My name is Denise Stirrup and I live between Bristol and Bath on the edge of the Mendip Hills in the UK. I started pressing flowers about 25 years ago and learned by following information found in the books available at the time.
In 1993 I read an article about pressed flowers which mentioned The Pressed Flower Guild. I joined, and my hobby took off. I was able to attend workshops run by senior Guild members, go to conferences and learn new techniques. Our local group meets every two months and we are able to exchange new ideas and try things out. I could discuss any problems with members who knew much more than I did. I gained my bronze, silver and gold awards and have passed proficiency awards in various subjects. I am President of The Pressed Flower Guild and one of the Guild’s judges.
In 2001 I joined the International Pressed Flower Art Society and was secretary to the conference and exhibition held in London at the RHS Halls. This was one of the events that took place as part of the Japan 2001 celebrations throughout the UK.
When I had designed and made far too many pressed flower cards for my family and friends, I started to sell them at small local craft fairs and shows. The Pressed Flower Guild started attending larger shows, so another outlet for my work arose.
I joined the World Wide Pressed Flower Guild in 2008 and have taught at their conferences in Los Angeles in 2008 & in Guangzhou, China in 2010.
Now I have retired from my job with the NHS I have a little more time to experiment with my flowers. I am still learning and enjoy talking to others about how I work. I run workshops and seminars and love showing others how to work with pressed flowers to obtain the best results.
I hope that you enjoy looking at my website. I am indebted to my husband, John, for setting it up and his patience with me while we got it right together!
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