Hello Friends,
Back in the day....
we used these wood frames to keep our WOOD Tennis Rackets from warping.
I know you see these all the time at the thrift stores- right?
I thought the frames looked a lot like a flower press-
I had a crazy idea to make one!
I picked up a couple of racks for a buck-
Here's an adorable little tennis player for you !
The wingnuts do not come all the way off.
Trace around the outside of frame and make a pattern
for your cardboard.
Cut out the corners.
I cut 4 pieces of cardboard.
I folded my paper in half so it would fit in my frame.
Then I went out in my garden to pick some flowers.
I put the folded paper with flowers inside,
between the layers of cardboard.
Then tightened the wingnuts on the frame.
As tight as possible!
Then set aside for about 4 weeks.
Then loosened the wingnuts to slide out the cardboard.
It worked!!!!!
I collected Calendula, Lavender, Salvia, Cilantro leaves,
Freesia, Geraniums,
Nasturtiums and leaves, Forget-me-nots, Alyssum and
Marigolds.
This flower below left a stain on the paper,
which I love!
I will save this paper for a future letter or page in a junk journal.
I used a bit of glue to hold the flowers in place.
I was able to make a pretty piece of artwork with this thrifted picture frame.
Thank you for visiting with me today!
xo Lisa S
Whaaat?! That's genius! I already have two flower presses but if I didn't have one I'd totally make this too! PINNED!
ReplyDeleteTania
Tania,
DeleteThank you so much. You are so sweet!
The rack had all the right elements. so glad it worked!
Thanks for the pin!
Have a great week-
xo Lisa S
This is amazing! love this idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meagan,
DeleteIt's so nice to have you visit.
Have a wonderful week.
xo Lisa S
This is such a cool idea! I cannot wait to look for a flower press/tennis racket holder.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
DeleteThank you so much! You will probably fine hundreds now :)
I was so happy it worked! tHANK YOU for your sweet comment.
xo Lisa S
What a great idea! Loved your results, too! Kathy A
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteSo glad you stopped by and said hello-
xo Lisa S
Brilliant and I love the vintage tennis player pic. Thx for sharing at Funtastic Friday.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteHappy Friday- Thanks for hosting.
Have a wonderful week.
xo Lisa S
Brilliant! I don't have a flower press other than old hardcover books. After seeing this, I'm on the hunt for vintage tennis rackets now!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You will probably find one every time you go shopping now :)
Deletexo Lisa S
What a fantastic idea! I've never tried pressing flowers, but the next time my husband buys me some, I'll have to try it. I love the art work you made with your upcycled press! Thanks for sharing on Crafty Creators!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Niki ~ Life as a LEO Wife
Thanks Niki!
DeleteI was so happy it worked-
xo Lisa S
Lisa, I read the title and just knew you were going to be very creative! I think I've seen the old wood tennis racket holders in thrift stores before, so will keep my eye out for one. This racket flower press sure beats placing flowers into old books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the FWF link party.
Hugs,
Rachelle
Rachelle,
DeleteYou are so sweet- You made me laugh! You will see them all over now. It really worked great.
xo Lisa S
BRILLIANT! One of those projects that as soon as you see it, makes perfect sense. Featuring when my link party opens tonight!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteYou are awesome!
Thank you
xo Lisa S
I couldn't be more inspired to make a dried flower picture if I tried right about now! It oozes vintage charm!!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteThat is so nice of you to say!
You are too kind.
xo Lisa S
Such a clever idea. I have dried flowers before using the microwave and iron. I am happy to feature your post at Love Your Creativity. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I have never thought to use the microwave, now you have peaked my interest :)
Deletexo Lisa S
Such an intelligent idea!
ReplyDeleteJoy,
DeleteThank you so much. I'm so glad you stopped by-
xo Lisa S
I found one of these at Goodwill for $1.99 last week. I didn’t know what it was, but I figured I could make a flower press out of it. 😆 I found your blog post when I was trying to identify its original purpose.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! Ha Ha- Glad you found me. Stop by again and look around the blog.
Deletexo Lisa S