Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2009.

2008 has been a very busy year. I am grateful for good health, a good job, and a great family. It was good to be able to spend some time working on pressed flowers at this holiday break.

Making Christmas gifts

It is fun making something new. Simple clear tissue boxes are now so pretty. I am thinking to make one more for myself.

Thanksgiving

A little over a week ago we were threatened by a fire that has burned a lot of houses in our area. Sky was filled with black smoke. We have packed some stuff in our cars just in case we were to evacuate. What do we pack? First, we packed essential documents, my computer backup, laptop, and all the photo albums. Then we just took some change cloth.
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful that our house is safe. Everyone we know are safe.
As I look out of the window, my roses are blooming beautifully. I am in the mood of creating new things...
Tivoli's fountains were so impressive. It is hard to imagine these fountains were built so long ago with no electrical power needed. Unfortunately, my camera just had to went out of battery that day. However, the fountains and lush maidenhair ferns stuck in my mind.

Making pressed flower cards at lunch

When workload is super heavy and bad economy news adding more stress, I have organized a card making lunch at work to lift the team spirit.
http://pressed-flowers.info/English/Classroom/Adult%20Classes/Card%20making.JPG

Several people at work were coming to my classes but due to work and family activities, they could not make it this session. Everyone is stressed out already with cuts and added tasks. I have organized a free class at lunch last Monday to lift everyone’s spirit and let everyone to relax a little in the middle of busy schedule.
The regular conference room we usually use seem too small with 16 joined. Several people had to stand up the whole time with me but no one minded. Everyone had great time. I have guided everyone making the rose card (in green card stock). I had extra samples to show everyone other ideas. At the end of the 1st half hour, everyone is done with the rose card. They all went through my flowers getting extra flowers and card making materials. I had to bring more materials the next day to satisfy all the needs.
A few people missed the class due to meetings and lab activities. Everyone is asking if I can do it again soon. It looks like I have to reserve a large conference room the next time. Hopefully we get another chance to take a little lunch break together. Everyone said that it is far better than going out to lunch.

Teaching Nature Print Class

I have taught the Nature Print Class for Mr. Nobuo Sugino since he couldn't make it to the conference due to his engagements in Japan. I thought I better practice a lot when I found out that I had to teach this class for him. It was actually a lot of fun with nature print methods. All of the sudden, I looked at botanical materials with an additional dimension. Not only would I think about how a material presses, I also wanted to experiment with print. I really have to give credit to Nobuo for these creative ways using botanical materials. I enjoyed using the prints as backgrounds for my pictures too.

At the conference, I had 2 hours to direct everyone learning two techniques. It was a brand new experience for everyone. Very few people were making prints on the silk scarf. Most wanted to practice more on paper before they make an imprint on silk. I have heard from some now that they have enjoyed making beautiful scarves at home.

I am grateful to Nobuo demonstrated the technique to me back in Feb. I had some ideas about his techniques before from looking at pictures of his past demos. However, seeing the real thing was better than anything. And I had chances to ask questions too. Now, through the conference class, I have sow seeds of his techniques in the US, Canada, China, UK, and Nepal. I hope Mr. Sugino is happy with my performance teaching his class.

Moved by supporters' emails

I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed seeing my displays at the Orange County Fair in the last two years. Everyone is disappointed that I am not in the fair this year. It is great to know that their daughters and grandaughters are still wearing the necklaces that they bought from me. It is so touching to know how they have received compliments with my real pressed flower cards that they sent to their loved ones. I am very happy to know that they have enjoyed displaying my works in their homes and their friends/relatives loved the items they bought from me as gifts. All in all, I am so grateful that so many people have supported me and still remember me.

