Where Flowers Become Eternal: A Journey Through Nature and Pressed Flowers
At Nostos Creative Studio, our craft begins far from the walls of a traditional workspace. It begins outdoors, among the fields, meadows, and quiet corners of the Dutch countryside. There, in the stillness of nature, we find inspiration not just in flowers themselves, but in the light, the air, and the ever-changing rhythm of the seasons.
We believe that flowers deserve more than just a fleeting moment, they deserve to last forever.
Fields, forests, and hidden paths fill our days with color, texture, and the gentle magic that only nature can offer. It’s this ever-changing beauty that we carefully preserve, turning delicate blooms into timeless pressed flower art, handmade with love.
A Spring Day in Friesland
Recently, we found ourselves wandering through Friesland, a region in the north of the Netherlands known for its wide-open fields and tranquil charm. On a gentle spring day, we gathered a handful of vibrant yellow buttercups. Their petals, glowing brightly in the sunlight, seemed almost too delicate to touch, but they were perfect.
Before any flower enters the press, we take a moment to truly admire it. The curve of the stem, the way the petals catch the light, the soft, sweet scent, all reminders of the beauty in simple things. Each flower has its own story, and our work begins with honoring that.
The Gentle Art of Pressing
With care, we lay the buttercups in our custom wooden flower press, nestled between layers of acid-free blotting paper and smooth card. These materials are essential, they gently absorb moisture without staining and help preserve the flower’s natural colors.
Each stem is placed by hand, arranged just so, to retain the natural grace of the bloom. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about respect for the flower and the moment it represents.
As we press the flowers, there’s a quiet rhythm to the work. It’s meditative, almost like the flowers themselves are guiding the process. Gently, with steady hands, we press them into place, flattening without losing their essence, capturing their beauty in its most delicate form.
Nature’s Silent Work
Once arranged, we carefully tighten the press and let time take over. Buttercups, with their delicate petals and higher moisture content, require special attention. They typically need about two to three weeks in the press, depending on the weather and humidity.
During this time, we check them gently to ensure they are drying evenly, keeping their vibrant yellow glow. This is when nature does its silent work, slowly drying and preserving the flowers until they are ready to become part of something greater: a piece of art that tells their story.
From Nature to Timeless Art
Every piece we make is unique, just like the flowers we use, and just like the moments they represent. These buttercups from Friesland are now resting in the press, waiting to take their place in a future creation. Not just as flowers, but as botanical art, as memories pressed into time.
When the pressing is complete, each flower is revealed, flattened yet vibrant, fragile yet strong. We then mount each bloom on archival-quality mount board, using acid-free adhesive to ensure their longevity. Finally, each piece is framed with UV-protected glass, safeguarding the colors and details for years to come.
At Nostos, our goal is simple: to help you bring the beauty of nature into your home in a way that lasts. Whether it's a buttercup from Friesland or a bloom from another walk in the countryside, we believe that flowers can hold meaning far beyond their brief lives, and we are here to preserve that meaning, one petal at a time.
If you’d like to see more of our creations, you can explore our collection here on our website. We’d love to share the timeless beauty of nature with you.
