Instructions-Project Brief
Process
There are few types of digital publication, such as e-book, magazine, flipbook and so on. I get to know more about the creation of a digital publishing through research, and experiment. I choose a very niche topic for this time project which is introduction of dried flowers.
Title of my publication: Wisdom of Dried Flower
Author: Cheah Jo Ee
Synopsis: This publication is about a introduction of dried flowers. Few types of dried flowers which are able to keep for a long period without an preservation and coloring. This publication is about to introduce various types of dried flower and to list the proper ways on keeping them nicely.
Biography: Flowers are a wisdom and witness of love and memory. Let alone various types of dried flowers, which are able to keep for a long period. There is a lovely story behind the creation of dried flowers that it means guidance of love, no matter on family, friendship or in a relationship. Despite there are 700 millions people in this world, he or she would definitely find someone who able to put he or she at the most important position in their heart, to guide them family, friendship and partners in eternal love.
Half Title
Wisdom of Dried Flower
Full Title
Wisdom of Dried Flower by Cheah Jo Ee
I even did research on how the visuals works for my publication. Research is very important before beginning a project. Therefore, all of the photo shoot research below are for my project reference.
Photograph- Hand holding flower bouquet.
Photograph- Flat lay
Photograph- Modelling
Chapter 1: ABOUT DRIED FLOWER
The act of drying flowers for preservation or any other uses dates back to the ancient times (Garden Guides, 2018). The Egyptians used dried flowers to make fragrances and placed dried flowers in tombs (Garden Guides, 2018). Whilst dried flowers were used as medicine in the Middle Ages; and in Japan, they formed the basis of an art form. Victorians dried flowers to enhance appearance (Garden Guides, 2018).
Ancient
Drying flowers to preserve them dates back a thousands of years. While it is not certain that ancient humans deliberately attempted to preserve flowers through drying process, there is an evidence that the phenomenon was existed (Garden Guides, 2018).
Egyptians
The Egyptians relied on flowers--including dried ones--to make perfumes and cosmetics (Garden Guides, 2018). This ancient people used perfumes during religious and royal ceremonies, preserving garlands and making fragrances from herbs, flowers and grains to send along with loved ones to the afterlife (Garden Guides, 2018).
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, herbs and flowers, called tussie-mussies, were used to repel bad smells and diseases (Garden Guides, 2018). It was believed that the physical appearance of a plant looked like the body or disease it would cure. According to Christie, a dandelion, because of its sap, would cure nursing mothers.
Japanese
The Japanese created an art form called Oshibana, which is the art and craft of pressing flowers to save the beauty and benefits of the living plant (Garden Guides, 2018). The art form grew from the centuries of Japanese who honored the flowers and plants that grew near them. This pressed flower art has grown to include more than just pressed flowers; it now incorporates all types of designs, as Oshibana makes use of colored paper. This art turns a leaf into a tree and petals into mountains. These artworks are meticulous in detail.
Victorian
Drying flowers became a popular hobby and preservation method in Victorian England. During the 16th century at the close of the Elizabethan Age, low-cut necklines were in fashion. With this new trend, bosom flowers became all the rage thanks to their sensual connotation. Victorian women also made floral garlands and used dried flowers to design pictures. Flowers were also dried to add to jewelry designs, fans and gloves. In fact, flowers were imperative for a fashionable appearance, Christie says.
The popularity the Victorians afforded to dried flowers spread throughout Europe and remains popular today.
Pull Quote
"Flowers are still dried to preserve memories and create art."
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Chapter 2: How to create beautiful dried flowers?
STEPS TO PERFECT DRIED FLOWER
- Choose flowers that are not completely open and are not quite mature. (They continue to open as they dry and may lose petals if fully mature.)
- Cut flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried; use sharp garden scissors.
- Cut off unneeded foliage.
- Take them inside as soon as possible.
- Group flowers into small bundles or leave them as individual blooms. Use string or dental floss to hang flowers upside down in a cool, dark, dry, indoor spot. To prevent mold, hang the blooms so that air circulates well around each bundle.
- When flowers are completely dried, they will feel dry and stiff to the touch. This may take few days or several weeks, it depends on conditions and the type of flowers.
STEPS TO MAINTAINING DRIED FLOWER
- Keep dried flowers out of direct sunlight to reduce from fading.
- Keep dried flowers away from warm temperature.
- Dust dried flowers using a feather duster.
- When not in use, store dried flowers in a box in a dry place away from dry heat.
STEPS TO PERFECT DRIED FLOWER HEAD
- Pick flower heads that are not completely open; cut off just below the bloom.
- Set the flower heads on newspaper in a cool, dry spot.
Pull Quote:
"Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you."
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CHAPTER 3: 5 TYPES OF DRIED FLOWER
1. Lavender:
Meanings for Lavender flowers are Purity, Silence, Devotion, Serenity, Grace, and Calmness. (Flower Meaning, 2018)
Symbolism of Lavender
Lavender flowers are purple color and the color purple is associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity() The crown or 7th chakra is located at the top of the head and the vibration of the crown is the highest vibration in the physical body. This symbolism is appropriate as the Lavender flower is often used for healing and raising our vibration to the highest level possible is the easiest path to healing.
Message of Lavender
The Lavender flowers message is one of refinement and royalty! It’s beauty and aroma speak of grace, elegance and femininity.
2. Statice
Meanings for statice are Remembrance, Sympathy, Success.