Thoughts after the conference

Conference bridge gaps and facilitate communication between different organizations. We have learned so much from the UK members in the conference. As I recall that they demand everyone follow their framing standard. I now understand why. It makes the artworks so much better and professional. Seeing things online and seeing them in person is something totally different. If one looks at the competition results on mini bouquet online, one must wonder how could Carolyn Foster's tiny bouquet won over Marie Ann's magnificent peony arrangement? The quality of English work is just impeccable. While I will continue using vacuum sealing method but I am thinking to improve the back of the frame for bridal works according to UK method. I have been talking about the iron-on film that the UK people are using. I think I have convinced a few to try. However, there was overwhelming demand at the conference after Denise Stirrup showed all kinds of lamination results on exhibition. And people looked at the quilts in person. I have asked Denise to do a short demo. I ran out of films due to demand (I had 150 feet to start with). For years Denise has told me about the "iron-on" film. It did not click until I saw her quilt patches in person. Without the conference, this type of exchange would not happen> because seeing the actual things is everything.

Now that everyone went home. I finally have a little time to sit down reading the pressed flower art text book that Guoju copied for me. She is the chief editor. Xianghuan is one of the authors. I am so impressed by the content especially the sciences of pressed flowers, color retention, dyes including botanical dyes. I only had beginner biology and chemistry in middle school which was taught in Chinese. My higher education were done in the US. I have a degree in bio-medical engineering so I had extensive training in biology and chemistry (including organic and bio chemistry). It is very difficult to read these in Chinese but I recognize the chemical formulas. My goodness! They have done a lot of researches in this area already. The experiments are so interesting. No wonder they teach pressed flower art in universities. They have details on red, pink, green, white, blue color retention theories and some techniques. They are so humble in the conference about their knowledge! I feel very good knowing them. We all got to know Guoju for a few years. Xianghuan ended up is one of the authors for a very good pressed flower book published in the late 90s. I have had the book for years. She holds 2 patterns in pressed flower art. I was so touched that she said she got into pressed flower art because of seeing it on my website when she introduced herself in the conference. I am also very touched that they have recognized me in their book for my critiques in some chapters.

Meeting the Japanese group back in Feb makes me understand how important it is to be able to communicate. They don't speak English. I don't speak Japanese. I was fortunate that Sandy is an excellent translator. IPFAS invited me to the conference next year in Japan. I think I will go. I guess I will just find my way there with everyone speaking Japanese.

All these makes me wonder if there is a way to communicate without language barrier. So many people have done so much everywhere in the world. I guess it is time to pick up another language.

1st day at the conference

We had a wonderful day at the conference. I am so happy to see some old friends and meeting some friends I have met online for the first time.

My mom attended our opening. Well, she has grown flowers and pressed for one of my classes I will teach. I am so proud of of her.

Our inspiration Cellestine made to the conference. She has even done a demo of her framing method to us. I am so happy to finally see her in person.

The competition result is announced at the conference. Unfortunately I have left the result sheet inside the classroom so please be patient for one more day. Here are the 3 first place winners. It is too bad that I cannot remember the persons' names for category 1 and category 3.

Beautiful artworks!

I spent 1/2 day judging many beautiful pressed flower artworks with 2 other judges. Competition is very tough this year with so many wonderful entries. We still have more works to do tomorrow. Our work is not easy since every piece is so good.

Had a nice dinner with all the friends at the hotel. I still have to pack up the last things for tomorrow's setup. We are almost ready for the conference. It is so exciting to see all the old friends and meeting new ones.

Most of the members arrived have either enjoyed the pool or had fun in Downtown Disney. Some are even driving all over S. CA. I am very happy to see everyone having good time. We will have 3 packed days together. It is great when everyone is rested up after long trips.

Members are arriving

As it is closer to the conference, members are arriving. We have people from China, Canada, and PA, USA arrived.

I took a few friends to the Huntington Library and Botanical Garden today. We had great time. These ladies were very tired by the end of the day.

We first went to have some Chinese lunch. We each had a nice cold drink before heading to the Huntington Library. It was pretty hot today. We only had time to walk in the formal garden, the new Chinese garden, the Japanese garden, and the rose garden. Wish we have more time to enjoy the lovely ground of Huntington Library.

