Pressing Matters

 Sometimes art making and ideas seem to come from nowhere, yet are clearly connected. Barry and I were talking about the threads I had dyed with flowers from here a few years ago. I realised that it was about the same time of year, as many of the flowers were still to be seen on our daily walks. But only just.

I had the idea to gather some flowers and press them - to try and retain them in another way, so on our morning walk on Sunday we found and picked a selection of things I had previously used for dyeing.

First up the last of the thistles.

This is bog asphodel. It grows only in the bog, the peat,  and is a lovely rusty orange colour. Also quite firm.

The very last of the bell heather.

Luckily, Devil's Bit Scabiosus is still around.

The heather is due to end on 14 September, and I would agree with that - the few flowers left are quite dry and not nearly as vibrant as they were even a few days ago.

Red clover is hanging in there, but most of it is on its way out.

And so to drying, pressing or generally attempting to flatten.

We have recently had our roof replaced. The slates which had been on since around 1835 had done well, but were being to fail and the risk of dampness setting in was getting higher. The most beautiful replacement job was done and we are so happy at how beautiful the cottage now looks with its trims painted and the roof perfect.

We had a few left over, so we began to make a slate sandwich, with different layers of flowers in between.

Thistle to begin.

Devils Bit Scabious up next.

 

Bog Asphodel.

The heathers.

And finishing with the red clover.

Sandwiched between roof slates, we then added more slates to the stack and popped the stack in a corner where we won't run into it or over it and I shall be patient and let them dry. I hope!

I honestly don't know what I might do with the flowers when they are pressed; or even with the paper if they leave nice marks. I just knew there was a story line link  to the dyed threads that I wanted to take the opportunity to try out. Appendages are crossed.

And how gorgeous is this cottage now? With thanks to Brian and Karen for their hard and loving work to make the wee cottage sing again.