Original Real Pressed Flower Art Pressed Botanical Art Herbarium Collection on Handmade Paper top
This is an original real pressed flower art pressed botanical art herbarium collection mounted on pale green, 100% cotton rag handmade paper with deckled edges. Each botanical measures approximately 4.75” x 7.” The flowers in this collection are (top photograph, left to right) Blue and white Hydrangea, Cherry Blossoms, Cyclamen and Salvia.
The blue and white Hydrangea is a mophead bloom from a variety that is likely Endless Summer. I would call the shade of blue Dutch or delft. The bloom itself measures 3.5” x 2” and with stem and leaves is 3.5” x 3.75.” The stem of Cherry Blossoms has light brown bark with shades of red and the elliptical, finely serrated and pointed end leaves grow in sets. The blossoms are beautiful — a pale pink I think of as “ballerina pink.” The unopened buds are a darker pink-purple. The blossom stamens are wheat yellow. This stem is full with 12 open blooms and 4 buds. The cutting measures 3.75” x 4.75.” The Cyclamen is a deep magenta color with faint, light purple color on the edges of the five petals. With the two heart-shaped leaves, the botanical measures 2” x 5.5.” The Salvia is a variety called ‘Victoria Blue' which is my hands-down favorite. It is considered an annual in the mid-Atlantic region and has arching stems topped with a cluster of blue-grey florets, some of which produce a richer blue flower. The leaves of this botanical are beautifully graceful. The pressing is 3” x 5.”
The handmade top paper is a pale, mint shade of green with deckled edges. A minute bit of clear glitter was added to the paper in making. The sparse glitter is a delicate addition that is discernible only on close inspection.
The beauty of the handmade paper is best appreciated when the edges are not covered when displayed. Floating frames would be perfect for this collection. However, it is more important that conservation (UV protective) glass be used in the front pane so, if float frames are desired, you will want to ensure that conservation glass can be substituted for the standard glass used in the front pane of the frame. With real botanicals, it is also important that you display the collection away from strong artificial and natural light as well as moisture.