Saturday, February 20, 2016

269 - Gilded Lotus Flowers

The lotus flower has special meaning in many religions. Perhaps one of the strongest associations is observed in Hinduism where  the lotus flower is associated with beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality and eternity. 

For my original pressed flower art I used real lotus petals and root cuttings, gerbera daisy stems and ginkgo leaves.  The background was created using gold leafing / gilding.  For maximum color retention, this original pressed flower piece was vacuum sealed between a  layer of mylar and acrylic. Then the mat was topped with a layer of 99% UV glass.




Thursday, February 18, 2016

265 - In The Garden Series

This original pressed flower picture showcases a bird in a garden.  The bird was made from the crotalaria plant, also known as rattlebox.  Both this and the red natal bottle brush flower (upper corner) were harvested from South Africa.  Other botanicals include queen anne’s lace, maidenhair fern, astilbe, salvia, speedwell, hydrangea, bridal wreath, alyssum, sweet clover and cardinal flower.  The background is hand-made paper.  The finished picture was sealed between a layer of mylar and 99% UV conservation glass for added protection. 


Saturday, February 13, 2016

267 – Butterfly Trio

Cultural myth and lore honor the butterfly as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive process of metamorphosis. From egg, to caterpillar, to the cocoon, the butterfly emerges in its glory over a period of only one month. 

My original pressed flower picture features three butterflies flying high in the sky.  Perhaps they are hovering above your garden looking for the perfect flower to visit.  Botanicals include multiple colored larkspur, cosmos, delphinium and a leaf.  The background is dyed tenguchi paper over pastel-colored felt. For maximum color protection, it was vacuum sealed between a  layer of mylar and acrylic with a second layer of 99% UV conservation glass over the matting.

#266 - Counting Sheep

According  to the Chinese zodiac 2015 was the “Year of the Sheep”.  People born during this period are believed to be gentle, compassionate and kind-hearted.  My sheep were created from carnation, cornflower, rose petals and banana peel.  Other botanicals include corn husk,butterfly weed, artemisia and miscellaneous ferns and leaves. The background was colored with pastels.  This original pressed flower art was vacuum sealed between a layer of mylar and glass. A second layer of 99% UV conservation glass covers the matting and provides enhanced color protection.  


261 - Elegant Floral Display

This piece features a typical Chinese background consisting of botanicals layered between a sheet of translucent paper and sheer fabric over a pastel colored base.  I believe this technique would be especially beautiful for a wedding bouquet.

My picture features roses, larkspur, delphinium, bridal wreath, scabiosa, alyssum along with miscellaneous fern and leaves.  The flowing tendrils were primarily from wild onion and silver mound artemisia.  It was vacuum sealed between a layer of mylar and glass and topped with 99% UV conservation glass for added protection.