Tasteful Tatters

As with every summer, wedding season is upon us! Now, for me that usually means crazy long hours, glitter all over my home, and a diet consisting mostly of coffee, chocolate, and Taco Bell. But for the normal rest of the world, it typically means you’re mailbox is getting flooded with invitations, you’re blocking off weekends at a time for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and the big weddings that you are attending. It’s a busy time! And if you are a bridesmaid in one or more of these weddings, you plate is even more full. So when it comes to the smaller tasks, like what gift to give, a lot of times the rush pushes us to simply snag up that Target gift card at the register. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that – I love Target, and most brides will appreciate the gesture =) But most would agree that if they could just find that perfect gift, they would rather give that than a card, am I right?

Being apart of many couples weddings, along with being in some of my dear friends weddings is what inspired the flower press gift I’m going to share with you today! This adorable wooden flower press is such a thoughtful gift it is sure to make your bff swoon. Here’s the idea. You purchase the press – be sure to leave the names & date of the bride and groom so it can be customized. Then, after you’ve attended the wedding. Hang on to your bridesmaid bouquet, or stash some flowers from the centerpieces (many weddings let guests take a centerpiece home too) and follow the directions below to press the flowers while the Bride &  Groom are on their honeymoon. When they return, gift them with the press with their perfectly dried flowers on the inside! So thoughtful, right?!

Directions for pressing the flowers:

Separate the pieces of the press by un-screwing the top so that you have the cardboard, thick card stock, and the wax paper. Be sure all the flowers are completely dry with no more water on them.

Choose your flowers to press. You can pretty much press any flower, but some turn out better than others. Separate the flower from the stem and detach any thick base to allow the flower to lay as flat as possible. Also, throw some of the fillers and greenery in there – these turn out great and add a special touch.

Place a piece of cardboard on the base first, then the thicker card stock, and then the wax paper. This is what you lay the flowers on. Then, once you have your placement, place another wax sheet on top, then card stock, then cardboard. You can do a couple layers of this as well.

Stack up the remaining pieces and screw on the top as tightly as possible. Keep in a dry environment to help the drying process.

For most flowers, the process can take 7-10 days. Some are quicker and some take longer – but it’s the perfect amount of time for the love birds to return from their trip =) You can purchase the custom flower press at the Tasteful Tatters Shop along with other great wedding decor and gift ideas. Shop photos are by Joe + Kathrina Photography