Flower Pressing & Cyanotype Print Workshop with JamJar Edit | Part 1

Flower Pressing … I’ve always wanted to learn more about it. And at the weekend, I was thrilled to be invited to a JamJar Edit Flower Pressing & Cyanotype Print Workshop. I really can’t think of a lovelier way to spend a Saturday…

I was totally captivated by the JamJar Flowers studio, which is based in South East London. And took lots of photos! So, I’ve decided to compile three blog posts to share with you. This is the first one, where I give you a little tour around the space. The second one, next Wednesday, will focus on the Flower Pressing element of the workshop. And the third will be all about the Cyanotype Prints, the following Wednesday.

Situated at the entrance to Peacock Yard, the studio window stops people in their tracks when they notice the myriad of colourful bottles gracing the shelves.

And this is the wonderful view once you enter…

Outside, other creatives work away in their studios whilst vibrant bunting flutters in the breeze and the enchanting sound of a wind chime can be heard.

Inside there were not only dried flowers on display…

but also a beautiful range of fresh blooms.

One of the panes from an install at Sketch reminded me of when I saw them in situ at their Mayfair Flower Show.

A customised vintage cigar press, which you can buy from the JamJar Edit online shop, showcased a range of flowers which we could choose to press.

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We were also at liberty to take cuttings from Hellebore plants, which Amy from JamJar had bought at New Covent Garden Flower Market, especially for the workshop.

I was captivated by the light coming through the studio window. Hence the number of photos of this particular scene!

Astrantia and Chocolate Cosmos are some of the best flowers to use for pressing as are Violas, because of their flat ‘faces’. Delicate flowers like Ammi are also ideal.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour around the JamJar Flowers studio. And if you’re wondering about the relationship between JamJar Flowers and JamJar Edit. Here’s a little background…

JAMJAR EDIT

JamJar Edit was established in 2017 by JamJar Flowers Founder Melissa Richardson and Amy Fielding, a project they had dreamed of starting together since Amy joined JamJar Flowers in 2014. The Edit specialises in flower pressing and beautifully designed botanically inspired gifts.

Amy said: “When we moved JamJar Flowers from Melissa’s kitchen table to our studio in Peacock Yard we had a large shop window which we needed for light. But we also needed storage and some privacy. We had a local blacksmith build shelves with scaff poles and planks to put our huge collection of vintage glass in the window. The light refracted through the glass and it puzzled passers-by as it wasn’t immediately clear that we were a florist despite our gorgeous sign. We had loads of enquiries from people who wanted to buy the glass. It was this that inspired us to start JamJar Edit in 2017. The idea was to share some of our favourite vessels and vases and quirky or unusual botanical gift ideas with our clientele.“

You can find out more on the JamJar Edit website. And do check out their beautiful Instagram account. Tune in next Wednesday for Part 2, when I’ll be focusing on the Flower Pressing element of the workshop!

P.S. In the meantime, you may like to take a read of my blog posts from last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, when JamJar transformed the London Gate.

P.P.S. You may also like to also check out my IGTV video and mini video I created as a Reel, which I created to accompany this blog post.

(Images: Rona Wheeldon | Flowerona)