After experimenting on how to make a pressed herb collage, I think I’ve got it. I’m not going to call the process of making pressed herbs a trial and error necessarily. Both ways that I used will work, so I’ll just leave it up to you to decide which one you like best.
How To Make A Pressed Herb Collage
Every spring when my husband and I head to the local nursery, I think how wonderful it would be to keep a log or journal of plants. I imagine we could record all the flowers that work best in our yard year after year. Then we get home, get everything planted and I forget all about recording what we bought.
This year since we have a few herbs that survived the winter, I thought of making collages with them. Then make another collage of the new herbs we just bought. In a way, it’s like a journal but one that I can enjoy on display instead.
Supplies
- herbs
- scissors or clippers
- old books
- acid free stock paper or mix media art paper
- washi tape
- pen or pencil
- tweezers
- frame
Old Fashion Pressed Herb Collage
In our container garden, we have thyme, rosemary and flat leaf parsley, so I decided to start with those. The second collage is a combination of two lavender varieties.
The herbs in both collages were dried using the old fashion method but instead of using a flower press, I placed them between the pages of an old book. Drying time takes about a week and a half to two weeks.
Only the rosemary looks a bit drab, but I kept it for its unwavering character. The rest of the herbs look great. After arranging the herbs on mixed media art paper, I used colored washi tape to secure the stems in place. I love the random fun colors of the tape, because it adds a lively contrast to the dark green herbs.
With the herbs in place I wrote the common and scientific names of the herbs and numbered the specimens. The numbers actually don’t mean anything but I thought it gave it a vintage feel. If needed, use a ruler or straight edge for lettering.
Microwave Pressed Herbs
I decided to try the microwave method on the new batch of herbs and flowers I just bought.
There are several ways to microwave flowers and herbs, but I’ve only experimented with the book method. I placed the herbs between the pages of two old books. Then I put the books in the microwave one stacked on top of the other. I set the microwave for 30 seconds, check it, and then for another 30 seconds.
I removed the herbs from the book and carefully placed them on heavy paper to cool and finish drying. The herbs will be very delicate and may need to be handled with tweezers.
When I try this again I think I’ll place the herbs on heavy paper inside the book and see how it works.
The microwave will certainly pull out the moisture and it’s a little better at preserving that vibrant color of the herbs and flowers. You can imagine after seeing how well the flowers work that I can’t wait to experiment more!
I’m just starting on the dill, basil and cilantro collage and will share more as I get them into frames.
Framing A Pressed Herb Collage
For framing I like the floating glass with a chain for hanging to display the collage. It’s so easy to place inside and secure with a piece of double-sided tape.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest. The boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
Are you intrigued by this art work and thinking how you will make your own? Let me know your thoughts or suggestions. I love hearing from you!
Cheers!
©2019 How To Make A Pressed Herb Collage post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
Janet Coon says
So fresh looking and beautiful with the washi tape Michelle. I may give this a go!
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Janet, the tape adds a fun spin! 🙂
Patti @ Hearth and Vine says
I love it. This is right up my alley.
Michelle Meyer says
Thanks Patti. The collages were so easy to make, hope you will give it a go!
Julie Briones says
These are lovely, Michelle! I love the frames, too! So fun to see how vibrant the colors are with the microwave method of drying florals!
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Julie, I think I’m going to have a lot of fun creating floral collages too.
Mary says
I really love this idea Michele. It absolutely has a vintage feel to it. I think I may try this too, if I can find some wall space to hang it up in.
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Mary. Hope you will have fun making collages. They would make a great gift too!
Karren~#omhgww Linkup says
What a fun project, your collages turned out very nice. I wonder how this would be in a frame pressed between glass, lovely hanging in a window. Maybe in smaller frames?
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Karren! It would great between glass. I have seen a few in high end boutiques which were out of my price range.
Meegan says
What a beautiful way to decorate with natural botanical ideas! Very nice tutorial.
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Meegan, this is a new art form for me and I’m hooked!
mireilleftm says
I love this! It has been a couple years since the boys and I pressed flowers and I had never heard of the microwave method. I especially like how you displayed them. Might be fun project for us this summer!
Michelle Meyer says
This would be a great project to get the kids involved in. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
postcards from the ridge says
This is such a clever idea and they’re so pretty! I love botanicals and anything natural.
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Angie! I can’t wait to try more botanical combinations this spring and summer.
Rosemary Palmer says
Oh I remember doing pressed flowers many years ago but have never thought of herbs. Of course, you would know Rosemary is my favorite and may have to try this.
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you so much Rosemary! You’ll have fun making these too!
Katrin says
What a fun idea to add little strips of washi tape to them, love it!!
Michelle Meyer says
Thanks Katrin, the color makes the collage pop!
Liberty B says
These are very pretty. Thank you for sharing at Best of the Weekend!
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Liberty!
Marie says
These are so pretty! I love the pop of bright colors with the washi tape and the vintage feel of the labels. I’ve never heard of the microwave method for drying herbs and flowers. Definitely giving this a try! Pinned 🙂
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you so much Marie. The possibilities are endless!
Amber Ferguson says
I am a crazy herb lady and I have all of these growing profusely this year! I have been wanting to make something like this for so long, and now I am totally inspired. I am going to harvest some herbs and press them in an old book today so I can hopefully make my “herb art” before my fall tours.
This is so fabulous Michelle, thanks for sharing!
Michelle Meyer says
Hi Amber, aka crazy herb lady. I know you will love making collages and this is the perfect time of year to get started. Hugs!