I remember the Pressed Flower Gallery is near by. We stopped there. The gallery was closed. We were trying to peak in. Fortunately May's brother is still there. I have introduced ourselves and asked if we could go in to look around. He was very nice letting us in. Then May came as well. Here we are in front of the Pressed Flower Gallery.

I had to stop by to get some shaved ice after a hot day. Everyone enjoyed some. We then decided to have dinner and wait for the traffic to die down there. We had nice Shanghai dishes.

Getting back to the creative mode

It has been so long since I last posted. Work just got into the way of things... We finally got to a point that we can live our normal lives again.

I have been trying to figure out how to do natural print on silk scarf. It is frustrating sometimes during the try and err period. I finally figured it out!!! It is so pretty. I am very pleased with the result. This will be taught at the conference. It is so much fun once I have things figured out.

As promised to my April class students that I have made a little dog picture and posted in the class group.

I also had a little time to sit down and plan out a small landscape project for the conference in case Liuba cannot make it. Although I can imitate Liuba's style of design, I just could not come up with 40+ sets of materials. Oh well! Everyone will just have to learn my style then. I am very pleased with this design. I hope students will not be disappointed. Planning a class is so much different from making my own designs. I enjoy doing the planning.

Judith in my in-person class said that her little rabbit has won the scrap book contest. She used my idea on mounting. I am so proud of her!

Philly Flower Show (Part 3)

The landscape exhibition at the PFS was so impressive.

This is just one of them. It is hard to imagine how much work it was to do this type of large scale landscape complete with ponds in the convention center. Just forcing all the trees and flowers to bloom this time of the year in Philadelphia alone is a daunting task.

Philly Flower Show (Part 2)

It took awhile to upload all of the pressed flower competition pictures. The entries are amazing. Click the link to view my album.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=51diydl5.a84nil1p&x=0&y=dbhs8c
I tried to associate pictures with name, class, and award but I could be wrong in some cases. If anyone sees any mistakes, please contact me. It is hard to remember every picture's details. I was busy just enjoying to view all the beautiful entries.

Philly Flower Show (Part 1)

I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show and served as a judge. This is the first time I have physically been in the show. I had great time. Judging was very difficult since all of the entries are so good. We worked from 8am to 2:30pm to finish submitting all the categories and best of the blues. This one has received the best of the blues. It is such a master piece. We can't stop looking at all the details.

Many of the guild members have participated. I am very happy to see that. Many have won ribbons.



There was a student judge with us. I found out that they have to serve as a student judge (their points would not be counted) to learn before they could serve as a regular judge. She told me that her mentor told her to go to Kate Chu's website to learn about pressed flowers before coming to the show. Wow! I am so honored. Many other judges knew about me too. I worked very well with the other two judges in our team. They said that they have actually learned a few things from me. I am glad.

Meeting Friends from Japan

Sandy, Stella, Ruby and I were invited by our Japanese friends to have a dinner together. What a great pleasure and honor!

Sandy is our translator. She has helped us to communicate and getting the details of class that Mr. Nobuo Sugino will teach down. I can't wait for the conference! I will write up what we have talked and let Mr. Sugino to see first before I post on the guild's website.

It is so much fun to exchange with all the flower lovers. Some Japanese pressed flower artist's business cards use real pressed flowers. It is too bad that I have been so busy with my work that I have only made some bookmarks for them last night. Many brought gifts to us. It is so interesting to see botanical materials used so many different ways. They also gave us some books. Oh Mine! All I had were some flowers pressed in 2008 in return. Oh well, this is all I can manage with the little time I have right now.

Although we have some language difficulties but we have no problem when communicating about flowers. It is so exciting meeting so many sharing the same passion from another country. Well, hope I will be able to go to Japan and spend some time seeing more.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Chinese New Year is coming on Thursday. Since it is in the middle of the week, we are celebrating it on weekends. I have a few flowers/plants at home for the holiday.

