I wish I could tell you that I have an art degree at some prestigious university or that I worked for someone well known and they taught me everything I know, but honestly I have just taught myself. I have read books and articles, and watched videos about drying, pressing, and all that goes into the process of floral preservation, but mostly learned through trial and error.

 

As much as I love to work with a bouquet full of flowers that I know I can press beautifully, I do enjoy the challenge of a bouquet with unique pieces to it that I haven't ever worked with before. I love opening a press and seeing how each new type of flower changes when it dries. I take flowers apart often to dry them in pieces, and I have a new appreciation for the colors that are hidden in the middle. I really take pride in paying attention to the details which can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes my perfectionism can get in the way of things when dealing with tiny little petals, but I think the time that I spend on each flower or bouquet to make sure it looks just right really shows and makes a difference in the end.

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When I'm not pressing flowers, I spend my time either at my full-time job at an assisted living facility or at home with my husband and 2 dogs. But no matter where I am, you can bet that I probably have a project of some sort in the works and a flower tucked into a book nearby.

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