Statice Flower Color meaning
There are no specific meanings for the colors of Statice flowers, but you can tailor the meaning of your floral bouquets by following the standard color meaning of flowers. (Flower Meaning, 2018)
- Red – Love & Passion
- Pink – Motherly Love, Compassion, Gentleness, Femininity
- Yellow – Friendship, Sympathy, Respect
- White – Dignity, Trust, Innocence, Truth
- Purple – Fantasy, Enchantment, Mystery, Charm, Grace
- Blue – Intimacy, Deep Trust, Peacefulness
Message from Statice
The statice flower’s message varies depending on the circumstances. While it can express sympathy and fond memories, it can also be a symbol for success.
Use the meaning of flower colors and the other flowers in the arrangement to guide you in choosing in a bouquet with statice flowers.
3. Rose
Long a symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love.
Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, they also represent confidentiality. (The Flower Expert, 2017)
Color Meaning of Rose
Each color offers a distinct meaning: red, the lover's rose, signifies enduring passion; white, humility and innocence; yellow, expressing friendship and joy; pink, gratitude, appreciation and admiration; orange, enthusiasm and desire; white lilac and purple roses represent enchantment and love at first sight. The number of stems in a rose bouquet can also express specific sentiments. (Teleflora.com, 2018)
Message from Rose
Whether it was the ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, Freemasons or others, the rose has always been a timeless symbol of love, beauty and balance. While each color expresses love, beauty and balance a little differently, the main message is still always love!
4. Baby Breath
Many people have marveled at the baby’s breath peeking out of their corsage without knowing the deeper meaning behind it. These bright white dots symbolize
- Everlasting and undying love, including family, platonic, and romantic bonds
- Pureness and freedom from outside influences or corruption
- The power of the Holy Spirit in Christian faith
- Innocence
- Newborn babies of either gender
- Reconnecting with lost loves or disconnected family members
- Self-discipline and the ability to stay focused on love. (Baby Breath Flower: Symbolism & Meaning, 2018)
The Baby Breath Flower’s Message
The Baby Breath flower’s message is stick with your loved ones and show them your dedication. Stay dedicated to your cause and remember the power of innocence. (Baby Breath Flower: Symbolism & Meaning, 2018)
5. Hydrangea
The vigorously growing Hydrangea shrub symbolizes diverse meanings including:
- Heartfelt and honest emotions of any kind
- Gratitude and thanksgiving to someone else
- Developing a deeper understanding between two people
- Heartlessness and acting without thinking about the feelings of another
- Frigidity and disinterest in a romantic proposal
- Boasting and bragging about false accomplishments
- Abundance and prosperity
- Grace and beauty, sometimes taken to an extreme of vanity and narcissism
- the 4th wedding anniversary for a couple
Hydrangea Flower Color Meanings
Most Hydrangeas grow in a single color per plant, but the Big leaf Hydrangea changes color from pink to blue based on soil pH (Meaning and Symbolism of the Hydrangea flower, 2018). Common color meaning associations include:
Pink hydrangea means it linked to romance, heartfelt emotions, love, weddings, and marriage.
Moreover, blue hydrangea connected to frigidity, turning down a romantic proposal, asking for forgiveness, and expressing regret.
White (Meaning and Symbolism of the Hydrangea flower, 2018), which known as a symbol of purity, grace, abundance, and bragging or boasting (Meaning and Symbolism of the Hydrangea flower, 2018).
Lastly, purple hydrangea used to indicate a desire for a deeper understanding of someone else or to symbolize abundance and wealth (Meaning and Symbolism of the Hydrangea flower, 2018).
Message from hydrangea
Being a rare beauty can lead to frigidness unless you express your true emotions. Don’t inflate your ego with bragging, and stay humble to become prosperous.
Pull Quote:
"Every Flower is a soul blossoming in nature."
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10. Chapter 4: DRIED FLOWER BOUQUET PHOTOSHOOT
Visuals: Wedding/birthday/proposal/valentine’s day
Wedding flower hand bouquet
Photo credit by: How Ying Ying
Valentine's day / Proposal Flower Bouquet
Photo Credit by: How Ying Ying
Pull Quote:
"Even when petals have flaws, all you see is a beautiful flower."
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Submission:
Experience-
It was a good experience on doing this project. I have learnt more and deeper knowledge of digital publication. It was a blank paper for me on this subject until I've learn more about it.
Observation-
I had observe that my photography skills are improved.
Findings-
Everyone have their own direction on doing different things with creative and innovative ideas. We can breakthrough our barriers and learn from each other to get to learn more about knowledge in our design career.
Reference:
Garden Guides. (2018). The History of Drying Flowers. [Online] Available at: https://www.gardenguides.com/85791-history-drying-flowers.html [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Roberson, K. (2018). How to create dried flowers. [Online] Bhg.com. Available at: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/projects/how-to-create-dried-flowers/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Wiley, D. (2018). How to create beautiful dried flowers. [Online] Bhg.com. Available at: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/projects/what-is-the-best-way-to-dry-flowers-to-maintain-their-color/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Flower Meaning. (2018). Statice Flower Meaning - Flower Meaning. [online] Available at: http://www.flowermeaning.com/statice/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
The Flower Expert. (2017). Rose Flower Meanings by their Color, Variety and Numbers. [online] Available at: https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/flowermeanings/rose-flower-meanings [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Teleflora.com. (2018). Rose Flower Meaning & Symbolism | Teleflora. [online] Available at: https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/rose [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Baby Breath Flower: Symbolism & Meaning. (2018). [Blog] Flower Meaning. Available at: http://www.flowermeaning.com/baby-breath-flower/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
Meaning and Symbolism of the Hydrangea flower. (2018). [Blog] Flower Meaning. Available at: http://www.flowermeaning.com/hydrangea-flower-meaning/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2018].
