As the summer heat intensifies, crafters are seeking projects that can be completed indoors, away from the oven and soldering iron. One such project is the pressed flower suncatcher, which involves sealing garden blooms between contact paper in an embroidery hoop, creating a beautiful and glowing piece of art for the wall.
This DIY project requires minimal equipment, including pressed flowers, clear contact paper, and a wooden embroidery hoop from craft stores like Michaels or Walmart. The best flowers to use are those that are flat and low-moisture, such as pansies, violas, larkspur, and cosmos.
The process of pressing flowers is essential to the success of the project. Book-pressing is a traditional method that involves laying flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and weighing them down with heavy books. This method takes around one to two weeks and produces the best color retention. Alternatively, a microwave press can be used to speed up the process, taking only a few minutes to dry the flowers.
Once the flowers are pressed, the assembly of the suncatcher can begin. This involves cutting a square of contact paper, arranging the flowers on it, and sealing them with another layer of contact paper. The embroidery hoop is then used to frame the flowers, and the excess contact paper is trimmed away.
Displaying Your Suncatcher
To ensure that the suncatcher looks its best, it’s essential to hang it in a spot that receives gentle, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the colors of the pressed flowers to fade quickly. According to the Mississippi State University Extension, finished pressed floral designs should be kept out of direct sunlight to preserve their color.
The choice of flowers and their arrangement can greatly impact the final appearance of the suncatcher. Thin-petaled flowers like pansies and violas work well, as they allow light to pass through and create a beautiful glow. Larkspur and delphinium florets can add a pop of color, while ferns can provide a delicate, lacy texture. The arrangement of the flowers should be balanced, with a mix of bold and pale colors, and some negative space to allow the light to shine through.
When it comes to photographing the finished suncatcher, it’s best to shoot in the morning, with the light behind it. This will help to bring out the colors of the flowers and create a beautiful, glowing effect. With a little patience and practice, anyone can create a stunning pressed flower suncatcher to enjoy in their home.
Part of Larger Design Trend
The University of Illinois Extension notes that the popularity of dried and pressed flowers has turned an old hobby into a renewed interior-design and art trend. This project is a great way to get involved in this trend and create something beautiful and unique for your home. By following these simple steps and using the right materials, you can create a stunning pressed flower suncatcher that will add a touch of elegance and beauty to any room.
As crafters work on their suncatcher, they should keep in mind that preparing the flowers is key to success. Pressing is a step that cannot be skipped, as it allows the flowers to dry completely and retain their color. With the right techniques and materials, crafters can create a beautiful piece of art that will last for years to come, and the microwave press method can help them achieve this in just a few minutes.
For those looking to add some extra depth to their suncatcher, consider adding one or two green fern fronds behind the flowers. The veins of the ferns will glow beautifully when backlit, adding an extra layer of visual interest to the piece. Additionally, making two suncatchers at once can be a good idea, as the process of making the first suncatcher helps to work out any kinks or wrinkles in the contact paper, making the second one easier to assemble.
