Busy

The last week or so has been busy, but a good kind of busy. I’m gearing up for a (hopefully) action packed spring and summer season, filled with selling at Farmer’s Markets, an art show or two, and a few handmade papermaking and pressed flower demonstrations. At the moment I’m also pressing the season’s first pansies, and what a blessing that is. They are just a deep and glorious purple – their color seems richer than ever before. I will make up some new cards and post them on my website in the next day or two.

While I was running errands at a nearby town this morning, I was listening to “Revive our Hearts”, as I often do. Joni Eareckson Tada was the guest today, and what a stunning testimony of faith, unselfishness, and gratitude. I just can’t imagine being paralyzed from the neck down, and finding joy and purpose like she has. She will be the featured guest all week. Check it out when you get a chance.

Pressing African Daisies in the Microfleur

Note: Every so often I get specific questions from readers. I've decided to start sharing a few of them with you. If you have any questions regarding flower pressing techniques, flower garderning questions, or starting up your own handmade card business, please feel free to ask. I'd love to help!

Hi Elizabeth,

Have you tried pressing African daisies with the Microfleur? If you have, could you tell me how you do it? I either burn them or undercook them. Thanks!
Andria from California

Hi Andria,

Yes, I press osteospermum which are part of the same family, and they can be a bit tricky. But, the results are well worth it!

First of all, for best results, try to pick young flowers, as soon as they’ve fully opened, after the morning dew has dried.

To avoid scorching them, I press them in the Microfleur for two or three 30 second intervals with a minute or two between each interval. Then, leaving the flowers inside the cotton liners, I place them on the counter and allow them to fully cool, and then press them again for one or two more 30 second intervals after they’ve rested. If I’m pressing many of them, I might let them sit out overnight, and complete their pressing the next morning.

Keep in mind every microwave is different, but the main point is to let them cool in between microwave intervals. I hope this helps, Andria!

Elizabeth

Brand New Header!

I have a sparkling new blog header thanks to Jules over at Everyday Design. Although it took her awhile to get it done (she’s a busy mom), I found her a joy to work with, and she did a wonderful job capturing the look I was hoping for. I really love the purple flower.

Thanks, Jules!