Inspiration

• Thick papers: recycled, natural papers (or anything above 200gsm). There are so many amazing paper suppliers that it’s worth trying out lots of different papers and colours until you find a look that suits your style
• Thin papers for gift wrapping – Again, natural papers such as cotton rag papers or Japanese screen-printing papers work well. If you want a more cost effective alternative, brown ‘kraft’ paper or newspaper can also look beautiful
• Envelopes
• Paint brush
• PVA glue
• Hole punch
• String or raffia for the gift tags
• Ribbons – crushed velvet and uncut silk ribbons will look beautiful for Christmas
• Sharp scissors for cutting ribbon
• Pressed autumnal flowers and leaves

Make sure you think about what you want to create and the quantities you’ll need in advance so that you have enough paper and ingredients. Make sure you factor in enough time so you can enjoy being creative whilst not rushing the process too much.

Your design

Don’t be afraid to play around with different designs until you’re happy with your finished pieces. This may be with a variety of blooms and foliage or you may find this in its single variety form.

• Cut thick paper to size using a guillotine, Stanley knife or scissors. Do take care whilst doing this and lay out protective layers to preserve your table top!
• Lay all your pressed flowers out so that you can see what you’re working with
• Create your designs by placing your pressed flowers onto your gift tags or cards. Once you’re happy with the design, you’re ready to start sticking them down
• Take each individual pressed flower piece, pick it up, turn it over and brush PVA glue onto the back
• Using your paint brush, pick up the glued pressed flower piece and delicately place it back on to the paper, taking care and pressing it softly to ensure it sticks
• Repeat until your piece is finished
• Leave plenty of time for your pieces to dry
• If you’re making gift tags, use a hole punch to make a hole and add ribbon to attach it to your gift