Preparing Flowers for Pressing: Techniques for Harvesting and Handling Fresh Blooms
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Pressing flowers is a delightful way to preserve the beauty of blooms and create stunning pressed flower art. However, to achieve the best results, it is crucial to properly prepare the flowers before pressing them. In this article, we will explore various techniques for harvesting and handling fresh blooms to ensure optimal results when pressing flowers.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Not all flowers are suitable for pressing. When selecting flowers, keep the following characteristics in mind:
Flat petals: Choose flowers with relatively flat petals as they press more easily and retain their shape better than flowers with bulky or tubular petals.
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Vibrant colors: Opt for flowers with vibrant colors. While some color fading is inevitable during the pressing process, starting with vibrant flowers will help maintain their visual appeal.
Sturdy blooms: Select flowers that are in their prime and free from any signs of wilting or damage. Sturdy blooms are less likely to lose their shape or disintegrate during the pressing process.
Dry weather: Harvest flowers on a dry day when there is no morning dew or rain. Moisture can cause the flowers to become mushy or develop mold during pressing.
Harvesting Techniques
To ensure the best possible outcome when pressing flowers, follow these techniques for harvesting fresh blooms:
Timing is key: Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. At this time, the flowers are hydrated and have not yet been stressed by the sun's intensity.
Use sharp clean tools: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems cleanly at an angle. Dirty or dull tools can introduce bacteria or crush the stems, affecting the longevity of the flowers.
Cut long stems: Harvest flowers with longer stems to give yourself more flexibility during the pressing and arranging process. Longer stems also make it easier to trim the flowers later if needed.
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Remove excess foliage: Strip the stems of any excess leaves or thorns that will be below the water line when you place the flowers in a vase for a short period before pressing. Excess foliage can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
Water Conditioning
After harvesting, it is essential to condition the flowers properly before pressing. Conditioning helps ensure that the flowers are adequately hydrated and in the best possible condition for pressing. Here's how to condition freshly harvested flowers:
Fill a clean container with lukewarm water.
Trim the stems at an angle under running water to allow for optimal water absorption. This removes any air bubbles that may block water uptake.
Place the flowers in the container immediately after trimming the stems. Avoid overcrowding the container as it can cause damage to the petals or encourage bacterial growth.
Let the flowers sit in the water for a few hours or overnight. This allows them to rehydrate fully and regain their turgidity.
Once they have been conditioned, gently pat the flowers dry using paper towels. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as delicate petals can easily bruise.
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Handling Fresh Blooms
Proper handling of fresh blooms is crucial to maintain their shape and prevent damage. Follow these guidelines when handling flowers for pressing:
Handle with care: Treat the flowers delicately to avoid bruising or tearing the petals. Hold them by the stems or use tweezers or small tongs for extra precision when necessary.
Avoid touching petals: Whenever possible, avoid touching the petals directly with your fingers. Natural oils from our skin can transfer to the petals and cause discoloration or browning during pressing.
Work in a clean environment: Ensure that your work area is clean and free from dirt, dust, and debris. Foreign particles can mar the appearance of the pressed flowers.
Arrange quickly: Once you have conditioned and dried the flowers, arrange them for pressing as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the flowers will begin to wilt or lose their vibrancy.
By following these techniques for harvesting and handling fresh blooms, you can ensure that your pressed flower art will showcase the natural beauty of the flowers. Remember to select the right flowers, harvest them at the optimal time, condition them properly, and handle them with care. With these steps in mind, you are ready to embark on a delightful journey of pressing flowers and creating stunning floral masterpieces that will stand the test of time.
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