Mixed Media Art With Pressed Flowers

Mixed Media Art With Pressed Flowers. Today I’m sharing with you three examples of how to combine watercolor paintings and pressed flowers. I’m loving how the addition of pressed flowers brings life and dimension to my simple watercolor artwork.

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It’s time for our Handcrafted Society monthly get together, hosted by Wendy of WM Design House. If you’re wondering what the Handcrafted Society is all about. Quite simply, it’s a group of bloggers who share a love for detail and craftsmanship. We challenge ourselves each month to take an assigned medium or theme to create whatever our heart desires.

This month we have ten bloggers sharing dried or pressed flower projects. Be sure to check out all the links, and photos at the end of my post for everyone participating this month. There’s something for everyone at every skill level.

Mixed Media Art With Pressed Flowers

For these projects you’ll need to create simple artwork or download images, so that you can apply pressed flowers. There are lots of methods for creating pressed flowers using the microwave, ironing, in books or a simple flower press. I like using a flower press, and sometimes old books.

You can experiment with different methods to see what works best for your needs. You can also order pressed flowers in a variety of colors and sizes online.

For my projects, I’m using a combination of pressed flowers from my back yard, and some that I ordered. For more information on collecting, pressing and storing flowers click on my post, How To Create Art With Pressed Flowers.

Supplies

• flower press or heavy books
• artwork to use as the base of your collage
• small delicate pressed flowers and greenery
• tweezers
• scissors
• white craft glue
• cotton swabs
• frame with a mat

Frida Kahlo Mixed Media

The inspiration for this month’s project comes from Frida Kahlo. For years I’ve been fascinated by her legendary flower crowns, colorful style and her love of nature. If you wish to learn more about the life and art of Frida click here for the book I have.

In my watercolor interpretation, I’m trying to capture Frida’s soft rosy cheeks, her red lips, and of course her iconic eyebrows. She is known for wearing fresh flowers from her garden in her hair, interesting necklaces and earrings. So to create those features, I’m using pressed flowers as my other media.

For the flower crown I’m starting with pink geraniums and layering smaller flowers on top. I arrange the flowers directly on the watercolor deciding on what looks best. Then I go back and carefully glue everything into place.

Remember that you can remove delicate stems or petals as needed with scissors when creating your collage. There are no set rules here, so let your creativity wander.

Pressed geranium buds make up the necklace, but my favorites are the yellow flower dangly earrings. I think Frida would approve don’t you?

When I presented my masterpiece to the Mister he asked, “why are her eyes closed”. I told him, this is my first portrait, and I don’t know how to paint eyes yet. We had a good laugh over that one!

I’m sharing that tidbit to remind you not to worry about what skill level you’re at, just have fun creating your art.

Geranium Mixed Media

Just as with the Frida portrait I’m using watercolors to paint a geranium in a planter. Tiny gypsophila or baby’s breath in dark red fill in for the bloom clusters.

 

Again I arrange the flowers directly on the watercolor, then go back to glue each flower into place. By the way, I like to use a cotton swab with the end broken off. That way I can add just a dot of glue exactly where I need it.

Flower Arrangement Mixed Media

The last example of mixed media art is a bright flower arrangement I painted last year. It’s a combination of watercolors and acrylics with a more eclectic modern vibe. I was’t completely happy with how it turned out. So I thought this would be a good piece to experiment on, and I was right.

Colorful pressed flowers totally change the look, and now I love it. This type of collage is so easy to make, and I’m thinking I can do the same thing with scenes on post cards.

Framing Your Artwork

When framing your artwork look for frames that have a thick mat, to allow some space between the glass and your flowers. A shallow shadow box will work too. You may notice I love using frames with oversized mats. It’s an excellent way to give more impact to small art.

Make sure you do not display your pressed flower artwork in direct sunlight. It will fade quickly if you do. If you have your art professionally framed you can request UV filtered glass which should help.

 

These three pieces are now on display on my gallery wall in my studio away from the windows. They will add a fun punch of color, and hopefully inspire me to linger longer in here to create more.

 

Shop Supplies With These Links

• small flower press
• blotting paper for flower press
• bulk dried flowers for crafts
• craft glue
• plastic divided organizer for dried flowers

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with my favorite seasonal inspiration!

Thank you so much for visiting today for my mixed media art with pressed flowers projects. Keep scrolling to see what my Handcrafted Society friends are sharing today. All you have to do is click on the image or blog name to view their full post.

Cheers!

Handcrafted Society Continues…

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