Why Pressing a Lily Flower is the New Rock ‘n’ Roll
Pressing flowers may sound like a dusty old craft shared only among your grandma’s friends who think “Netflix and chill” is an actual evening of embroidery. But, here’s a little secret: it’s actually a fabulous and creative way to preserve the beauty of blooms – particularly the oh-so-elegant lily. If you’re tired of those wilting petals ruining your mood, then strap on your craft apron and let’s dive into the wacky world of flower pressing that’s officially having its moment in the spotlight!
Why Press Lilies? Isn’t That Just Weird?
First things first, let’s talk about why pressing these beauties is advantageous. Lilies are not only stunning additions to your garden, but they can also become delightful pieces of art that last much longer than their real-life counterparts. Imagine meeting someone and saying, “Oh, that lilac in my frame? I pressed it myself!” instead of, “Yes, I received another bouquet in the mail…again.” You’ll be the envy of all your friends, I promise. You may even spark a hot competition of who pressed the prettiest flowers during dinner parties!
Getting Started: The Pressing Process
Let’s press on (pun intended) and figure out how to transform those lovely lilies into amazing keepsakes. Trust me, it’s as easy as IKEA furniture assembly—minus the frustration of missing screws (hopefully).
Gather Your Supplies
To successfully press a lily flower, you don’t need to summon your inner botanist or conjure up a mystical spell. Most of the items are probably lying around your house (just like that gym membership you keep forgetting about). Here’s the list:
- Fresh Lilies: Ideally harvested in the morning when they’re fresh and a bit dewy from the night.
- Pressing Material: This could be anything from a *gasp* flower press to heavy books you don’t mind turning into flower mortuaries.
- Absorbent Paper: Use parchment paper or paper towels to soak up moisture.
- Heavy Weight: If you’re going the book route, I suggest using something heroic, like that dusty “War and Peace” you promised to read.
The Actual Pressing!
Here’s where we transform those aromatic beauties into flat little works of art.
- Prep Your Lilies: Gently remove any unwanted leaves from the stem and pick the most stunning blooms. Think of this as selecting the crème de la crème.
- Compose the Arrangement: Place the petals flat between two absorbent papers. Try to remember your high school art class—keep it laid out in a pretty way, because nobody wants a pressed lily that looks like it had a bad hair day.
- Weight It Down: Place your cutting board, heavy textbooks, or a stack of plates on top. This is where those muscle gains from your gym membership can finally pay off!
- Patience is a Virtue: Leave your lilies pressed for about 2-3 weeks. During this time, you might want to daily remind yourself how pretty they’ll be and that you’re not just waiting endlessly for a pizza delivery.
What to Do with Your Pressed Flowers?
Okay, you made it! You waited long enough and now those lilies are crisp and stunning. What’s next? A flower press isn’t just a plant graveyard—it can be a canvas of creativity!
Frame Them
One of the simplest and most elegant ways is to frame them. Think about that beautiful metal frame collecting dust; it’s time for a makeover. Pressed flowers are versatile enough to hang or be stuck on your wall.
Create Cards or Tags
Feeling generous? Use your pressed lilies to decorate handmade cards for birthdays, thank you notes, or even an apology card for when you steal your neighbor’s lawn mower for just a “quick trim.” Everyone loves a personal touch!
Make Unique Bookmarks
Pressing flowers is a smart way to spoil your reading friends! Stick a pressed lily between two pieces of stiff cardstock, and voilà! Instant classy bookmarks come to life—your friends will be begging to borrow them.
Common Questions and Answers
Do all lilies press well?
Not all lilies are created equal! Tightly closed blooms might not give you the beauty you’re looking for, so aim for those that are just starting to bloom.
How should I store pressed flowers?
Keep those pressed masterpieces away from sunlight and moisture. Pack them gently between sheets of parchment paper and trust me, your flowers will feel like they’re in a cozy blanket!
Can I use other flowers?
Absolutely! Just make sure they aren’t “hard-headed” flowers like thistles, or you’ll end up with more than just a pressed flower—you might press your patience too!
What if I forget and the leaves crumble?
Welcome to the club! If that happens, try making a blended flower smoothie and call it abstract art!
Is there a right time of the year for this?
The best blooms often come in spring and early summer. That’s when flowers are in their peak beauty—a time when you might also want to plan your annual “Came Back from the Dead” barbecue.
Close Up with Nature!
Now that you’re armed with knowledge and a sense of dried flower grandeur, it’s time to venture forth into your garden! Pressing a lily flower is not only a fun venture into craftiness but a way to appreciate nature long after mother nature has made her exit. So don’t delay: go grab those floral gems and turn them into your charming escape from reality. And maybe the best part? You can dabble in a bit of botanical witchcraft without needing a crooked hat or broomstick!
