Queen Anne's Lace
It's dainty as lace and pretty enough to deck a queen.
In late July and August, Queen Anne's Lace is seen along roadsides, embankments, in fields and in other places where the soil is not very rich. As lovely as it might be, it is considered an invasive weed in many states, so beware of planting it in your garden.
Queen Anne's Lace's botanical name is Daucaus carota. It is in the same family as the carrot and its root smells just like a carrot. When rubbed between fingers, its leaves smell of parsley.
Just who Queen Anne Lace is named for is not quite certain. One story suggests it was Queen Anne of England who reigned from 1702-1714 and was well known for her skill at tatting (lacemaking). The story goes on to say that she once pricked her finger and a small drop of blood fell on the lace. If you notice in the center of many Queen Anne's Lace's there is a tiny purple flower, perhaps the blood of Queen Anne.
How to press Queen Anne's Lace
Pressing Queen Anne's Lace is easy. Just cut off the flower from the stem and place it in the flower press of your choice. My favorite press is the Microfleur, a microwave flower press. Flowers are pressed, dried and ready to us in seconds and minutes. Be sure all the florets of the Queen Anne's Lace are laid out evenly and flat. Don't forget to also press the stems and leaves.
When adhering the dried Queen Anne's Lace to paper, candles or other materials, place the flower face down on wax paper. With a soft but full brush dab (non-diluted) acid-free white glue all over the flower. Pick up the pressed flower with a tweezer and place on paper, candle, etc. Gently press down with a paper towel to absorb excess glue. Then press more firmly with a piece of wax paper until flower is adhered.
I use Queen Anne's Lace in many of my original pressed flower art pieces. Sometimes, I have the royal flower stand alone, while other times I use it as an embellishment. Below are a few of my favorites.
Pressed Flower Art with Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's Lace is striking and stately on a plain black background. This original pressed flower piece is matted in a double white mat and in a silver frame.
These three larger roses and two smaller ones are embellished with two Queen Anne's Lace and some florets of the same flower, giving the piece a delicate and lacy feel. You can order cards with this design by clicking here.
Florets of Queen Anne's Lace were used to brighten this holiday wreath made with leaves, geranium and monarda petals. The florets are useful for embellishing and complimenting a huge variety of flowers.
Please contact me if you would like to have any of these pieces hanging in your home or if you would like to order one of them as a card or print.