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May 84 min read

Pressed Flowers Activity for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love and care than with a heartfelt, nature-inspired gift? This blog article will explore the wonderful activity of pressing flowers, a perfect Mother's Day activity for seniors. Not only is it a delightful and creative project, but it also holds numerous benefits for seniors, both in terms of relaxation and the appreciation of nature's beauty in design.


The Art of Pressed Flowers

Pressed flowers are a timeless craft that involves preserving the delicate beauty of flowers by flattening and drying them. This activity allows us to capture the ephemeral nature of blooms and create stunning pieces of art that can be cherished for years to come. Whether it's a bouquet, a bookmark, or a framed arrangement, pressed flowers can be used in various creative ways to express love and admiration for our mothers.

variety of colourful pressed flowers in a frame

Benefits for Seniors

Engaging in the art of pressing flowers offers numerous benefits for seniors, particularly in terms of mental well-being and creativity. Here are a few advantages:

1. Relaxation and Stress Relief

Pressing flowers can be a calming and therapeutic activity for seniors. The gentle process of selecting, arranging, and pressing flowers allows them to focus their attention on the present moment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It provides an opportunity for seniors to unwind, connect with nature, and find a sense of peace and tranquillity.


2. Cognitive Stimulation

The process of pressing flowers also provides cognitive stimulation for seniors. They need to carefully choose the flowers, plan the design, and arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. This promotes problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and encourages creativity. Engaging in such activities helps keep the mind active and sharp, which is essential for the overall well-being of seniors.


3. Connection with Nature

Nature has a profound impact on our well-being, and seniors can greatly benefit from connecting with it. Pressing flowers allows them to explore the beauty of nature up close, appreciate the intricate details of each petal, and marvel at the variety of colors and shapes. This connection with nature can be incredibly calming and uplifting, providing a sense of joy and serenity.


4. Meaningful and Personalized Gifts

One of the most significant advantages of pressed flowers for Mother's Day is the ability to create personalized and meaningful gifts. Seniors can use the pressed flowers to design unique cards, create personalized bookmarks, or even frame them as wall art. Such gifts carry a sentimental value and show the effort, love, and care put into creating something beautiful for their loved ones.


Getting Started with Pressed Flowers

Now that we understand the benefits of pressing flowers, let's explore how to get started with this delightful activity. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Gather your materials: You will need fresh flowers, a flower press, or heavy books, parchment paper, and a notebook or journal to record the flowers used.

  2. Choose your flowers: Select a variety of flowers with vibrant colors and sturdy petals. Avoid flowers that are too delicate or have a high water content, as they may not press well.

  3. Prepare the flowers: Remove any excess leaves or stems from the flowers. Place them between parchment paper, ensuring they don't overlap.

  4. Press the flowers: If using a flower press, follow the instructions provided. If using books, place the parchment paper with flowers in between the pages and stack heavy books on top. Leave them pressed for about two to four weeks.

  5. Design your creation: Once the flowers are fully pressed and dried, carefully handle them and arrange them on your chosen surface—a card, bookmark, or frame.

  6. Preserve your masterpiece: To ensure the longevity of your pressed flower creation, consider laminating it or using a clear protective spray.


Now, here comes the creative part! Here are two options after you have gathered and pressed your flowers.


Bookmark  

Once pressed overnight, you can laminate the flowers and turn them into beautiful bookmarks. This would require access to a laminating center, however, a more economical option is by using Contact Paper instead! This sticky-sided paper can be found at local dollar stores or craft stores. Simply cut out two rectangles, peel one and gently place the flower and petals and cove with the other rectangle and press to seal! You can also cut a hole at the top and thread a ribbon! This option can also be adjusted to create coasters for your coffee table - simply cut out squares instead of rectangles and use washi tape on the edges for a sharper design!


Framed Flowers

Using the pressed flowers, purchase a picture frame (or reuse an old frame!). The frame should have backing cardboard already. This is where you will place each flower (you may want to use hot glue or a small dab of glue to keep flowers in place). Let dry before clipping it into the frame and display. Alternately, you can use double glass-sided frames for an even more spectacular effect! The double glass would allow you to hang the frame in a window to let the sunshine through each petal and bloom!



This Mother's Day, let's remember the power of nature in design and use pressed flowers as a heartfelt way to show our love and care for our mothers. Engaging in this creative activity not only brings joy to seniors but also allows them to connect with nature and create personalized gifts that will be cherished for years. So, gather your materials, let your creativity bloom, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of pressing flowers.





 

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