hello, we're shauna and stephen a.k.a. something's hiding in here. as autumn settles in, we try to savor the nature that become so vibrant this time of year. a simple way to do this, is by making a press to preserve the leaves and flowers found while taking a walk in your own neighborhood.
inspired by botanical prints and natural history illustrations, documenting your environment of plants, flowers and leaves becomes a personal catalog of your backyard. nature presses are perfect for all seasons, but we're partial to autumn because it's the time of year when color fires through the countryside and gives you a different impression each day as winter takes over.
to start collecting, just take a walk. you would be surprised how interesting and diverse the plants are so close to home. we live in the middle of philadelphia and keep finding new things each time we go exploring. see how much you can hold in your two hands or bring along a basket for a serious haul.
here's what you'll need to get things started. drill, two pieces of scrap wood (preferably the same size and shape), two long bolts, four washers, two wing nuts, a sketchbook slightly smaller than your scrap wood, scissors, tape, and a pencil.
drill two holes in the middle of the outer two sides of your scrap wood. assemble the press by inserting your bolts through each hole, place washers on both top and bottom, and wing nuts threaded last to give your press pressure.
using scissors and tape, arrange your foraged foliage onto a page in your sketch book. tape the specimen in place. grab your pencil and document the date and location of where you found each item. if you know any scientific names of any plants add those too.
have fun! xoxo, shauna & stephen
Thanks so much, Shauna + Stephen! Your botanical press is so inspiring. I adore you!
If you're curious about more Tricks + Treats coming up this week, see the full schedule. I can't believe our shop is opening in just a few days! I'm super grateful to my blog pals for making it such a special pre-opening time here with all the pretty things! I'll share more photos tomorrow. XO.
fab idea! love this!
Posted by: Erin Collins | October 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM
OH MY! I LOVE those two kids!!
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
Posted by: tiffany. | October 25, 2010 at 11:50 PM
I'm up late tonight working on grading student papers, and I can't tell you how happy it made me to click over here and find such a cool project. Thanks for making me smile!
Posted by: allison | October 26, 2010 at 12:18 AM
Its late and raining here but I wanna go out and explore right now!!! Lovely book idea.
Posted by: Amy | October 26, 2010 at 12:29 AM
this is a great diy. cant wait to start collecting bits from the fall <3
Posted by: jonahliza | October 26, 2010 at 12:34 AM
Gosh-wow! We love Something's Hiding in Here big time!
Thanks for the great idea, I will have to try it soon soon soon:)
Posted by: MayDae | October 26, 2010 at 12:59 AM
I love this DIY! thank you!
:)
Posted by: Valeria | October 26, 2010 at 02:13 AM
I've seen a lot of DIYs but I JUST LOVE YOURS !!! really great and artistically made ! thanks !
Posted by: Mikaella | October 26, 2010 at 06:37 AM
another fab idea, thanks. x
Posted by: Watkins35 | October 26, 2010 at 08:21 AM
great idea!!! love it.
thanks .
cheers,
Puri
http://idekuhandmade.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Puri ideku handmade | October 26, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Fabulous!
Posted by: Erika M | October 26, 2010 at 10:49 AM
they are too cute
Posted by: crafty Girl | October 26, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Oh, I've been wanting to make one of these! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Two Chicks and a Hen | October 26, 2010 at 01:55 PM
I just saw the schedule of posts for your Tricks and Treats theme! Thanks so much for this, it's so fun and always inspiring and I look forward to your blog everyday!
Posted by: Leslie | October 26, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Wow this is really really really cool
I think im going to have to do it!
Please visit my blog too
http://onawhimfashion.blogspot.com
Posted by: Callie | October 26, 2010 at 06:16 PM
That's so weird, I was just watching the movie The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo last night and was thinking to myself how I'd like to press some flowers. Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: nova | October 26, 2010 at 07:15 PM
I LOVE THIS
its gorgeous
Posted by: Brianna | October 26, 2010 at 09:42 PM
this is perfect for fall! thanks for sharing!
Posted by: kaylin goodman | October 27, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Oh...such a nice DIY. that last photo is so '30s style made. Really cool !
Posted by: Jonathan O. | November 01, 2010 at 05:44 PM
So you put the foliage on the page and then put the book between the wood piece? This looks like a great home school project for my boys!
Posted by: Alexia | November 16, 2010 at 12:36 PM