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