Where are you located?
Baton Rouge, LA
What is Floral Preservation?
Preserved flowers are 100% natural products that have undergone a preservation process to maintain their beauty and freshness with no need for water or sunlight. I use a traditional wooden press to extract moisture from each specimen.
Do you have “ready made” products?
Yes! You can find many things in my shop and I am always creating new designs. You can often find them on display at any of the local markets I set up at. Instagram is currently the best places to go to see samples of my work. I would love to work with you on a commission piece if you have something specific in mind.
How do I get my flowers to you?
If you are local to Baton Rouge, you can drop your bouquet off to me directly and pick the piece up at my studio when it is finished. A non-refundable deposit is due to me before I do accept bouquets from all over the Continental US via overnight shipping paid by you. I will send you detailed shipping instructions upon booking to ensure you have the supplies to make a seamless and on-time shipment. You will also be responsible for the cost of your pressed bouquet being sent back to you.
How long will it take to press my flowers?
The creation of your pressed, dried, and framed bouquet can take up to 3-6 months. The timing is dependent on the types of flowers in your bouquet (some flowers take much longer to dry than others and some dry more quickly), and the size of your bouquet. The pressing and drying process takes 6-8 weeks to ensure all of the moisture is completely removed.
How far in advance do I need to book?
As soon as you know the date you can book with me! Reserving your date and communicating preferences in advance allows me to be prepared for your project and guarantees space in my limited presses. As long as you can get your flowers to me soon after your wedding (no more than 4 days), I can properly press them and they will be safe until we can create your framed piece.
Will the flowers keep their color?
Yes, for the most part, pressed flowers are able to maintain their natural color for many years, but eventually, some amount of fading is inevitable, even if UV protectant sprays or museum, UV resistant glass is used. Some flowers fade more than others in the pressing process while others will change a different shade of their natural hue. Certain factors can expedite fading, so it is important to avoid placing your piece in direct sunlight, in humid environments or under an A/C vent. Fading presents itself as an antiqued look and is still stunning!
Will you press and use my entire bouquet?
I do press the whole arrangement to ensure I have all the options to make a perfect pressed bouquet arrangement. All pressed flowers may not be used if they are not needed to enhance the bouquet. Any flowers that are leftover and in good condition can be returned to you upon request.
Do you add any color enhancements to the bouquet?
I will occasionally do this, but I prefer to keep it natural and let nature take its course. I will consult ahead of time if I feel color enhancement is needed.
Do you do commissions for custom jewelry?
Yes! Want a piece created with pressed flowers, fabric, or in specific colors? Just ask!
Do you cast bouquets in resin?
Short answer, no. What I love about pressed flowers is knowing that if we wanted to, we could disassemble the glass and still be able to feel and smell the flowers. However, I am happy to make small pieces of jewelry with your flowers. Generally speaking, I think putting an organic substance in a large amount of plastic/non-biodegradable material feels contradictory to the true nature of floral preservation.
If I missed something and you have other questions, send me an email at myfriendkellyart@gmail.com.