Today’s inspiration is from my yard, blooming Agapanthus.
Here they are in my yard two weeks ago. The height of their blooming period is July 4th, which is nice, but I wish they’d last forever.
It was once popular to preserve flowers by pressing them. Since the Big Shot is a pressing tool, I wanted to put it to work. I’ve tried this with Bird of Paradise, and a few others, so I was ready to see what would happen with my beautiful agapanthus.
I tried it first with just the stems. Neat, huh?
Next, the flower.
I peeled off the part that was loose, leaving some portion with real flower, and some with imprint.
I came up with the idea for the Stitched Shapes circle dies, because of the challenge at TGIF. I thought it was a great lay-out for my botanical press agapanthus.
I added a panel of Crumb Cake cardstock, which I embossed with the Subtle Texture embossing folder. And, I added a thin strip of Old Olive cardstock along the left side of the panel.
The sentiment, “With love and sympathy,” is from the Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set. It is resting on Burlap Ribbon, fastened with Tear & Tape.
Now, off to see what needs pressing, hopefully, not clothes! Other than the flowers, my supply list is below, and clicking on the pictures takes you to my store. Please keep in mind, I’d love to be your demonstrator!
Product List
Su
Beautiful card. My Agapanthus is just beginning to flower. Looking forward to giving your idea a try. Did you have to use any glue to keep the flower in place?
Hi Maria,
I made this card nearly 1 1/2 years ago, and I saved it, because it was unusual. I didn’t use glue, and it’s still sticking. Other than some fading, it looks the same as the photos. Good luck!
Su I loved your card. It is perfect timing for Brisbane (Aust.) my Agapanthus is just coming into flower. Did you have any problem keeping the flower on the card? Did you use any glue?
What a great idea! and what a gorgeous result – thanks so much for your inspirational idea!
This post just floods back wonderful memories! I don’t know why now because I have a beautiful piece of wall art hanging in my living room! It’s at least twenty years old. A friend and I took our families on a picnic in the country, and then the guys took a hike and Lori and I picked wild flowers. We had to use the wax paper and book method. I made stationery and not cards with them for gifts. Your cards are beautiful and inspirational!
Pressed flowers! What a great idea, Su!!! I love the texture that you incorporated using the Subtle embossing folder, which enhances the texture of your pressed flower and stems. The texture is carried through with the burlap ribbon. That ribbon is the perfect backdrop for the sentiment on the label. I love your artistry! I’m inspired by your creativity, and I so enjoy your visual feasts. Thanks for sharing!
I love the pressed flower idea. However when trying the fresh freesia flower the color was not
as in depth as yours. Was this the natural color or did you add some color to it. In one picture it
looks as though you may have kept some of the real stem – did you? Mime seem too watered
down in color…any suggestions
Hi Donna,
I didn’t add color, but I did leave some of the petals and stems. I can see how different flowers would make a difference in color. It would be interesting to try adding some ink. I just suggest continuing to experiment. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Just beautiful – so inspiring … wonderful twist using the big shot in place of heavy books!!!!!
Unfortunately my agapanthus are not as plentiful as yours and only just coming into flower here in the UK but I may be tempted to use one of my two ? flower heads to try this lovely idea ….
Thank you so much for all you share ?
It makes me happy, knowing I inspired you. Thanks for telling me, Chris. Best wishes across the ocean!
Ooooh sooo BEAUITFUL, ♥️
And a great idea Su ,
Tfs hugs Frenchie
Thank you, Frenchiee! Now I see your name has double ee. I appreciate all of your nice comments!
Absolutely beautiful! Why have I not thought about this before? I pressed flowers many years ago. Thanks for inspiring us.
Thank you Cheryl! So glad I inspired you to start pressing flowers again!
Gorgeous! Had forgotten all about this technique. Hope I remember when my bulb flowers bloom next spring or when my zygote blooms this winter.
Amazing!! I love this idea!
Goodness!!! This is absolutely GORGEOUS and totally CREATIVE!! My mind just went to my potted flowers and the beautiful possibilities of trying your idea with them.
Thank you for sharing your GORGEOUS card at Mary Fish’s blot, that’s where I came from, love it!!!
XO
Maria Rodriguez.
Ooops!! I meant to write “Mary Fish’s blog, not blot” I apologize.
XO
Maria.
Wowza! This blew my mind! Absolutely gorgeous and the pressed flowers were such a unique idea! Thanks for playing with us at TGIF Challenges.
Thank you, Kristy! I appreciate your kind words, and love that you visited my blog!
Oh my gosh, I love this idea and how your card turned out!!! Its AMAZING!!! I’m going to have to try this idea. I love your creativity Su. Thanks for joining TGIF Challenges this week.
Thank you, Tami! I’m so glad you like it! I really enjoy participating in challenges!
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me! What a cool idea, think I’ll try it with a few blooms too!
Thank you, Kathy! Let me know how your blooms turn out!