Pressed Leaves and Flowers

Pressing leaves and flowers is an ancient art form that has many decorative uses in today's country homes. Designer Matthew Mead shares the best way to press leaves and flowers as well as showcase ideas to incorporate them in design.

To press: Select mostly flat leaves, flowers or ferns with a low-moisture content. Place inside a book and weigh down with a heavy rock. Keep the book in a mildly dry location, like an attic or closet, and remove after two or three weeks.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Decorating ideas:

Arrange pressed ferns and flowers on a simple background of paper or cloth and display in flea market frames (figure A).
Arrange pressed leaves right on a table or base cloth and drape with a sheer tablecloth on top (figure B).
Place on a white plate and set a clear plate on top (figure B).
Hot-glue leaves on a lampshade, wall or shelf for a seasonal accent (figure C).

Guests
Matthew Mead
Interior Designer
75 N. Main St.
Boscawen, NH 03303
Phone: 603-753-4185
Fax: 603-753-4186

Also in this Episode

Country Style: Episode COS-COS-401
•	Adironack Furniture
•	Trough Gardening
•	Country Kitchen in the City
•	Collecting Porcelain
•	Fresh Farmhouse Style
•	Pressed Leaves and Flowers