Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Biggest Mistake Made With Pressed Flower Art

By Katrina Wheeler


The biggest mistake people make when attempting to create pressed flower art, crafts or paintings is using the wrong type of paper. The paper is the most important part of the entire piece and can make or break the project. Flower craft projects look professional and unique when the creator understands the importance of using the right paper.

Using petals, leaves and blossoms has become a huge trend in the art world. Flower art work can benefit from the use of watercolor paper. When touched, watercolor paper feels rough. The roughness is important when bonding flowers to paper. Medium grade and cold-pressed watercolor paper are the most fitting type for projects involving flowers. The canvas can be painted or tinted with charcoal in advance.

Handmade paper is a great choice when working with flattened flowers. A unique textured paper can be custom made to fit the needs of the artist. Handmade paper has a special formulation and makes is an excellent choice for the top layer. Other paper can be used in combination with a handmade paper. Paper made by hand is easily customizable and can be any color and texture.

At craft and art supply stores it is easy to find a type of paper called Ingres paper. Painters have been utilizing Ingress, a unique type of woven paper, for centuries. Artists also benefit from the use of this type of paper. The bond between organic matter, such as petals, and Ingres paper is firm and smooth. The result is a great looking and long lasting piece of art.

Japanese paper works great for plants, including flowers, leaves or weeds. The ideal texture of the paper should be one with a slightly rough surface. Wood pulp is the main ingredient in the paper, making plants bond to the paper permanently. When the artist wants a larger selection of paper, Japanese paper is a good choice. Giving artists a lot to work with in regards to the finished project.

Flowers are very delicate once the moisture has been drained from them. This is why using regular paper can result in a less than admirable craft. If the only paper available is regular paper, then some attempt should be made to give the paper a design and texture. One such way to add character to paper is to use marbling techniques.

Some fabrics can be used for projects. The most impressive fabrics for this purpose are silk and velvet. Silk and velvet cost more and are more difficult to handle, but the end project is almost always eye catching and impressive. Botanical glue secures the organic matter to silk and velvet. It is important to remember silk and velvet pieces are not as long lasting.

Cheaper fabrics can be used for art projects. The best are cotton and linen. Cotton and linen last longer than silk and velvet, but are still seen as unique and interesting. Success is inevitable when enough thought is put into deciding upon the most fitting kind of paper. Each pressed flower art project is different, and each may require a different paper to get the stunning result that is desired.




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