The first...

I came across an old computer CD containing this scan of my very first pressed flower art consignment. I made this for the friend who patiently helped me launch my first website - as a wedding gift for a friend of his.

I was terrified to do it - I didn't think I could make anything worthy of being a wedding gift...but the amazing thing about working with pressed flowers is that they are already beautiful, courtesy of the One who made them; I only have to place them in a new setting.

I really like this piece, but I wish I had known then what I have learned since then - in regards to adding pigment to the leaves (anything green - leaves, stems, etc. always fade) and in regards to sealing the flowers appropriately to provide a moisture proof UV resistant barrier. My framing standards have also improved immensely since then - I am really embarrassed to admit that I probably framed and matted it with a frame from Kohl's...now I only use custom made frames and archival matting.

Looking back, I am encouraged by how far I've come in my knowledge and skills...and really curious about what I'll know years from now! Copyright pressed-flowers dot blogspot dot com.