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"Handmade Paper from Naturals" - from Lark Books

Wondering what to do with all that junk mail and other recycleable papers?  Try any of the twenty-five recipes inside this book to reuse those old papers to make your own handmade paper.  Start with basic  paper pulp from advertising circulars, envelopes, and catalogs and mix it with natural materials such as herbs, ferns, flower petals, lettuce and even chili peppers.

Twenty-two projects are included to show how you can create your own greeting cards, gift wrap, framed artwork, decorative bowls and practical desk accessories.

Step by step photos and instructions lead you through the four simple stages of making handmade paper and the simple recipes include ways to create papers embedded with a variety of materials that will add depth, texture, dimension, color and fragrance.

Use coffee, tea, denim scraps, lavendar and many other dried and pressed flowers and leaves to create a unique lampshade, floral pin, bookmark, journal cover, and a plantable greeting card embedded with flower seeds.

"Preserved Flowers Pressed and Dried" - from Sterling Publications

Enjoy nature's bounty year round by making your own gorgeous, long lasting floral designs.  You can buy or grow your own fresh flowers and foliage and master many drying and pressing techniques.

Learn how to use air, water, glycerin, silica gel and your microwave to preserve your flowers and leaves and refer to the charts to determine the best techniques to ensure perfect results.

More than forty formal, informal, antique and contemporary designs can be found in this book.  For a romantic look combine roses and hydrangea in a simple wooden window box.  For an elegant but quick holiday holiday centerpiece, create a shimmering magnolia leaf and evergreen display embellished with glass ornaments.  Try using pheasant feathers, ferns and laurel stems in a rusted metal pot.

Brighten your kitchen with a colorful dried herb and spice wreath and celebrate the harvest season with an autumn leaf and acorn topiary. 

Infuse your bedroom with aromatic potpourri and send friends your best wishes on beautiful pansy stationery.  This book will show you how easy it can be to add your own personal touches to create unique designs.

 
"Silk Flowers for Every Season" - from North Light Publications

If you need an Easter centerpiece, a front door holiday decoration or simply need to brighten a room with some colorful florals, you will find the perfect ideas for making your own designs inside. 

Twenty-five step by step projects are included plus inspirational ideas for every occasion.

See how easy it is to create dazzling displays with silk florals, artificial fruits and some simple supplies from your local craft supply stores.  Tulips, hydrangea, daisies, apples, lemons, squash and holly berries can all be combined to create beautiful arrangements and no prior experience, expensive vases or special tools are needed. 

Learn how to use foam shapes, papers and craft paints to make unique containers and reuse your flea market finds to show off your creative style.