In this blog I will present commented discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of various art resins; discuss how to prepare flowers for use with resin and which flowers have worked best/not worked for me. I will be presenting interviews and discussions with other pressed flower and resin artists. I will have a "tip of the day" section.

I'm hoping that lots of you contribute; comments, arguments and disagreements are always welcome. Resin is such a complex medium that we all have something to learn. Besides, tweaks and even new resin products are coming out all the time.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Watch This Pressed Flower Artist! Introducing Anita

I'd like to introduce Anita from Purple Petals Studio, Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/people/PurplePetalStudio  and her other shop,  purplepetalstudio.com/


How did you get started with pressed flower art?
My sister-in-law had a pressed Queen Anne Lace framed in an arrangement in her living room. I loved it and decided that I could make one of my own, instead of buying it.
That opened a whole new world. I planted flower beds, where previously I hated gardening. I ended up pressing anything and everything and making pictures that I gave away as gifts. My friends and relatives encouraged me to sell them, so I did art & craft shows and eventually preserved wedding bouquets and memory pictures.
My first framed flowers were very simple and have now "blossomed" into intricate pieces of art. I still try to press any type of flower and some turn out and some don't, but the challenge is always moving me forward.

What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is convincing my customers that the flowers won't fade. I pick and press them in a certain way that keeps the color strong and I frame and seal them so they won't fade. Of course, if they are in the sun, they will fade just like your furniture would fade. If the pictures are taken care of properly, they will last for years. I have one customer that has had one for 20 plus years and she says that the colors are still beautiful.

What advice do you have for beginners?
For someone just starting to press, the best advice that I could give is to have patience. If you don't, you could end up with moldy flowers or poor coloring of the flowers. Some flowers you have to take apart and press each petal separately and then put them back together to look like the original flower. This takes mega patience!!



What are your plans for the future?

I also buy and sell antiques and vintage. To have a shop with those and my pressed flower artwork, would be the answer to a dream that I have had for years. We recently moved from Iowa to Tennessee and once I get my "act together", hope to open a little shop. I also want to build up my Etsy business. I have never taken the time to really read and take advantage of all that Etsy has to offer and I feel that if I would, my business would "blossom".

 Anita, thank you so much! Your work is wonderful.





Two hints for today!
I have always used waxed paper for my work surface. Recently, several resin artists I know have suggested silicone mats, which can be very inexpensive (mine is $9.00), doesn't have to be replaced after each pour, and lies flat.

Now that summer is here, I have to make sure the house doesn't get too warm. (We use the air conditioner but sometimes try to save money by waiting until it really gets warm).
Resin in a too-warm house sets about twice as fast as normal!

Thank you for stopping by. I really appreciate your comments and suggestions, and support of the artists I introduce!  Chris

7 comments:

  1. Wow Loved the interview , Anita I hope you will consider joining our guild at www.wwpfg.org
    Thanks Chris for another great blog! Peace and Happy pressing

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  2. anita, lovely work!:-)...i especially like the watches!:-)...gonna go poke around your etsy site now!:-)

    chris, thanks for another wonderful interview!:-)

    rebekah:-)

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  3. Anita, I met you a couple of times when you did shows with your PF artwork in Davenport IA. (One time the Mississippi river was flooded nearly to where the vendors were set up). I recognized your unique watches! I see you have moved to TN. We have a Guild member from Jonesborough and another in Nashville. Your work is stunning as always!
    Lynn (from Illinois)

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  4. Great interview, Chris! Anita, you have a wonderful and unique style! Thanks for sharing your work with us!
    jacki

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  5. Great interview. I love your watches! Francie

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  6. Thank you Lynn. I do remember meeting you. Thank you for your compliment!
    Anita

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  7. Thank you all for your compliments and especially thank you to Chris for asking me to do the interview!I enjoyed it immensely!
    Anita

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