Dried Plants and Flowers for Long-Lasting Autumn Decorations in Art:

Herbarium, tips and creative ideas

Autumn brings warm colors and inspiration for crafting with natural materials. One of the most beautiful and long-lasting ways to preserve the beauty of plants is by pressing them and creating unique decorations. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of herbarium creation, the materials you can use, and various DIY projects for making artworks and other creative applications using dried plants and flowers.

History of Herbarium: How did it all begin?

Herbarium making dates back to the Renaissance period, when botanical studies were rapidly advancing. The initial idea of preserving plants through pressing arose from the need of scientists and botanists to document and preserve different plant species for scientific purposes. Italian botanist Luca Ghini, a professor at the University of Bologna in the 16th century, was among the first to systematically create herbariums for educational purposes. Herbariums were crucial for studying plant diversity, especially during the era of great geographical discoveries, when explorers brought back new plant species from various parts of the world.

1How to Press Flowers and Plants?

Herbarium is the process of preserving plants by drying them, so they maintain their shape and color for a long time. Here's how to do it step by step:

• Choosing plants and flowers: Select healthy and fresh plants with beautiful shapes and colors. Field flowers, leaves, ferns, herbs, and vibrant autumn leaves work best.
• Pressing: After selecting the plants, place them between two sheets of paper (newspaper, filter paper, or parchment paper) and press them in a heavy book or a special herbarium press. Leave them to press for 1-2 weeks, changing the paper every few days to absorb moisture.
• Sealing: Once the plants are dried, you can use them in different projects. To protect them from breaking or fading, you can seal them with varnish, epoxy resin, or laminate them.

What Materials Can We Use?

For pressing and creating artwork with dried flowers and plants, you'll need a few essential materials:

• Herbarium press or a heavy book
• Paper (newspaper, filter, or parchment paper)
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Picture frames
• Glass jars and bottles for decorations
• Epoxy resin for stronger and more durable projects
• Varnish or spray to protect the plants

Artworks with Dried Flowers and Plants – Herbarium

Herbarium artworks are one of the most popular ways to showcase the beauty of dried plants at home. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be customized to your taste. Here’s how to create them:

• Making a picture: Arrange the dried flowers and plants on a background of cardboard or fabric and fix them with glue. Choose a frame with glass to protect the flowers and highlight their beauty. You can create themed pictures by combining different types of plants, such as autumn leaves, field flowers, or decorative grasses.
• Glass frames: For a more elegant and modern look, use frames with two glass panes, between which you can place the pressed plants. This technique gives the composition a light appearance and allows light to pass through the plants, highlighting their details.

DIY Crafts with Pressed Flowers

Using pressed plants, you can create various decorative items that bring autumn vibes to your home:

• Glass jars and bottles: Fill glass bottles or jars with dried flowers, grasses, and leaves. These miniature arrangements are perfect for shelf decoration or as a centerpiece on the table.
• Epoxy resin: If you want to create durable and long-lasting decorations, you can seal dried plants in epoxy resin. This technique is suitable for making coasters, jewelry, picture frames, or decorative plaques. The resin preserves the plants in a transparent layer, protecting them from moisture and damage.
• Laminating: Laminating is another easy way to preserve pressed flowers and plants. You can place them between two layers of laminating sheets and use them as bookmarks or insert them into frames without glass.

Gift Ideas with Pressed Plants

Dried flowers and plants not only decorate the home but also make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Here are some gift ideas featuring pressed flowers:

• Handmade artwork: Personalized artworks with dried flowers make a beautiful and meaningful gift, reflecting the recipient's individual taste.
• Autumn-themed glass jars: Gift a unique glass jar filled with dried autumn plants and moss. This is an original and long-lasting gift that will bring autumn warmth into any home.
• Framed pressed bouquets: For a more special gift, you can create a pressed bouquet and frame it with glass. This romantic and timeless gesture is perfect for anniversaries, weddings, or special occasions.
• Epoxy resin coasters: Create beautiful and practical coasters with dried leaves and flowers encased in epoxy resin. These are ideal gifts for a housewarming or as an autumn touch to the interior.

Conclusion

Pressing flowers and plants is a wonderful way to preserve nature's beauty and integrate it into your home décor. Whether you're creating artworks, decorative items, or gifts, dried flowers add long-lasting autumn warmth and coziness. With a bit of creativity and the right materials, you can craft unique decorations that not only beautify your space but also preserve the natural elements in their most beautiful form.