Another item I press throughout the year are lichen. Lichen grow on the bark of dead and decaying trees. They are varied in color and markings and press well in heavy books. They will leave deep indentations within the book, so be sure it is one you don’t mind losing for pressing. I also have used heated books to press the lichen, but don’t necessarily enjoy the smell that ensues from the microwave when I open the door. The lichens will retain a bit of thickness, so they are not necessarily good for greeting cards, but they can be used to make fairy furniture and other natural arrangements.
A good site to visit for more information of lichens can be found here: Lichens. Happy Pressing!
I’ve been thinking about pressing lichens, as well as seaweed after it’s a bit dried. Check in on my alternate blog – thecrowandthepebble.wordpress.com too, we seem to have some things in common.
By: seapunk2 on July 24, 2012
at 12:19 am
Hi Seapunk, I visited the link you gave. I love your pressed flower designs. I’ve been working on cards and also pressing flowers and foliage. I’m pressing hydrangeas, although they are one of the worst for fugitive colors. I’m going to try and find some techniques for adding color…I’ll post if I come up with something that works. Kathy
By: timelesslady on July 24, 2012
at 3:52 am
I seem to recall trying artist’s pastels or chalks. I suppose this would be great under glass, though, and not on cards.
If a hydrangea is completely dry, like paper, maybe a dry brushing of watercolor paint, or artist’s pigments..
By: seapunk2 on July 24, 2012
at 11:14 am