Staff Pick
Old-lady craft no more! Jennie Ashmore brings pressing flowers out of the Victorian age and into the present by treating flowers like a painting ingredient. Deconstructing flowers into pieces and then patching them into place, many of her canvasses look like quilts. Both inspirational and instructional, Ashmore presents her take on this age-old art and teaches how we can follow her style to make our own creations. Recommended By Tracey T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A groundbreaking book on the art of pressed flowers and leaf works from a leading flower artist.
The art of pressing flowers is enjoying a renaissance, and Jennie Ashmore teaches new fans how to make the most of this rediscovered craft. She covers everything from the choice of flowers (including roses, poppies, and seaweed), to the various methods of pressing them, to designing with the finished pressed flowers and leaves. See how to achieve symmetry, use color, and combine the flowers with watercolor and gouache, painted backgrounds, and gold and silver paper. There's a range of insider tips on using the ribs of leaves to create pattern and movement, pressing both sides of a leaf, and capturing the seasons in a single, beautiful work. Templates will help you get started, and a plant directory at the back of the book shows you what various plants look like when pressed.
About the Author
Jennie Ashmore studied painting and printmaking at Exeter College of Art and for many years taught art in schools and worked in environmental education, conservation, and gardening. She teaches workshops and sells her art.