Paper Parade Co.

Preserve summer with dried botanicals from your garden displayed in a diy version of brass specimen frames to create simple and beautiful décor for your home. I used document clip-style frames that you can find at the dollar store. Simply remove the backing and clips and use the glass panes. You will need two pieces of glass for each framed botanical. Be sure to clean each piece of glass with glass cleaner and a lint free cloth.




You'll need:

• collected plants or flowers
• glass clip-style document frames
• tape - we used Japanese style Washi tape, 2 cm wide, other options include black electrical tape or copper foil tape
• craft glue
• scissors
• paper towel or waxed paper
• heavy books

Step 1: Press the plants between paper towels.





Collect the specimens you want to preserve and pat them dry with paper towel. Carefully place them between two sheets of paper towel or waxed paper and place inside a heavy book. Ensure the book is large enough to cover the plant. You may want to stack a couple of books together for added weight. Leave to dry for about a week. When dry, carefully remove the plant from the paper.






Step 2: Place the botanicals between the glass









Position the plant on the glass. Once you decide where you want the plant, apply a tiny bit of glue to the underside of the plant and leave to dry on the glass. Carefully place the second piece of glass on top.


Step 3: Tape the glass perimeter to create a frame





Working on one edge of glass at a time, cut the tape to the length of the edge, leaving approximately 1cm extra at each end. Carefully align the tape along the edge to create a frame on the glass. Gently press down, smoothing the tape along the edge. It may be helpful to burnish the edge using a bone folder or the back of a spoon. Holding the glass together, carefully turn it over and press the tape to seal this side. Continue this process for the remaining three edges. Trim the end pieces of tape with scissors.


Display and enjoy!









These images were originally created for and published in a diy column I wrote for The Toronto Star.
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