Joy Ellis

Ridgeland, MS

Guild Member since 2021

I started pressing flowers years ago, but only in the last few years after retirement have begun to turn them into an art form. First, I grow most of the flowers I use but occasionally collect along backroads and in wildflower fields. After I collect them , I use several methods to press each type of flower. I began pressing with books and magazines, which is convenient when collection along the roadside. Then I discovered a process using a microwave. I use a press called the Microfleur. This gives you almost instant gratification with flowers, usable within a short period of time. Care must be taken to process each type of flower individually so as to not to burn or discolor them. The flowers are very fragile at this point and require much care in storing them and turning them into art.

I have also studied to old way of using a flower press. We constructed the one I am currently using. It takes more patience and time to dry most flowers, up to 2 weeks. It requires changing the blotting material daily to ensure that the flowers don’t mold or become unusable.

I have studied the works of several artist in the World Wide Pressed Flowers Guild . Then I developed my own technique and continue to learn through my experience and as other pressed flowers artist share their talents.