FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

Are you in any stores?

Currently some specialty items are available for sale in Beautiful Flowers in Glen Head, NY and The Blue Whale in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.

Do you do events where I can buy your art?

Yes, I partake in the annual Sea Cliff Mini Mart where you can purchase items I make throughout the year, as well as new products!

Where do you source your flowers?

Most of my florals come from my garden in Port Washington, NY.  I also work with florist, Vivian Cimmino, of Beautiful Flowers in Glen Head

About The Process

What do you use to press your flowers?

There are many methods used to press all different species of flowers. I mainly use a good old fashioned press with two pieces of wood and some bolts to hold the florals in place!

How long does the process take?

Pressing a full bouquet takes about 3-4 hours to get it into the press, usually several different methods. Once the florals are in the press, it takes about 14 weeks for them to completely dry out before any artwork can begin! This is not a process I usually like to rush, especially during the humid summers in New York!

Which flowers press the best?

Typically brighter florals press best as their color is maintained vibrantly. Specific flowers that I feel press best are hydrangeas, baby's breath, caspia, spray roses, ruscus, and eucalyptus leaves.

Do pressed flowers maintain their color?

LaurenBleaves flowers are all naturally and organically pressed with no chemical preservatives or additives. As flowers are living organisms, all botanicals fade somewhat over time, however, with simple care such as keeping out of direct sunlight, your flowers can maintain their vibrancy for a long period of time.

Orders & Care

How should I store my pressed flower artwork?

It is recommended to keep your pressed flowers in a cool environment, and away from direct sunlight. With this simple care, I have a pressed pansy from the 1970's which still shows its yellows and blues to this day!

Can I request specific flowers for my order?

Of course! If you would like a recreation of flowers from your wedding day, this is absolutely something I can do for you. I work with a local florist who can get an array of flowers from around the world to bring your idea to life!

Do you offer wholesale options?

As of right now, the only wholesale options would be with my custom-made frames and are available for purchase on my website!

What if my pressed flowers arrive damaged?

Although I pride myself on this never happening, if your floral frame has arrived damaged, please let me know and I will happily create a shipping label for you to mail the florals back and will fix it!

Custom & Special Orders

Can you press flowers from my wedding bouquet?

Yes, absolutely! This is what LaurenBleaves specializes in, pressing over 100+ bouquets! There are various designs, frame sizes, and colors to choose from! Next steps in preserving your bouquet:

  • Send me an email to check for availability for preserving your bouquet at hello@laurenbleaves.com

  • Place your order online. Why do I ask for orders ahead of time? As each bouquet is preserved and created uniquely, knowing what artwork I'm creating helps me to manipulate the way the florals are going to be pressed and preserved!

  • Once I've received your order, I will then send you an email with a shipping address along with detailed shipping instructions on how to ship your bouquet.

  • Please mail your bouquet no more than 2 days after your wedding date to optimize freshness! In the meantime, please keep your florals in water.

  • Once I've received your bouquet in the mail, I will then send you a photo of its arrival!

Do you offer rush orders?

If you are ordering something that doesn't require pressing your own flowers, yes rush orders are possible! Artwork typically takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks depending on the type of piece being created. If your florals are being pressed and preserved with me, the process of allowing the flowers to dry takes about 14 weeks to fully press before artwork can begin. Preserving florals is something I do not like to rush. If the florals aren't allowed a significant amount of time to dry, they can become moldy and discolored.

How long does a custom artwork take?

Custom artwork takes about 3 weeks to complete +/- 14 weeks if pressing flowers being incorporated into the artwork.

How many alterations can I make to my custom order?

At LaurenBleaves, we always ensure we get your order exactly right, which is why before final sign off I am happy to offer 2 alterations free of charge and then $25 fee per alteration for any additional alterations.

Do I need to supply flowers?

I do have a variety of florals in stock which I do forage throughout the year. If I do happen to have the florals that you'd like to use in stock, there's no need to supply flowers. If there are specific florals you'd like to incorporate into your piece, I can purchase florals of your choice at an additional fee.

How can I reach you with additional questions?

We're always happy to help and aim to get back to you within 24hrs!

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Contact & Support