Pressed Flowers By Preserved Gardens

Pressed Flower Information
Flower Examples
Foliage Examples
Grass Examples
Herb Examples
Natural Materials
Glue and Seal Pressed Flowers
About Matting
Framing Pressed Flower Pictures
Saving Funeral Flowers
Shipping Fresh Flowers
Book Reviews

Flower Preparation
Conditioning Fresh Flowers
Pressing Simple Flowers
Press Full Open Roses
Fruit and Vegetable Preparation
Dying Flowers and Foliage
Preserve Foliage with Glycerin

Projects
Pressed Flower Magnets
Pressed Flower Book Box
Pressed Flower Luminaries
Marbleized Papers
Sticker Glue
Examples of my Work

Tips for Framing Pressed Flower Pictures

To keep your flowers looking good, it's important to seal them well to protect from environmental elements such as humidity, oxidants, and excess UV exposure.

Display away from direct sunlight unless the flowers have been dyed or otherwise color enhance to counteract fading.

Although I use a variety of methods, here is the simplest way to achieve a dependable seal. If I can find time I will add more techniques and information.

• First prepare the pressed flower picture with mat and glass for the frame. Layer the glass, the mat, and then the pressed flower picture. Tack a small amount of silica gel or other desiccant behind the picture. An oxygen absorber is advised at this point as well if available.

• Position your foam core or whatever you're using as backing over the glass and matted picture.

• Apply a light coating of spray adhesive on the backing and attach a sheet of Drafting Mylar to the back...  (it's a heavy white material that's sold in drafting supply stores, much thicker than the silvery Mylar that's used for bags and balloons.) You can use aluminum foil instead of the Mylar but you have to be very careful to avoid any tears or holes.

• Use aluminum tape to attach the prepared pressed flower picture to the glass, taking care so that the tape on the glass will be hidden by the frame. This gives you an airtight seal to protect your pressed flowers. (You can get aluminum tape at a building supply store in the heating department, it's used to seal duct work.)

• Place the sealed pressed flower picture in the frame and cover the back with Kraft paper to give it a finished look. I use a heavy brown Kraft type paper that I get at Lowe's... it's less expensive than regular Kraft paper and it's heavier.

• Now you have a beautiful piece of pressed floral art ready to display proudly. Choose a non-humid location where it will be out of direct sunlight, as sunlight will cause fading to pressed flowers.

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Care of Framed Pressed Flower Designs

To minimize fading of pressed flowers follow these simple precautions:

• Avoid displaying pressed flowers in direct sunlight.
• Keep pressed flower pictures out of rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Try to make an air tight seal when framing. Air causes oxidation and premature fading of pressed flowers.
• Use desiccant and anti-oxidant when framing.
• Vacuum sealing is desirable but not absolutely necessary and you would need either special equipment or the help of a professional.

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Tips for Using Mats to Compliment Your Art