Chinese paper white is a traditional New Years flower. It has a light scent. Flower is white with yellow cup. Chinese describe it being golden bowl with silver plate. This Chinese chrysanthemum is a new color this year. Flower is red but with golden yellow on the bottom. I hope it will press out well. The orchid was a Christmas gift from a co-worker. Can you see it is still going very strong? I bought the lucky bamboo last year. It has grown a lot in a year.

Pressing Poinsettia

I saw this new poinsettia with lighter spots in a local supermarket right after Thanksgiving. I just love the colors! It has done its Chirstmas decoration duties. Now it is well after the New Year, it is time to press.

It presses well with a Microfleur. I have been distributing this press.

Normally, one uses the cotton sheets that come with the press but I like to use a kitchen towel with brand name of VIVA.

Cut the color leaves out and lay them over the towel. Cover with another sheet of towel and pad. Lock the press and put into microwave over. I use high for 1 minute. It presses out beautifully. Dried color leaves are slightly darker than fresh ones.

Some small pressed flower items

Work has kept us super busy. I feel that I need to work on some flower items to relax. I brought some small projects thinking to work at lunch time but there has been importing meetings at that time too. This pair of earrings was done a few months ago. I have worn it several times. I meant to make more earrings but have not made more with pressed flowers. My latest earrings were all beads and crystals.

Today I started something but the first try did not work too well. Anyway, I have made a few pendants. I think it is more difficult to make these pendants than working on a picture but it has been fun.

The flower pot was actually made as a children’s class sample. I cannot believe how well it has stand over the years. I can't believe it has been 5 years already.

I called the wholesale flower shop asking for boronia. I don't want to miss it again this year. The guy said its blooming time will be late this year. Hopefully it will not be blooming on the testing week.

Framed a couple more pictures tonight. I really have to pack all the finished ones to storage. House is mess with everything out.

IPFAS News Magazine and a student's work

I have received the news magazine from Megumi. It is very exciting that the conference is announced. I hope many IPFAS members will come.

A co-worker who has only taken two classes with her daughters came to show me her peacock picture. Wow! I am very impressed. It is beautiful! It is too bad that we cannot carry camera to work. I know she has put in a lot of works. She showed me her picture a couple of day earlier. The tail was not very sharp. I have suggested her to change using another fern. She worked hard to take away already glued materials and made the new tail. Oh! I wish I have a picture to show. I am so proud!

Framed Pressed Flower Art

This original Chinese painting picture has been with me for many years. I bought it from the artist in Hong Kong. He and his wife were selling outside of the bank on weekends. I liked his style but were not sure about the ones they had in display. I described the picture I had in mind. He said that he has a painting fitting my description but it was not something most of the people were buying so they have left it home. He promised to bring it the next week. It is exactly what I was looking for. That year was 1995. I was still in my learning stage on pressed flower art. I did not have any confidence back then creating something good enough for home decoration.

Well, I have just framed my Wild Flower 3. This one is a print yet if I was not the one framing it, I would not be able to tell it is a print. I like it so much it is on my wall now. The waterlily is moving somewhere else.

My house is still a total mess when I am in my "production" phrase. This corner is the only place we don't have to move things around before we can sit down. No one is complaining. Doug is happy looking at all the pieces. I am going to wrap up some and move them to storage so we don't always have to watch before stepping down.

Raining...

It has been raining today. It is perfect day to get my flowers out and play. Although we only worked 3 days this week, weekend rest is really needed.
A co-worker and I have talked about having another mother-children session. I have to think about another cute project.
The 2008 pressed flower conference planning work has been going. I have updated info www.wwpfg.org since so many are traveling from out of the country.

I have also been working on Doug's site www.paycation4u.com. It is interesting to work on a site not flower related. It gives me some chances to learn about all the latest Internet business (not that I am not already very busy). It is always good to learn new things.

I wish there are more hours in a day...