There are over thirty different flowers, herbs and vegetables
that you can mix and match to create a unique custom designed handmade paper. You select the pressed and dried flowers you desire (which can even include flower seeds).
The pictures on this page will show you the individual flowers.
Contact me with your ideas for a custom combination!
Bachelor's Button
Blue to purple in color, with small, defined petals.
About the bachelor's button: The nickname "cornflower" comes from the fact that the plant grows wild in the grain fields of southern Europe. When Napoleon forced Queen Louise of Prussia from Berlin, she hid her children in a cornfield and kept them entertained and quiet by weaving wreaths of cornflowers. One of her children, Wilheim, later became the emperor of Germany. Remembering his mother's bravery, he made the cornflower a national emblem of unity.
Purple Carnation
Purple to lavender in color, with small to medium petals.
About the carnation: What is delicate, durable, and delightful all in one? The carnation is a historically rich and meaningful flower choice. With its scientific name dianthus roughly translating to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods", depending on the source, this flower is one that has been revered for centuries. One of the world's oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation is appreciated for its ruffled appearance and clove-like scent.
Marigold
Long , thin yellow petals
About the marigold: The name Calendula stems from the Latin, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. The common name marigold probably refers to the Virgin Mary, or its old Saxon name 'ymbglidegold', which means 'it turns with the sun'. Marigolds typically bloom quickly in bright yellows, reds, and oranges throughout the summer and well into the fall.
Safflower
Bright orange petals with a vibrant yellow aura.
About the safflower: Safflower is one of humanity's oldest crops. Chemical analysis of ancient Egyptian textiles dated to the Twelfth dynasty identified dyes made from safflower, and garlands made from safflowers were found in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. The Greek name for safflower occurs many times in Linear B tablets, distinguished into two kinds: a white safflower, which is measured, and red which is weighed. "The explanation is that there are two parts of the plant which can be used; the pale seeds and the red florets."
Leather Fern
Green in color, with full petals that range from 1 to 2 inches in length.
About the leather fern: According to fossil records, ferns and fern-like plants appeared on Earth 408 million to 438 million years ago and are among the oldest living plants on Earth. As might be expected, these ancient plants possess primitive traits. For example, ferns produce spores instead of seeds. A fern's life cycle includes distinct immature and mature stages that occur as separate plants.
Swiss chard
Small bright green chunks of leaf.
About the chard: Chard has shiny green ribbed leaves, with stems that range from white to yellow and red depending on the cultivar. It has a slightly bitter taste. Fresh young chard can be used raw in salads. Mature chard leaves and stalks are typically cooked or sauteed; the bitter flavor fades with cooking.
Rosemary
Small brown to green dried herb needles.
About the rosemary plant: a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. The name rosemary has nothing to do with the rose or the name Mary, but derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which literally means "dew of the sea".
Seeds
Real flower seeds will grow an American Wildflower mix.
About the American Wildflower mix: Handmade seed imbedded paper can be planted directly into the soil in a pot, or in your garden. The dirt should be firmed down after sowing and the seeds should not be more then 1/8 in. deep. They must be kept moist for 4-6 weeks and receive 4 hours of sunlight each day in order to germinate properly. Many wildflowers are drought tolerant once established, but must receive adequate water as they sprout.
Larkspur
Flower pieces from blue to purple in color, with quarter to pin size petals.
About the larkspur: The flower has five petals which grow together to form a hollow flower with a spur at the end, which gives the plant its name. The plants flower from late spring to late summer, and are pollinated by butterflies and bumble bees. Other names are, lark's heel (Shakespeare), lark's claw and knight's spur. The scientific name describes the shape of the bud, which is thought to look like a dolphin.
Lotka Paper:
