative ideas for displaying dried flowers including: Bouquets Wreaths Wall hangings Wall art Flower crowns and buttonholes for weddings Terrariums Candles and more These exquisite floral creations will give a bohemian and poetic touch to your interior décor and everlasting beauty to your home.

A stunning guide to growing, harvesting, and arranging gorgeous dahlia blooms from celebrated farmer-florist and New York Times bestselling author Erin Benzakein, founder of Floret Flower Farm. World-renowned flower farmer and floral designer Erin Benzakein reveals all the secrets to growing, cultivating, and arranging gorgeous dahlias. These coveted floral treasures come in a dazzling range of colors, sizes, and forms, with enough variety for virtually every garden space and personal preference, making them one of the most beloved flowers for arrangements. In these pages, readers will discover: • Expert advice for planting, harvesting, and arranging garden-fresh dahlias • A simple-to-follow overview of the dahlia classification system • An A–Z guide with photos and descriptions of more than 350 varieties • Step-by-step how-to's for designing show-stopping dahlia bouquets that elevate any occasion Expert Author: Erin Benzakein's gorgeous flowers are celebrated throughout the world. Her book Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers was a New York Times bestseller and her first book, Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden, won the American Horticultural Society Book Award. Filled with Wisdom: Overflowing with hundreds of lush photographs and invaluable advice, DISCOVERING DAHLIAS is an essential resource for gardeners and a must-have for anyone who loves flowers, including flower lovers, avid and novice gardeners, floral designers, florists, small farmers, stylists, and designers.

This poignant debut novel in verse is a portrait of healing, as a young girl rediscovers life and the soothing power of nature after being freed from her abusive father. For most of her life, Lacey has been a prisoner without even realizing it. Her dad rarely let her, her little sister, or her mama out of his sight. But their situation changes suddenly and dramatically the day her grandparents arrive to help them leave. It’s the beginning of a different kind of life for Lacey, and at first she has a hard time letting go of her dad’s rules. Gradually though, his hold on her lessens, and her days become filled with choices she’s never had before. Now Lacey can take pleasure in sketching the world as she sees it in her nature journal. And as she spends more time outside making things grow and creating good memories with family and friends, she feels her world opening up and blossoming into something new and exciting.

Explains how to grow, cut, preserve, and store flowers while illustrating the creation of over fifty dried arrangements using flowers, fruits, grasses, seasonal ornaments, and found objects.