Summer Snowflakes

              Wildflowers are plenty this year and one of my favorites seem to be blooming early this summer, Queen Anne's Lace is also known as the wild carrot but I don't use it for that purpose, I make snowflakes out of them! Summer snowflakes are easy and fun to make, but the key ingredient for this project is patience! All you have to do is gather as many QAL as you'd like, shake off any bugs as they like them too. Cut the flower head off at the base of the stem leaving very little so they will lay out flat.  Press in a flower press or in a big, heavy book. I've used both and both look equally well, just make sure you place them in between 2 sheets of waxed paper, esp. if your using the book method.  Months later, check once a month to see if they are fully dry. I like to keep them pressed for at least 4 months, giving me time to make snowflakes for Christmas.

     Once dried, you can spray paint them white or lightly spray with spray snow for a festive effect or you can leave them naturally, like I do and seal them with a clear spray.  You may need to spray them a second time to get the effect you want or if they are not stiff enough to hang on a tree. Once you have your snowflakes compete and ready to decorate with, don't forget using them on packages, homemade cards, craft projects or even home baked goods.  The sky is the limit and the  QAL is plenty so get out now and harvest some. This is a fun summer time project with the kids, now and again at Christmas time. And if your really into natural crafts, you can also make a jelly from QAL, just google the recipe!  Snowflakes aren't just for winter anymore!