HERBIER / GIFTS PART 2
The day before my birthday, Mattie was busy cutting and drilling pieces of wood in the living room while I was busy shooting something in the atelier. He had told me that it was my birthday present, but a surprise. So I remained in the atelier, but once in a while I peeked out the door and quietly observed him. I can confidently say that I’m usually pretty good at guessing and figuring out, especially about Mattie : ) But this time I had no clue at all, which made me even more curious. Above all, secretly watching his back from the atelier, his effort was way too sweet.
The next day, I got to see what he had made the day before. It was this:
In case you are as confused as I was when I first saw it, this is a leaf pressing machine. I’ve been wanting to press leaves for a while, and Mattie researched about it without me knowing and made it for me. I’m an emotional person and his thoughtfulness almost made me cry : _ (
There are two pieces of wood with four screws on each corner holding them together. The leaves are first placed in between newspapers and cardboard pieces, then they are placed in between the two wood boards, then the screws are tightened to press the leaves.
The second part of the present was the book, Herbier, or herbarium in English. It explains the process of leaf pressing, the materials needed, examples and other related informations.
In the back of the book, there are empty pages with beautiful papers to place your own pressed leaves. And these labels for documentation!
Then a day after the birthday, Mattie brought me to Deyrolle to pick up this super handsome tin box for collecting leaves. Afterwards, we sat on shaded steps for me to admire this new beautiful thing as we snacked on some cashew nuts. Then we went straight to collect some leaves in style.
Now I wait for a week or two for the leaves to completely dry. As a person who doesn’t celebrate birthdays, I’m overwhelmed for receiving such beautiful presents. I’m a happy kid : )